The NextCycle Sustainable Packaging Accelerator and NextCycle Michigan are now accepting applications through March 31. These programs provide business and technical support to projects that help divert materials from landfills and strengthen circular economy initiatives. The Sustainable Packaging Accelerator focuses on improving packaging recyclability and efficiency in Michigan and Ohio, while NextCycle Michigan supports public and private sector projects aimed at expanding recycling infrastructure and supply chain solutions within the state. Both programs offer expert coaching, funding pathways, and a final showcase event to connect participants with investors and industry leaders.

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has formed the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) to increase the availability and effectiveness of polystyrene recycling in the U.S. The initiative brings together various stakeholders, from manufacturers to recyclers, with the shared goal of achieving widespread recyclability for polystyrene by 2030. RRS is playing a role in helping guide the strategy through a detailed plan that focuses on expanding recycling systems and raising awareness about sustainable practices.

The growing waste challenge in Summit County and Park City, Utah, is attributed to the influx of visitors and the success of local ski resorts. Recycle Utah has proposed a new $25 million recycling facility to address these challenges, diverting waste and reducing pressure on the county's rapidly filling landfill. The plan includes working with RRS to analyze current waste management practices and improve diversion efforts for a more sustainable future.

Effective recycling education requires strategic planning to overcome barriers like language differences, accessibility issues, and confusion about messaging. RRS consultants shared insights at the Resource Recycling Conference on how to design impactful communication campaigns, highlighting the importance of audience understanding, avoiding jargon, and utilizing multiple channels to reinforce messages and boost recycling participation.

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has launched the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) to advance polystyrene recycling across the U.S. Collaborating with brands, recyclers, and other stakeholders, the initiative aims for “widely recyclable status” by 2030. RRS is playing a key role in developing a comprehensive roadmap to guide this effort, focusing on expanding infrastructure and educational initiatives.

Anne Johnson, Vice President of Global Corporate Sustainability, discusses key trends in packaging recycling, including technological advancements, standardized recycling practices, and the rise of extended producer responsibility (EPR). She stresses the importance of industry collaboration to address challenges such as contamination and gaps in infrastructure, while also emphasizing the crucial role of consumer education in improving recycling outcomes.

Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP), an association of global automakers and their suppliers, today announced the publication of a new report, “Moving Automotive Supply Chain Plastic Packaging Toward a Sustainable Circular Economy: Full Report and Playbook,” developed in collaboration with Resource Recycling Systems (RRS).

The recycling industry is evolving rapidly, with materials recovery facilities (MRFs) facing challenges like stricter regulations, new technologies, and shifting market dynamics. Recycling veteran Michael Timpane shares insights on how MRF operators can adapt to these changes, manage risks, and seize opportunities to ensure long-term stability and growth.

Advancing PET thermoform recycling requires innovative solutions and collaboration, as highlighted in the PET Thermoform Cost and Material Flow Analysis by RRS and FPI. Discover key findings, challenges, and strategies to improve recycling for clamshells, cups, and other PET packaging.

Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) is entering an exciting new chapter with a transition to employee ownership, a refreshed brand identity, and a redesigned website. Since its founding in 1986, RRS has been committed to sustainable solutions, and these updates reflect the company's continued evolution as a leader in circular economy and materials management consulting. The changes underscore RRS’s mission to drive measurable impact through innovative, collaborative solutions.

Erin Oulton was selected as one of SWANA’s Young Professionals of the year in 2024 for her contributions to the industry.

Wayne State University has received a $1.19M grant from the Great Lakes Protection Fund to lead the Mobilizing a Great Lakes Microplastic Action Network project. This four-year initiative, led by Dr. Yongli Wager, brings together researchers, community leaders, and partners such as Resource Recycling Systems to address microplastic pollution in the Great Lakes. Using innovative analytic tools, the project will help communities identify local pollution sources and implement targeted strategies to reduce plastic waste, improving water quality and promoting environmental health across the region.

Fashion for Good proudly launched the groundbreaking "Sorting for Circularity USA" report that RRS was proud to work on. This report is representative of the collaborative efforts happening within the textile circularity industry and has the power to inform policy and unlock investment.

Explore how the Diffusion of Innovation Theory supports the strategic scaling of recycling and innovative circular economy solutions, highlighting the role of programs like NextCycle in driving widespread adoption and systemic change.

There is an urgent need for innovative circular economy solutions to tackle the escalating global textile waste crisis, with programs like NextCycle leading efforts in textile recycling and upcycling across the U.S.

Learn about the growing interest in extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation across various states, emphasizing the importance of strong, inclusive coalitions among stakeholders to successfully pass and implement these policies, ultimately leading to improved recycling outcomes and a move toward a circular economy.

Explore how regional glass recycling networks are overcoming challenges and fostering sustainability in communities across the U.S. in this in-depth analysis.

Discover how a groundbreaking recycling business accelerator is advancing the circular economy by supporting innovative reuse initiatives across the U.S.

Explore innovative end markets for recycled glass beyond traditional container manufacturing, highlighting growing industries like fiberglass, pozzolan, and creative design.

Discover how Colorado's Front Range Waste Diversion (FRWD) enterprise is revolutionizing community waste management with the innovative Technical Assistance Service Provider (TASP) program.