Plastic Film Recycling

The Flexible Film Recycling Group (FFRG) represents the entire polyethylene (PE) value chain, from major resin producers, manufacturers, recyclers, and brand owners. 

Their primary goals are to:

• Double the recycling of polyethylene (PE) film packaging to 2 billion lbs. by 2020.
• Promote and increase plastic film recycling through education and outreach.
• Enhance and expand the commercial film recovery infrastructure.

To achieve these goals, the FFRG works to increase access to and participation in plastic film recycling for both consumers and businesses. 

The FFRG support PlasticFilmRecycling.org and their hallmark initiative, the Wrap Recycling Action Program (WRAP), is a national public awareness and outreach program designed to empower motivated stakeholders to contribute to a common goal: to make plastic film packaging a commonly recycled material with a strong and ever-growing recycling rate.

They recycle post consumers bags and wraps and post commercial films. 

WRAP works with stakeholders including local and state governments, retailers, and MRFs to educate consumers about what types of plastic film are recyclable, and how and where to recycle it. Many successful WRAP campaigns across the U.S. have helped communities keep plastic film out of their MRFs and increase the amount of plastic film collected for recycling at drop-off locations.

WRAP develop programs with businesses and the communities to run successful campaigns and work on developing an ecosystem of participants as shown in this case study.

The FFRG supports also the How2Recycle label, a standardized labeling system on packaging that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the consumer. 

They have a good list of sponsors including DOW, P&G, Berry Global, EFS Plastics, Avangard Innovative, SC Johnson, etc. They work with 3 key partners: The Association of Plastic Recyclers, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and the Canadian Plastics Industry Association.