How to Fix Plastics Recycling (Kate Bailey) Association of Plastic Recyclers

Summary:

In this episode, Cory Connors talks with Kate Bailey about the challenges and opportunities in plastics recycling. Kate shares her journey from college recycling jobs to becoming a leading voice in policy and design for sustainable packaging. The discussion covers practical steps brands can take, the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and why collaboration between designers, recyclers, and policymakers is critical for success.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Kate’s background and career path in recycling and sustainability
• The role and mission of the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR)
• APR’s flagship resource: Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability
• How packaging design impacts recycling efficiency
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): what it means and why it matters
• Practical advice for brands navigating EPR laws
• Benefits of EPR for recycling infrastructure, transparency, and design incentives
• Using recycled content as a key sustainability strategy
• Bright spots in plastics recycling: domestic infrastructure growth, bottle-to-bottle recycling
• The evolving role of advanced (chemical) recycling and why mechanical recycling still leads
• Consumer education and access: solving confusion and improving participation
• The future of recycling systems: regional and national frameworks 

Resources Mentioned:

• Association of Plastic Recyclers
• APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability
• U.S. Plastics Pact
• Oregon Recycling Modernization Act

Contact:

Connect with Kate and her team at PlasticsRecycling.org or on LinkedIn.

Closing Thoughts:

 Kate highlights that plastic recycling is effective and can become more successful through collaboration, thoughtful design, and aligned policies. She encourages companies to engage constructively with policymakers, leverage data for better packaging decisions, and embrace recycled content as a cornerstone of sustainability. Together, we can build a more efficient, transparent, and circular system for plastics.

Thank you for tuning in to Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Plastic Recycling and Its Importance
02:53 Kate Bailey's Journey into Recycling
05:50 The Role of the Association of Plastic Recyclers
08:40 Navigating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
11:22 The Benefits of EPR for Recycling and Sustainability
14:07 Designing for Recyclability: Best Practices
16:50 Bright Spots in Plastics Recycling
19:54 The Future of Chemical Recycling
22:26 Access and Education in Recycling
25:20 Conclusion and Call to Action

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