Sustainable Regulations in the Plastics Industry
Sustainability initiatives are rapidly reshaping the global plastics industry, influencing how plastic products are designed, produced and disposed of. To stay ahead, plastic producers must understand key regulatory trends that impact their operations, including plastic bans, extended producer responsibility (EPR) and recycled content requirements.
Types of Sustainable
Regulations Plastics
Producers Need to Know
Affected products: Straws, bags, containers, etc.
Impact: Limiting single-use plastics encourages alternatives that are reusable, recyclable or biodegradable.
PFAS are “forever chemicals” that increase product durability but pose long-term environmental and health risks.
Impact: Current bans focus on specific harmful chemicals, but potential blanket bans could disrupt key industries including automotive and healthcare.
Global Adoption: The European Union, Canada, South Korea and multiple U.S. states have implemented EPR regulations, requiring producers to take an active role in reducing product waste.
Impact: EPR incentivizes sustainable product design for easy recycling, reuse or disposal.
Affected products: Beverage containers, trash bags, personal care packaging, etc.
Impact: PCR requirements increase demand for recycled materials, sometimes beyond current capacity. However, initiatives to boost availability and quality such as improved recycling infrastructure and dedicated recycling streams are working.
Resin Options
Sustainability
Life Cycle
Distributors
Learn More?
Affected products: Straws, bags, containers, etc.
Impact: Limiting single-use plastics encourages alternatives that are reusable, recyclable or biodegradable.
PFAS are “forever chemicals” that increase product durability but pose long-term environmental and health risks.
Impact: Current bans focus on specific harmful chemicals, but potential blanket bans could disrupt key industries including automotive and healthcare.
Global Adoption: The European Union, Canada, South Korea and multiple U.S. states have implemented EPR regulations, requiring producers to take an active role in reducing product waste.
Impact: EPR incentivizes sustainable product design for easy recycling, reuse or disposal.
Affected products: Beverage containers, trash bags, personal care packaging, etc.
Impact: PCR requirements increase demand for recycled materials, sometimes beyond current capacity. However, initiatives to boost availability and quality such as improved recycling infrastructure and dedicated recycling streams are working.
Resin Options
Sustainability
Life Cycle
Distributors
Learn More?
M. Holland is committed to enabling a more sustainable future for plastics. Technical development engineers and regulatory experts are available to assist our customers with changing material requirements and regulations. Explore M. Holland’s Sustainability group and line card to learn more.
Click below to download the sustainable regulations infographic for future reference.