FFRA aims to boost plastic film recycling rates through education
The Flexible Film Recycling Alliance’s new directory will provide resources to the public on recycling access points

THE PLASTICS FFRA's priorities include ensuring consumers know where to recycle plastic film and feel confident that their materials are being properly recycled. Suvajit, Pixabay
Aiming to increase plastic film recycling rates across the United States by improving consumer access to recycling collection points, The Flexible Film Recycling Alliance (FFRA) has launched a new Plastic Film Recycling Directory. The directory was created to provide clear educational resources on how and where consumers can responsibly recycle plastic film.
The Flexible Film Recycling Alliance is an initiative of PLASTICS, and is dedicated to improving flexible film recycling by advancing access, education, and recycling rates nationwide. Through its efforts, FFRA seeks to advance a more circular economy for plastic film products.
The life cycle of plastic film products
Plastic film is a clear or opaque layer of plastic that is used for many applications; think about the flexible packaging on material goods or food, plastic bags, labels, building construction wrap, trash bags, and furniture and electronic wrap.
Consumer and household waste makes up a large majority of non-degradable material that winds up in landfills. Plastic packaging is often treated like regular trash; however, if recycled properly, plastic film is a material that can be easily reused. It's melted down into small pellets before being turned into more consumer goods and packaging like new bags and food packaging, which reduces the need for new plastics while keeping it out of landfills.
Increasing consumer information and confidence
FFRA has pledged the following:
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Responsible collaboration: FFRA is developing a verification program in partnership with third parties, and will work closely with collection and recycling partners to maintain integrity in recycling efforts.
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Stakeholder engagement: FFRA will address all constructive inquiries, share its responses publicly, and encourage stakeholders to submit requests to evaluate the alliance's impact.
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Candid transparency: Within two years of the directory's launch, FFRA will publicly share verified data on its impact and progress towards increasing recycling rates.
More ways to recycle plastic bags
One of the biggest things stopping most people from taking part in film recycling is the limited availability of easy ways and methods. One such was is by implementing store drop off recycling for plastic bags, film, plastic waste, and so forth.
Plastic recycling has become more common in recent years. Many large cities have implemented recycling depots in densely populated areas. Plastic wrap can be brought to the recycling center to be sorted and sent off to be melted down and reused.
The plastic film packaging that can be taken to these recycling centers and store drop off locations include:
- Plastic food packaging
- Dry cleaning bags
- Pet food bags
- Cereal bags
- Retail bags
- Bubble wrap
- Newspaper bags
Community solutions to recycle plastic items
Within institutions like schools, apartment buildings, businesses, and even the retail space, individuals can make a change by implementing their own plastic film recycling methods.
To easily collect plastic bags and other plastic film, consider putting out a recycling bin, encourage others to purchase easily recyclable products, reuse plastic items when possible, or choosing paper bags and paper products instead of plastic bags.
On top of taking less energy to process, which is better for the environment, paper materials and packaging can be composted. Things like paper towels, compostable bags, and paper packaging can be placed in the compost bin, which also means less new products end up in the landfill.
More information on plastic film recycling
"We are excited to launch the Flexible Film Recycling Alliance's Plastic Film Recycling Directory," says PLASTICS vice president of sustainability, Patrick Krieger. "FFRA's priorities include ensuring consumers know where to recycle plastic film and feel confident that their materials are being properly recycled. We believe this directory will play a critical role in increasing plastic film recycling rates across America."
The directory is part of FFRA's commitment to fostering greater transparency, collaboration, and progress in plastic film recycling, says the organization.
Retailers and recycling depots collecting plastic film are encouraged to join the directory. For inclusion, contact Kurt Kurzawa at [email protected].