Emerald Packaging, a supplier of retail flexible packaging for the produce industry, has joined the US Flexible Film Initiative (USFFI). Emerald is the first flexible plastic manufacturer to join the nonprofit coalition.
The US Flexible Film Initiative is an industry group working to develop a scalable recycling system for flexible plastic packaging in the United States. Its members include consumer packaged goods companies such as Mars, PepsiCo, Nestlé, General Mills, Mondelēz and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. The initiative provides funding to material recovery facilities (MRFs) and recyclers to support the collection and recycling of flexible plastic films, with early efforts focused on California.
USFFI aims to address the economic challenges associated with recycling flexible plastics by helping close the gap between recycling costs and the market value of recycled material. The group is working to expand recycling systems and support the inclusion of flexible films in recycling programs, including curbside collection. Its efforts also align with California’s extended producer responsibility requirements under Senate Bill 54, which mandates that all single-use packaging and plastic foodware be recyclable or compostable by 2032.
Kevin Kelly, CEO of Emerald Packaging, said, “Joining USFFI aligns with Emerald’s belief that circularity is achievable when recyclers can sell the material at a profit. Flexible packaging has long been the missing piece in U.S. recycling system. By demonstrating that recyclers will process post-consumer flexible films when it’s economically viable, USFFI is helping to create a system that finally brings flexibles into the circular economy. We hope by proving the concept, that the Circular Action Alliance will direct EPR funds to bridge this critical gap.”
Laurie Hansen, a government affairs advisor to Emerald Packaging, said, “Emerald has for years been a leader and joining USFFI with a major financial contribution shows their leadership is serious about recycling flexible packaging. Other manufacturers should be following in their footsteps before it’s too late to act.”
Maite Quinn-Richards, executive director of USFFI, said, “USFFI is proud to welcome Emerald Packaging as an associate member. We invite other brands, retailers, and packaging converters to join and add their resources and leadership to this effort. Expanding our membership strengthens the funding pool and accelerates market development.”
