March 26, 2021 – The Sustainable Food Policy Alliance made the following statement regarding the introduction of the RECYCLE Act on March 23 by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Representatives David Joyce (R-OH) and Dean Phillips (D-MN), and the introduction of the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act on March 25 led by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA).
“The Sustainable Food Policy Alliance and its members are invested in making consumer product packaging more sustainable with a focus on recyclability, the circular economy, and climate change. We know there is no single solution to packaging waste; indeed, end-to-end system changes are needed to transform our waste management system into a true circular economy. The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act and the RECYCLE Act are both important pieces of the national conversation on packaging and recycling policy.
“SFPA supports the development of an extended producer responsibility program featuring a nationally consistent, economy-wide approach to packaging life cycle management. We support a shared responsibility model that is led by a public-private partnership that can make recycling infrastructure improvements via funds derived from eco-modulated fees collected from brand owners and distributed toward recycling system improvements based on a quantitative analysis of community needs. This model system supports continued innovation across the packaging and recycling sector.
“SFPA is grateful to these Members for their leadership on circular economy policy. We look forward to working with you on this legislation and other proposals.”
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About the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance
The Sustainable Food Policy Alliance seeks to accelerate the pace of change in the food industry through individual company leadership and collective support for public policies that raise the bar and inspire further action in this critical journey. As some of the world’s best-known food companies, founding members Danone North America, Mars, Incorporated, Nestlé USA, and Unilever United States recognize our responsibility to drive positive change for the people who use our products, the people who supply them, and the planet on which we all rely. To learn more about the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance, visit www.foodpolicyalliance.org.
