U.S. Plastics Pact Calls for Clear Standards on Physical and Chemical Recycling in New Circularity Guidance

According to a new position paper released by the U.S. Plastics Pact (USPP), the organization is urging policymakers and industry leaders to establish science-based guardrails for physical and chemical recycling so these technologies complement—rather than replace—reduction, reuse, and mechanical recycling in the national shift toward a circular plastics economy.

The USPP explained that the paper was developed with input from stakeholders across the plastics value chain, providing what it describes as consensus-based recommendations for handling plastics that cannot be feasibly addressed through conventional pathways. According to the publication, physical and chemical recycling should be deployed only for materials that are otherwise difficult to manage, and any expansion of these technologies should strengthen the overall system instead of duplicating existing mechanical infrastructure. It is understood that the goal is to help ensure high-quality post-consumer recycled content (PCR) can meet stringent health and safety requirements across consumer and industrial applications.

According to reports from the USPP, the paper draws on scientific literature, policy evaluations, lifecycle assessments, and multi-stakeholder consultation to form a practical framework for policymakers, companies, and communities. Jonathan Quinn, President and CEO of the U.S. Plastics Pact, said the effort reflects USPP’s mission to unite diverse participants to work through complex issues, stressing that the process supports “practical, data-driven solutions.”

Industry representatives responding to the publication echoed this message. Cherish Changala of Revolution Sustainable Solutions said the guidance helps clarify “how different recycling pathways can responsibly support circularity.” Tamsin Ettefagh, Chief Sustainability Officer at PureCycle Technologies, noted that responsible boundaries are essential so these technologies “serve as complementary tools within the broader system.” Meanwhile, Crystal Bayliss, Director of Strategy and Engagement at the USPP, commented that the position paper aims to guide decisions “grounded in science, transparency, and shared responsibility.”

According to industry analysis, the release comes at a time when physical and chemical recycling are drawing increased attention as companies work to meet rising PCR targets and policymakers debate how to classify and regulate advanced recycling technologies. Market demand for high-purity recycled feedstock continues to rise, especially for applications requiring strict safety standards, while environmental groups have raised concerns about energy use, emissions, and community impacts. With regulatory frameworks still inconsistent across states, clearer standards could help accelerate responsible investment and improve accountability across the plastics value chain.

It is understood that the USPP intends this guidance to serve as a unifying reference as the United States strengthens its approach to managing hard-to-recycle plastics. By setting expectations for transparency, performance, and environmental responsibility, the paper aims to support technology development that keeps more plastic in the circular system and out of the environment.

Source: U.S. Plastics Pact

SUNSHINE Spotlight: A unified, science-based framework could help align emerging recycling technologies with broader U.S. circularity goals.