Flexible Film Recycling Alliance Launches California Pilot Programs for Commercial Film Recovery

According to industry reports, the Flexible Film Recycling Alliance (FFRA), a self-funded initiative of the Plastics Industry Association, has launched two pilot programs in California to test different collection and recycling models for commercial flexible plastic films. Running from July through November 2026, the projects aim to generate operational data, assess collection efficiency and support the development of scalable recycling systems under California's evolving circular economy framework.

FFRA is conducting the pilots in partnership with the Stewardship Action Foundation, focusing on commercial polyethylene (PE) films generated by warehouses, distribution centers, retail backrooms and manufacturing facilities. These materials are typically clean and consist largely of a single polymer stream, making them well suited for mechanical recycling.

The two pilots will evaluate different approaches to collecting, consolidating and transporting commercial film waste. In the Sacramento region, the program will test a distributed collection model serving small and medium-sized businesses through the existing commercial service network of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. A second pilot in Ontario and the Inland Empire will focus on large warehouse operations, using the logistics network of packaging supplier Shorr Packaging to collect material from distribution and warehouse customers.

Both programs will use standardized “Rack n’ Pack” collection systems that allow businesses to separate PE films at the point of generation. Collected material will be transported to regional aggregation facilities, where it will be weighed, consolidated and baled before being shipped to recycling markets.

“FFRA has emerged as a leader in advancing practical, sustainable solutions for flexible film recycling,” said Kurt Kurzawa, who leads the alliance. “These pilots reflect the collaborative approach that defines our work, bringing together businesses across the value chain to test new collection models, generate meaningful data and help build a stronger foundation for future film recycling programmes.”

The pilots are designed to provide operational insights into commercial film recovery while identifying collection models that could be replicated in other regions. The data will also help inform future recycling programs as California continues to expand policies aimed at improving plastics recovery and producer responsibility.

Collection activities began on July 1 and will continue through November 30, 2026. FFRA and its partners will evaluate the results after the pilot period and publish a final report summarizing operational performance and recommendations.

Source: Eco-plastics in Packaging

SUNSHINE Spotlight: California’s commercial film recycling pilots will provide practical data on scalable collection models, supporting future flexible plastic recycling programs and broader circular economy initiatives.