Thank you for your feedback!
The Pathway to Circularity Residential* Recyclability Framework defines the building blocks to help brands successfully navigate current and future packaging and recycling system challenges, making circularity tangible. For a period of 30 days from August 19 through September 17, we opened the Framework for public comment, a first-of-its-kind opportunity for the entire recycling value chain to assist in the process of determining recyclability.
Thank you to all of those who participated in this process. You can read a summary of our responses and what’s coming next here.
*Residential refers to curbside recycling and municipal drop-off services provided for both single and multifamily.
The Residential Recyclability Framework, the first of several elements of the Pathway to Circularity in development, strives to deliver new depth to industry conversations and bring to light the interdependence of the varying factors that shape recycling. The Framework will help companies determine if their package can navigate the recycling system and provide them with the necessary actions to advance their packaging toward recyclability and meet their sustainability goals.
As part of the public comment period, we hosted webinars to review the framework in detail. A recording of one of the webinars is available below. Full responses to the comments that were submitted online can now be accessed here.
View the Webinar
What is the Pathway to Circularity Residential Recyclability Framework and how is it different from existing frameworks?
The Framework, created through the Pathway to Circularity initiative, defines five building blocks critical to progressing packaging design for recyclability – design for recyclability, recyclability prevalence, access and adoption, capture journey, and packaging fate, along with key requirements within each block. The Framework is an important tool in transforming the recycling system by aligning stakeholders behind the steps needed to evolve the packaging that is going into it.
Making packaging recyclable is complex, and isn’t something one organization can do alone. Guidelines are needed to support the development process; currently there are no transparent national guidelines in place. The Framework aims to fill that gap.
We see a critical role for the Framework going forward in:
- Shaping package design
- Helping policymakers by defining what is recyclable
- Informing recyclability claims
- Driving new innovations
Read more about the Pathway to Circularity here.
Why did you ask for feedback?
The goal of the public comment period from August 19 – September 17 was to get the broadest possible stakeholder input and progress the Framework in partnership with the whole industry: we want to build it together so that it works for everyone. During the stakeholder engagement period, comments submitted online were collected for review.
What happens now that the public comment period has closed?
The Partnership has reviewed and responded to the comments submitted. The Framework is now being updated to incorporate stakeholder feedback. More information about the responses and what comes next can be found here.
Where can I view the Framework?
Following the close of the Public Comment period, the Framework is being updated to incorporate stakeholder feedback. An in-depth discussion of the Framework, including an overview of the building blocks and criteria, can be found in the Pathway to Circularity webinar recording.
How can I get more involved with The Partnership and further development of the Pathway?
Reach out to kbandhauer@recyclingpartnership.org to discuss partnership opportunities. Stay up-to-date on the Pathway development by joining the Pathway to Circularity mailing list. Follow The Partnership on social media to learn more about what we’re doing to accelerate recycling and circularity in the U.S.