The Next Chapter for RRS
New Look, Same Passion
A new chapter begins for Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) as the company transitions to employee ownership, a revitalized brand, and a fresh website.
At Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), our mission has always been to create solutions for a sustainable future. Since our founding in 1986, this mission has driven every project, partnership, and innovation, guiding us as leaders in circular economy and materials management consulting. Today, we are excited to embark on a transformative next chapter—one that builds on our rich history while looking boldly to the future.
This new chapter includes a transition to an employee ownership model, a refreshed brand identity, and a newly redesigned website that connects our mission, values, and services with clients, partners, and communities. These milestones signal our continued evolution as a collaborative, mission-driven organization committed to creating measurable impact through innovative solutions.
Employee Ownership:
A Culture of Shared Commitment
The cornerstone of this transformation is our transition to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), a change that deepens our commitment to our people and our clients. While RRS has always been owned by a number of employees, the ESOP expands ownership to all team members, providing them with a direct stake in the company’s success.
The ESOP is more than a financial structure—it’s a reflection of the culture and values that have defined RRS for nearly four decades. Employee ownership fosters a sense of purpose, accountability, and pride, ensuring that every project is approached with dedication and responsibility. For our clients, this translates to a deeper investment in delivering innovative, practical solutions that align with their sustainability goals.
This shift solidifies our belief that collaboration is not just an approach—it’s a superpower. By aligning the success of our company with the success of every team member, we’re strengthening our culture and reinforcing our commitment to shared growth, resilience, and impact.
“Transitioning to employee ownership marks a significant milestone for RRS. This evolution embraces who we’ve always been—a collaborative, mission-driven organization—while opening new doors for innovation and collaborative solutions in a rapidly evolving industry.”
— Jim Frey, CEO and co-founder of RRS
“Revamping RRS’s brand was about honoring our roots and creating a fresh, forward-looking identity. This new look aims to inspire connection and action across our team, clients, and partners.”
- Erin Grimm, RRS Creative Strategist
A Refreshed Brand That Honors Our Legacy and Future
The transition to employee ownership is accompanied by a comprehensive rebrand that reflects RRS’s growth, purpose, and renewed vision for the future. Our updated logo, natural color palette, and refined typography bring a modernized look to our longstanding mission.
The new branding captures the essence of RRS: a team of resourceful, passionate experts investing in building a circular economy that benefits communities, businesses, and the environment alike. It reflects the breadth and depth of our offerings, from lifecycle analysis to extended producer responsibility (EPR) program development, all while underscoring our dedication to measurable, sustainable outcomes.
A Website Showcasing Vision in Action
The new RRS website is designed to be more than a digital presence—it’s a dynamic platform that connects our expertise and resources with those looking to create meaningful change. Visitors will find an intuitive and engaging space that highlights our services, showcases impactful case studies, and tells the story of who we are and what drives us.
The website also serves as a hub for exploring our thought leadership in areas like circular economy initiatives, material recovery solutions, and the role of lifecycle analysis in sustainable decision-making. It emphasizes our focus on delivering tailored solutions for businesses, municipalities, and institutions while celebrating the measurable outcomes we’ve achieved with our partners.
“When we set out to update the RRS brand, we aimed to capture the heart of what drives us—our people. With the new website, visitors will find an intuitive platform that shares our story, values, and proven success. It’s a reimagined space that connects our mission with those seeking real, actionable change.”
- Amanda Moore, RRS Marketing Manager.
Celebrating Our Launch Across Communities
On November 19, we celebrated these milestones with an Open House event in four key locations: Ann Arbor, Boulder, Portland, and New York. These celebrations highlighted RRS’s national reach and local connections, bringing together employees, clients, and community members to reflect on our shared journey and future vision.
Leadership members participated in the celebrations, offering remarks that underscored the importance of collaboration and the role of employee ownership in driving innovation. Employees and guests enjoyed opportunities to connect, celebrate, and learn more about how RRS is evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing industry.
Credit: Sarah Hill Photography
Why This Matters
For nearly four decades, RRS has been at the forefront of delivering solutions that reduce waste, enhance recycling, and advance the circular economy. These changes—our transition to employee ownership, our refreshed brand, and our updated website—are designed to amplify that impact, positioning RRS to address the complex challenges and opportunities of the future.
The new brand is more than a look; it’s a statement of purpose. It embodies our vision for climate and economic prosperity for all, our mission to create solutions for a sustainable future, and our belief in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change.
As we move forward, we remain committed to our clients, our employees, and the broader goal of building a more sustainable world.
As we move forward, we remain committed to our clients, our employees,
and the broader goal of building a more sustainable world.
Explore the New RRS
We invite you to explore our new website at recycle.com to learn more about our services, discover impactful projects, and see how we’re shaping the future of sustainable materials management. Whether you’re a business, municipality, or organization, RRS is here to partner with you in creating lasting, measurable change.
Let’s work together to build a
circular economy
and a sustainable future.