Sponsored By

Plastics Industry Association Launches Polystyrene Recycling Alliance to Advance Nationwide Recycling EffortsPlastics Industry Association Launches Polystyrene Recycling Alliance to Advance Nationwide Recycling Efforts

The collaborative effort brings the polystyrene and expandable polystyrene industries together with a diverse group of stakeholders from brands, converters, and recyclers, united by a shared goal: Achieving “widely recyclable status” for polystyrene.

David Hutton

January 28, 2025

2 Min Read
polystyrene food containers
Polystyrene plays a crucial role in numerous industries, from preserving food quality and safety to supporting medical applications.Genevieve Isabelle/iStock via Getty Images

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) announced the formation of the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA), marking a step toward improving polystyrene recycling across the United States. 

According to PLASTICS, the collaborative effort brings the polystyrene (PS) and expandable polystyrene (EPS) industries together with a diverse group of stakeholders from brands, converters, and recyclers, united by a shared goal: Achieving “widely recyclable status” for polystyrene.

“This collaboration is a huge step forward for polystyrene sustainability, enabling more Americans to recycle a wide variety of polystyrene items,” said Matt Seaholm, president and CEO of PLASTICS. “Polystyrene is inherently recyclable, is being recycled today, and will be recycled at much greater scale in the future.”

Seaholm added that PLASTICS was pleased to pursue the initiative to join the full value chain in working together to promote plastics sustainability.

In collaboration with experts from Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) has developed a comprehensive roadmap to guide the advancement of polystyrene recycling. Preliminary data reveal that 32% of the US population currently has access to recycling for one or more polystyrene products. Several recycling formats are also on the cusp of meeting the criteria for "check locally" status. Moreover, with continued and planned investments in recycling infrastructure, PSRA anticipates that access to recycling for various polystyrene formats and applications will reach "widely recyclable" status by 2030. To accelerate this progress, the PSRA is committed to working collaboratively across the value chain, investing in both infrastructure and educational initiatives.

Related:For the Plastics Industry, the Past May Be Prologue

Polystyrene plays a crucial role in numerous industries, from preserving food quality and safety to supporting pharmaceutical transport and medical applications. It also contributes to cost-effective appliance manufacturing, efficient transportation, and sustainable building construction. Its versatility and utility make it an essential material across a wide range of sectors, said PLASTICS.

“Polystyrene is an essential material that provides numerous life-enhancing benefits, and a favorable carbon footprint compared to other materials,” said Richard Shaw, chairman of the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance.  “Our focus is to expand end-of-life recycling options for all types of polystyrene through strategic investments and partnerships with other stakeholders committed to a circular plastics economy.”

To support these initiatives, the PSRA will establish a recycling investment and education fund aimed at expanding polystyrene recycling throughout North America. These investments will seek to develop and deploy innovative ways to enhance and modernize recycling systems.

“We’re committed to addressing the challenges of recycling polystyrene,” said Patrick Krieger, senior vice president, Sustainability, at PLASTICS. “By collaborating with communities, material recovery facilities, and drop-off programs, we aim to significantly improve recycling access and education for polystyrene. This is just the beginning, and we are optimistic about our strategy and approach to ensure all polystyrene is recycled at scale.”

To learn more about the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance, visit www.PSRecycling.org.

To learn more about the Roadmap to a Sustainable Future, watch here.

About the Author

David Hutton

David Hutton is a journalist with more than 25 years of experience as an editor and writer with daily newspapers and trade publications. 

A Kent State University graduate, he was born in Canton, Ohio, and is a lifelong writer. David started his professional career as a reporter and page designer with the Parkersburg Sentinel in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He returned to his hometown, taking a role with the Massillon Independent, where he rose to the position of managing editor.

David’s career next took him to October Research Corp., where he worked for trade publications in the real estate settlement services industry before returning to daily newspapers as news editor for The Times-Reporter in Dover-New Philadelphia, Ohio. While there, he oversaw design of the newspaper and won an Associated Press award for Best Page 1 Design. 

In 2012, David joined the staff of Plastics News as research analyst. He was responsible for the production of data research reports providing analysis of various segments and end markets of the plastics industry. He also produced content for the publication. 

In 2019, David joined Ophthalmology Times, serving as managing editor of the publication covering the latest advancements in the ophthalmology industry for physicians and clinicians. 

Sign up for PlasticsToday newsletter

You May Also Like