Recycled Content
Association of Plastic Recyclers
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Recycled Content is a podcast from the Association of Plastic Recyclers.
Available episodes
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Nov 16, 2023
Ep 27:Examining the EPR Legislation Wave and CA SB 54 with Bruce Magnani
Host and APR's VP of Communications and Public Affairs, Kara Pochiro, is joined by Bruce Magnani, APR’s Legislative Advocate in California, and VP of Houston Magnani Associates. Kara and Bruce start by breaking down the basics of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and California’s SB 54 that focuses on packaging. The two discuss the EPR wave that is passing through various state legislatures, why it took multiple legislative sessions for it to pass in CA, catalysts for the bill, covered materials, key targets, and timelines. They then answer member’s questions about SB 54 regarding recycling rates, whether this law is being used as a copy & paste law for other states, and determining the classification of certain types of packaging now with this new law in place. To learn more about plastics recycling, head to www.plasticsrecycling.org.
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Sep 26, 2023
Ep 26: A New Model for Plastics Circularity - The Full Recycling Process Under One Roof at Firststar Fiber
Host and APR's VP of Communications and Public Affairs, Kara Pochiro, is joined by Dale Gubbels, the 2023 Advocacy Champion Award recipient and CEO of Firstar Fiber. Dale and Kara break down Dale's early days of recycling and how Firstar Fiber has evolved into one of the largest materials recycling facilities (MRFs) in the Midwest. They decode Firstar's successful business model - diversifying sources other than single stream, enhancing people's awareness of recycling, and value-adding to hard-to-recycle plastics with the Hefty® ReNew® orange bag program. They also talk about the importance of working with local markets and it being the foundation of Firstar's success.
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Aug 22, 2023
Ep 25: Package Design for Recyclability – A Deep Dive into PET Plastics
On this week’s episode, APR’s VP of Communications and Public Affairs, Kara Pochiro, is joined by Curt Cozart, Chief Operating Officer of APR and lead of the APR Design® Guide Training Program and other technical projects. Kara and Curt continue the conversation on package design from the last episode, diving into the world of PET, a plastic often used for beverage bottles, and also one of the most commonly recognized types of recyclable packaging. The discussion focuses on what packaging features can affect recyclability, APR’s recyclability categories, the collection, sortation, and processing of PET plastics, as well as some of the issues with colored PET. To read more in-depth about the APR Design® Guide or to learn more about plastics recycling, head to www.plasticsrecycling.org.
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Jul 10, 2023
Ep 24: Designing with Detail: A Look at Package Design for Recyclability with Ruben Nance
On this episode of Recycled Content, host Kara Pochiro is joined by Ruben Nance, Program Director for the Meets Preferred Guidance (MPG) Recognition Program at APR. Ruben and Kara talk about what makes packages truly recycling compatible through an examination of APR’s Design Guide, the different Recognition Programs that APR offers, and the current strides being made by companies, including APR members, to push the industry in the right direction. Based on extensive work with reclaimers, designers, and a wide variety of technical experts the APR Design® Guide, along with the MPG and Critical Guidance recognitions, allow APR to be the leading authority and one of the most trusted voices when it comes to designing packages that are recycling compatible in every way.
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Mar 30, 2023
Ep 23: Improving Recycling in a Comprehensive Way: The Positives Behind PCR, Recycled Content Requirements, and EPR
This week on the pod, APR’s VP of Communications and Public Affairs Kara Pochiro is joined by not one but two Kates- APR’s Chief Policy Officer Kate Bailey and APR’s Program Director Kate Eagles. Kara sits down with both Kates to discuss their recent APR blog post highlighting the importance of post-consumer resin (PCR) as an integral part in reducing the environmental impacts of plastic packaging. They also chat about new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, post-consumer recycled content requirements, and their ability to encourage homes and businesses to recycle more. To read more in-depth about this issue or to learn more about plastics recycling in general, head to www.plasticsrecycling.org.
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Mar 1, 2023
Ep 22: Plastic Recycling Conference Predictions with Dan Leif
As we get ready for this year’s Plastics Recycling Conference, a gathering of over 2000 power players in plastics and recycling industries, the Recycled Content team welcomes back Dan Leif, managing editor at Resource Recycling, Inc. Host Kara Pochiro and Dan discuss hot topics in plastics recycling that will be covered at the conference, including the issues that keynote speaker Monica Medina, Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the State Department, will address. Tune in to hear insights from Dan on how to improve plastics recycling to keep up with the times, the latest market trends, and how universities are vital to recruiting the next generation of industry innovators.
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Feb 7, 2023
Ep 21: Looking Both Ways: 2022 Reflections and 2023 Objectives
In Recycled Content’s first episode of 2023, host Kara Pochiro is joined by Steve Alexander, President and CEO of APR, to highlight the progress made in 2022 and what APR is focusing on moving into 2023. Kara and Steve discuss the rising tide of misinformation surrounding plastics recycling, how APR was able to amplify its engagement in state and federal legislation, the progress made on extended producer responsibility laws (EPR), APR Design® for Recyclability, PCR Certification, as well as additional progress and success APR made in 2022. Tune in to hear where APR is focusing its efforts in 2023, including the need to harmonize collection programs across the U.S., the importance of consistent recycling labeling, and more!
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Oct 18, 2022
Ep 20: The Truth About Polypropylene Recycling with Denton Plastics
On this episode of Recycled Content, we sit down with APR board member Nicole Janssen, President of Denton Plastics, to discuss all things polypropylene. Host Kara Pochiro and Nicole set the record straight on polypropylene and debunk recent reports that cast doubt about its recyclability. Tune in to hear about how polypropylene is now one of the fastest growing resins to recycle, and an update on legislative efforts by APR and its member companies.
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May 10, 2022
Ep 19: Sustainability Goals for the Future with Nicole Camilleri of Nestle and Melissa Craig of Unilever
On this episode of Recycled Content, APR sits down with two representatives from member companies Unilever and Nestle. Nicole Camilleri, the Packaging Sustainability Manager at Nestle, and Melissa Craig, the Senior Manager for Packaging Sustainability in North America for Unilever, helped shine a light on what the future holds for both companies, including initiatives to create products that are circular by design and how APR’s design guide is helping to lead the way. Tune in to hear about the successes, challenges, and opportunities that companies face while creating sustainable products.
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Mar 22, 2022
Ep 18: Takeaways from the 2022 Plastics Recycling Conference with Dan Leif of Resource Recycling, Inc.
APR was glad to be back, and in person, for the 2022 Plastics Recycling Conference. The event brought together a record number of industry decision-makers to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the industry. In this episode of Recycled Content, we are joined by Dan Leif, the managing editor at the Resource Recycling, Inc. Tune in for a lively conversation covering the highlights from the event and to hear Dan's main takeaways from this year's conference!
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Jan 25, 2022
Ep 17: The Problematic and Unnecessary Materials List with Emily Tipaldo of U.S. Plastics Pact
On January 25th the U.S. Plastics Pact released its Problematic and Unnecessary Materials List as a first step in accelerating progress toward a circular economy for plastic packaging in the United States. On this episode of Recycled Content, hosts Steve Alexander and Kara Pochiro went straight to the heart of the matter with Emily Tipaldo, Executive Director of the U.S. Plastics Pact. Tune in to hear more about the newly released list and the potential impact it has on the industry.
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Aug 12, 2021
Ep 16: The Reality of Recycling with Kate Davenport of Eureka Recycling
Our host Steve Alexander is joined this week by Kate Davenport, Co-President of Eureka Recycling, to discuss Eureka's work and mission of demonstrating that waste is completely preventable, not inevitable, challenges that materials recovery facilities are facing, and the future of recycling.
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Jun 3, 2021
Ep 15: The Recycling Paradigm Shift with Kate Bailey of Eco-Cycle
Our host Steve Alexander is joined this week by Kate Bailey, Policy and Research Director of Eco-Cycle, to discuss her work advocating for a zero waste future, her insights on the packaging crisis, and the challenges she sees for the future of recycling and potential paths forward.
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Mar 17, 2021
Ep 14: Post-Consumer Resin (PCR): The Key to a Circular Recycling Economy
Our hosts Steve and Kara are back to discuss the value and benefits of post-consumer resin (PCR), APR’s PCR Certification Program, and the importance of distinguishing between "post-consumer" materials and "post-industrial" materials for labeling purposes.
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Feb 22, 2021
Ep 13: The 2021 Plastics Recycling Conference: A Can't-Miss Virtual Event
Steve is joined today by Dan Leif and Tonya Oyala, Resource Recycling's Managing Editor and Sponsor/Exhibitor Manager, respectively. Dan, Tonya, and Steve discuss the upcoming Plastics Recycling Conference, now in its 16th year, which is the focal point for the increasingly complex and international plastics recycling industry. Tune in for more information about the virtual event and why you can't miss it! Learn more at www.plasticsrecycling.com.
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Jan 29, 2021
Ep 12: Plastic Recycling Policy in a New Administration, featuring APR's DC Advocates Liam Donovan and Anna Burhop
We're back and jumping into the deep end to kick off a new year of podcasting! Liam Donovan and Anna Burhop, members of APR's DC advocacy team at Bracewell's Policy Resolution Group, join your host Steve Alexander to discuss how the 117th Congress' roster will impact recycling policy and how APR can continue to advocate for meaningful, bipartisan support for recycling in 2021 and beyond.
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Dec 18, 2020
Ep 11: A Year in Review: 2020 and Plastic Recycling
2020 has certainly been a challenging year for the plastic recycling industry, but we at APR are proud of our industry's accomplishments this year in the face of the pandemic. Tune in to this Year in Review episode for a dive into all the unique challenges we've tackled this year and what we are looking toward in 2021.
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Dec 11, 2020
Ep 10: Paving the Path to a Circular Economy with U.S. Plastics Pact Executive Director Emily Tipaldo
Joining the Recycled Content podcast this week is Emily Tipaldo, Executive Director of the U.S. Plastics Pact. Emily and Steve discuss the Pact's goals for the future of plastic recycling and the circular economy, her experience in the world of plastics, and bringing transparency and accountability into this vital space.
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Dec 4, 2020
Ep 9: Increasing Demand for Recycled Plastic with APR's Ali Briggs-Ungerer
Today's episode features an excellent interview on the generation of demand for recycled plastic with APR's Director of Market Development, Ali Briggs-Ungerer. This discussion serves as a great primer on the world of plastic recycling and how the circular economy is driven, while also covering APR's Demand Champions campaign and how companies can participate and drive demand for recycled plastic.
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Nov 16, 2020
Ep 8: The 2020 Elections and Plastic Recycling, with APR's DC Advocates Liam Donovan and Anna Burhop
We're back with an excellent interview diving into what the current results of the 2020 election mean for the near future of plastic recycling. Liam Donovan and Anna Burhop, members of APR's DC lobbying team at the Bracewell's Policy Resolution Group, join to discuss the ins and outs of the 2020 election, insights on the Georgia runoffs, and what the results mean for policies and regulations that impact the plastic recycling industry.
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Aug 20, 2020
Ep 7: Plastic Circularity with Plastics News Editor Don Loepp
APR President Steve Alexander is joined this week by Don Loepp, Editor of Plastics News and Editorial Director with the Crain Polymer Group. Steve and Don talk potential federal activity on plastic recycling, compare US and European standards, and explore communications around sustainable practice.
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Jul 24, 2020
Ep 6: Recycling and Sustainability with Bridget Anderson, Deputy Commissioner at NYC Department of Sanitation
Bridget Anderson, the Deputy Commissioner of Recycling and Sustainability at NYC Department of Sanitation, joins our host Steve Alexander for a great conversation about her work at the largest municipal waste management agency in the nation.
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May 7, 2020
Ep 5: Sustainability in Packaging, Featuring John Caturano of Nestlé Waters
John Caturano, Senior Sustainability Manager of Packaging and Programs at Nestlé Waters, NA, joins host Steve Alexander for a wide-ranging conversation that covers how Nestlé is coping with coronavirus and the company's commitments to sustainability.
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Apr 30, 2020
Ep 4: The True Value of PCR with Greg Janson, CEO of QRS Inc.
Steve chats with Greg Janson, CEO of QRS Inc., a post-consumer plastic processor, to discuss how QRS is functioning in the time of coronavirus, how post-consumer processing works and the American demand for this work, and what it takes to enhance the value of post-consumer resin (PCR).
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Mar 30, 2020
Ep 3: COVID-19 and the Recycling Industry, featuring Brent Bell of Waste Management Recycle America
We're joined this week by special guest Brent Bell, the President of Waste Management Recycle America, to talk about the impacts of COVID-19 on the recycling industry. Steve and Brent discuss how the industry is modifying practices to keep employees and the public safe and healthy, communicating effectively with your workforce during these uncertain times, the status of the recycled material supply chain, and much more.
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Feb 28, 2020
Ep 2: "Circularity Can Solve Recycling" - A Conversation with Keefe Harrison of The Recycling Partnership
Steve sits down with Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership, to discuss the Partnership and its work across the country, the state of American recycling today, and what the future holds for the circular economy.
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Feb 14, 2020
Ep 1: Recycling Legislation with Sarah Peery, Legislative Assistant to Senator Rob Portman
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)'s President Steve Alexander and VP of Communications & Public Affairs Kara Pochiro talk with Sarah Peery, the Legislative Assistant to Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), about the RECYCLE Act, her work in Congress to amplify the voices of Ohioans, and more.
Find out more about Senator Portman's work on Twitter at @SenRobPortman or on his website, portman.senate.gov.
Have any questions you want us to address on future episodes? Email us at info@plasticsrecycling.org or tweet at us at @APRrecycles.
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