Episode 1009: FTC panel discussion exposes intricacies of plastics recycling and consumer understanding

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Recycled Plastics senior analyst Andrea Bassetti and US Recycled Plastics senior editor Emily Friedman discuss the main takeaways from the recent webinar event, "Talking Trash at the FTC: Recyclable Claims and the Green Guides" hosted by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) which was focused on potential updates to the definition of recyclability according to the FTC's "Green Guides". The FTC Green Guides are designed to help marketers avoid making environmental claims that mislead consumers, which include claims around recyclability or recycled content on products and packaging. They were last updated in 2012 and are currently undergoing another revision. The FTC has received over 1,200 public comments on the Green Guide revisions, and will continue to accept comments until 13 June.  Key takeaways from the event included:Perspectives on the definition of "recyclable" or "recyclability" and if access to recycling should remain the threshold, or if the definition should extend further into the value chain through sortation and end market viability vs being pulled back to focus on technical recycling feasibility.Input from consumer surveys and studies which show a variety of consumer understanding Do consumers know how to recycle based on the current labeling guidanceWhat consumers think recycling meansThe role of chemical recycling within recycablility claims Do consumers recognize open loop processes as recyclingShould environmental benefit be factored into recycling claims based on consumer intention A recording of the original FTC event can be found here.