New Funding Available for Use of the How2Recycle Label

August 26, 2014 /3BL Media/ - GreenBlue’s Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) is now offering funding for use of the How2Recycle Label, an on-package recycling label aimed at providing clear and consistent recycling instructions to consumers. The funding is supported by StopWaste and the Flexible Film Recycling Group (FFRG) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC).

StopWaste, a public agency responsible for reducing waste in Alameda County, California, is offering $20,000 in new funding for companies headquartered in Alameda County interested in joining the program. Geared at brand owners, packaging manufacturers, retailers, and others who can influence product packaging design, StopWaste’s funding will cover How2Recycle license costs for one year, up to $4,000 per applicant. By facilitating the adoption of the label, StopWaste hopes to increase the recycling of product packaging, and to support the development of packaging designed for recyclability.

“About a third of what Alameda County residents throw away as garbage is packaging from consumer products, often made up of multiple materials that could be recycled if sorted properly. The How2Recycle label ensures recycling instructions are as clear and locally relevant as they can be, increasing the chance that those materials will be recycled,” said Justin Lehrer, Senior Program Manager at StopWaste, who oversees the funding program. “As a result of better sorting and recycling, we see improved quality of recycled material and increased availability for use in new packaging. Beyond that, we hope that by incentivizing the use of the label we can help support the development of packaging that’s designed for recyclability.”

The American Chemistry Council has offered sponsorships for use of the Label since 2013, and has agreed to continue its support with $15,000 in additional funding. ACC’s funding will be used to fully or partially offset the license fee for qualifying companies wishing to use the Store Drop-off Label. The Store Drop-off Label can be used on LDPE or HDPE bags, films, and wraps, including plastic carry-out bags, dry cleaning bags, wraps surrounding paper towels, drink case wraps, bread bags, and more. The goal is to raise awareness and direct the public to the 18,000 retail and grocery store locations that recycle these plastic types. Since 2013, eleven companies have received ACC funding to join the How2Recycle program.

“We are thrilled that our sponsorships of the How2Recycle Store Drop-off Label have helped expand adoption by brand companies and other retailer private brands,” said Shari Jackson, director of ACC’s FFRG.  “This label is a powerful educational tool in support of FFRG’s efforts to increase public awareness and involvement in recycling plastic film packaging.”

The FFRG also has been advancing the collection and recycling of plastic film through its Wrap Recycling Action Program (WRAP). WRAP’s goal is to engage stakeholders to educate consumers and facilitate film recycling using the How2Recycle Label, social media, and prominent signage at store drop-off locations.

Shari Jackson, director of the FFRG, will discuss the WRAP program and plastic film recycling opportunities at SPC Advance as a featured speaker in the How2Recycle workshop September 9, 2014.

For more information about these funding opportunities or participation in the How2Recycle Label, please contact kelly.lahvic@greenblue.org.

ABOUT HOW2RECYCLE
How2Recycle is a program of GreenBlue’s Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC). The SPC’s goal is for the How2Recycle Label to appear on the majority of consumer goods packaging by 2016 and to provide participating companies with detailed information regarding the recyclability of their packaging. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the use of the Store Drop-off Label. Any company interested in joining How2Recycle should visit www.how2recycle.info/how2join and contact Kelly Lahvic at kelly.lahvic@greenblue.org.

For How2Recycle program updates, please join our newsletter at greenblue.org and follow us on Twitter @How2Recycle.

ABOUT GREENBLUE AND THE SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING COALITION
GreenBlue® is an environmental nonprofit dedicated to the sustainable use of materials in industry. The organization brings together key stakeholders to advance material innovation, education, and research that support continuous adoption of sustainable materials management practices in business.The organization’s Sustainable Packaging Coalition® is a membership group that brings together business, educational institutions, and government agencies to collectively broaden the understanding of packaging sustainability and develop meaningful improvements for packaging solutions, and holds two conferences each year to further this goal. For more information follow us on Twitter @GreenBlueOrg.