Answering the Call: A Coalition Committed to Transforming Film and Flexibles Recycling
About the Film & Flexibles Recycling Coalition
Film and flexible packaging (FFP) is a cornerstone of the U.S. packaging industry, representing 21% of the market however, practical barriers prevent widespread recovery and reprocessing. Only 2% of U.S. households can recycle film and flexible packaging due to a lack of collection, processing, and end markets. These materials have long faced challenges—like tangling in recycling equipment, high processing costs, lack of processing infrastructure, and limited end-market demand creating reluctance by communities to accept this material in their local program.
As a result, The Recycling Partnership began focusing on the recyclability of this material in 2019, launching the Film & Flexibles Recycling Coalition in 2020 to tackle these unique challenges. Nearly $5 million has supported 19 grant projects to support the Coalition’s three key areas:
- Fostering innovation in end markets, ensuring recycled content can be used in new products.
- Equipping processors with the tools and technology to capture and sort these materials.
- Expanding curbside recycling access for film and flexibles across the U.S.
With the rapidly approaching deadlines for California’s recycling mandates, particularly SB 54’s Extended Producer Responsibility compliance, there is an urgent need to develop scaled and consistent end markets for film and flexible packaging. Pre-investment is critical to meet these mandates effectively.
Through the Film and Flexibles Recycling Coalition and its associated California Impact Fund, we’re improving collection, enhancing processing, and driving demand for recycled materials. Together, we can address these challenges, support California’s progress, and create a more sustainable future.
What are Film and Flexibles
Film and flexible packaging includes a wide range of items, from polyethylene air pillows and grocery bags to snack pouches and dog food bags with metalized linings. While their lightweight and durable properties make them an ideal packaging solution for many products, these same characteristics present significant recycling challenges.
Despite the variety, most film and flexibles end up in landfills due to limited access to recycling programs and processing infrastructure.
Understanding the Problem
The recycling process for film and flexibles faces a “quadruple threat” of challenges:
- At Creation – Film and flexible packaging is often made of multiple layers of different materials, making it difficult to process with standard recycling methods.
- At the Curb – Currently, only 2% of U.S. households have access to curbside recycling for these materials. Most consumers are unaware and place film and flexibles in their recycling bins, leading to contamination.
- During Capture – At Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), these materials can wrap around machinery, causing delays and contamination.
- In the Market – End markets for recycled film and flexible content are limited, making it difficult to create demand for post-consumer materials.
Delivering the Solutions - A Bold Initiative Introduced for 2025
California Impact Fund: Advancing Recycling for Film & Flexible Packaging
The Film & Flexibles Recycling Coalition proudly introduces the California Impact Fund, a bold initiative for 2025 aimed at driving compliance with California’s recycling regulations for film and flexible packaging, including the transformative requirements of SB 54.
Our Strategy
This fund supports a state-wide work plan to develop a model recycling system for film and flexible packaging. By focusing on clear, consistent, and reliable movement to responsible end markets, the initiative paves the way for a sustainable future.
Key Objectives
- Boost PCR Demand: Strengthen Responsible End Markets (REM) to drive demand for post-consumer recycled materials.
- Enhance Processor Feasibility: Equip MRFs and secondary processors to meet bale specifications and supply needs.
- Gain Community Support: Build evidence-based backing from state and local stakeholders to expand collection programs.
- Demonstrate Progress: Collaborate with CalRecycle, CAA, and other partners to achieve key milestones before the compliance deadline on January 1, 2027.
Our Funding
Contributions from current coalition members power the fund and seek to engage new value-chain partners impacted by SB 54 compliance. Together, we’re creating scalable solutions to meet California’s recycling goals. Join us in advancing sustainable recycling systems for film and flexible packaging in California.
Are you a processor ready to improve your capture and sort capabilities?
Is your company ready to build scalable recycling solutions and a pathway to compliance in California?
Thank you to our partners and founding members.
