Winpak LTD recently commissioned Circular Matters LLC to develop a white paper to comprehensively describe the circumstances facing the flexible plastic packaging (FPP) industry in its journey towards a Circular Economy and the role that Recycle-Ready innovations in flexible packaging play in advancing this initiative. FPP brings numerous benefits including lighter weight, extended product shelf life, strength, convenience features such as zippered closures, and the ability to fully evacuate contents. A significant drawback, however, has been a lack of sustainable end-of-life management options.  In this paper, we describe the current state as the industry faces growing consumer concern regarding plastic waste and its end of life. We also note the strong collaboration and sense of urgency by all participants in the value chain to find sustainable end-of-life management solutions. Finally, given that a full Circular Economy will be several years away, the case is made for consideration of Recycle-Ready innovations today as an important step in achieving the Circular Economy.

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Because increasing recycling in general helps increase the quantity of cartons recycled, the Carton Council hired the Circular Matters Team to develop tools to enable  communities and states to implement policies that increase recycling activity. These tools also encourage the use of best practices to implement  policies and programs that maximize benefits. 

Circular Matters also worked with the Carton Council to develop a white paper on funding mechanisms to support recycling systems. This paper is being used by several leading organizations currently as they consider feasible funding options and their strengths and drawbacks.

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Circular Matters, with input from U.S. EPA  Region 4 and state agencies  developed a Vision and Framework for Action to implement sustainable materials management in Region 4.  It is envisioned that this vision will be shared with  other regions.

The Framework incorporates life cycle analysis and systems thinking, and calls for a holistic, integrated approach that focuses on using fewer resources, avoiding  toxics, and reducing environmental and social impacts. The Vision and Framework serves as guidance for all Region 4 states and provides a foundation for adoption in other EPA regions.

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The Circular Matters Team, while with RSE USA, developed several guidance documents and tools to help local and state governments effectively combat litter and illegal dumping.  The team conducted extensive research, including in-depth interviews with world renowned experts on litter abatement and law enforcement. Work products included:

• A dynamic, searchable litter research database, providing the most current, respected academic research on litter abatement
• Litter abatement curriculum for KAB affiliates 
• Litter enforcement and prosecution guide

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• Litter and illegal dumping model ordinance

Read the Model Ordinance

• Collaboration guide, to enable local governments to effectively collaborate with other organizations, agencies and entities to combat litter

Read the Collaboration Guide

The Circular Matters Team, while with a prior firm, developed a  Sustainable Materials Management Plan, incorporating many principles of the circular economy. Development of the Plan included several public information and input sessions which took place throughout the state.  Considering and incorporating  input from stakeholders was key to acceptance and adoption of the Plan.

The Plan was developed to achieve eight  objectives through clearly described strategies and tactics.  The plan has been instrumental in  enabling TDEC  to achieve most objectives well before  the anticipated time frame.   

Read the Plan