PLASTICS Beats Back Anti-industry Bill in NY State Legislature

PLASTICS was successful in keeping an extended producer responsibility (EPR) bill in New York from passing in both houses prior to the Legislature adjourning for the year. While the bill passed the NY Senate, industry opposition was enough to keep it from coming to the Assembly floor for a vote, despite best efforts by some anti-plastic organizations. 

The legislation failed to pass the New York State Assembly after extensive efforts by PLASTICS and partner organizations pointing out the dangers of the legislation. 

The bill, if passed, would have put unreasonable stipulations on the plastics industry and consumers. Messaging related to the overly burdensome regulation of industry, banning of materials, cost to consumers, and concern that certain products would no longer be available on grocery store shelves had tremendous impact to legislators on both sides of the aisle.

Among the more troubling aspects of the bill was the exclusive focus on mechanical recycling. Materials produced using advanced recycling would not be recognized as recycled content under the legislation, making them ineligible to be counted toward the bill's recycled content mandates.

For questions regarding government relations, please reach out to Jason Eberstein, Vice President of Government Affairs. Read more about the bill in Plastics News.

Upcoming PLASTICS Events

Presenting the National Plastics Conference

This inaugural event, designed "by industry, for industry," unites the entire plastics supply chain for education, networking, collaboration, and progress. Convene with colleagues and explore leadership, advocacy, and market trends, all while focusing on a sustainable future. The National Plastics Conference is about building the connections that fuel the growth of your business. Enjoy a dynamic range of formal and informal networking opportunities designed to connect you with colleagues, potential partners, and key decision-makers across the plastics value chain.

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Join us for an unprecedented event designed to help accelerate industry's progress towards zero resin loss. OCS CON will feature introductions to ground-breaking technology, comprehensive culture change strategies, diverse panel discussions, master classes, and more. Unlock opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and experts to keep plastic within the circular economy and out of the environment.

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More News from PLASTICS

NPE2024 Celebrates a Successful

Community Outreach Event 

Counted among the 'firsts' at NPE2024 was a philanthropic event at which more than 70 volunteers—including PLASTICS staff members, NPE attendees, and exhibitors—packed more than 21,000 meals donated to Orlando’s Second Harvest Food Bank for distribution to the local community. The event was organized in partnership with Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales and U.S. Hunger.

“We were able to accomplish an amazing act of service at NPE2024,” said Tony Demakis, President of Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales. “The event brought people together from across the plastics industry to serve others and make a difference for people in need in the local Orlando area.”

“We are grateful for the amazing team of volunteers who packed over 21,000 meals for those in need," said Whitney Taveras, Director of Industry Engagement for the PLASTIC's Equipment Council. "The plastics industry is dedicated to supporting local communities and this initiative was a true testament to that mission.”

The Latest from FLiP

AI in the Workplace with the FLiP Speaker Series:

Tuesday, July 18

12:00-1:00 p.m ET

Join us online for an informative FLiP Speaker Series presentation featuring Josh Kallmer, Head of Global Public Policy and Government Relations at Zoom Video Communications. Josh will explore the innovative AI tools already in use and in development at Zoom and throughout the tech industry. He will also offer perspective on where AI technology is headed in today's office environment and the evolving employee economy. Sign up today and get your questions ready for the Q&A portion. If you're a member company employee under the age of 40 and you aren't a member of FLiP, contact us about joining today and taking advantage of all the great opportunities we offer.

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RecyclingisReal.com

Our latest Recycling is Real video takes you inside Printpack, where PCR closes the loop for packaging without compromising recyclability. Learn more at RecyclingisReal.com and share the video on LinkedIn,Twitter/X, and Facebook.

Promote Your Achievements: Submit Nominations for Innovations in Bioplastics

Nominations for the PLASTICS 2024 Innovation in Bioplastics Award are being accepted  through August 9. Please submit a nomination for accomplishments your company has made in the categories of material, product, or process. Learn More and Submit a Nomination

Shop the NPE Online Merch Store

PLASTICS' NPE Online Merch Store is still open for business, featuring branded products from NPE2024, Recycling is Real, and PLASTICS. Check out a fabulous selection of apparel, gifts, and other fun items that can help you proclaim your support for plastics and the people who make our industry great. Free shipping on every order!