Plastics Industry Association and America’s Plastic Makers® Thank Senator Capito for Continued Leadership and Applaud Introduction of Recycling Infrastructure Legislation

Washington, D.C.—  The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and America’s Plastic Makers, a division of the American Chemistry Council, commend U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) for her continued leadership and steadfast commitment to recycling innovation through the Strategies to Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development (STEWARD) Act. PLASTICS and America’s Plastic Makers also applaud U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) for introducing the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (RIAA), an important component of the broader STEWARD Act framework.

Senator Capito’s leadership has been critical in driving investments and advancing sustainable solutions to improve recycling infrastructure and enhance recycling capabilities nationwide. The complementary introduction of the RIAA further supports these efforts by establishing a vital EPA pilot program to significantly expand recycling access, especially in rural and underserved communities. This legislation promotes increased transfer stations, improved curbside recycling services, and strengthened public-private partnerships to streamline recycling processes, reduce costs, and support local job creation.

Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of PLASTICS, stated, "We commend Senator Capito and Representatives Miller-Meeks and Sherrill for their bipartisan commitment to enhancing America's recycling infrastructure. These legislative initiatives represent crucial progress toward achieving a circular economy, keeping valuable resources in use, fostering innovation, creating jobs, and bolstering the U.S. manufacturing sector."

"Congress has a real opportunity to drive meaningful change by supporting the bipartisan STEWARD Act and RIAA," said Ross Eisenberg, President of America’s Plastic Makers. "These bills will expand access to recycling, modernize our infrastructure, and invest in innovation—ensuring more plastics are recovered, reducing waste, and strengthening American manufacturing."

PLASTICS and America’s Plastic Makers remain committed to collaborating with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities to ensure successful passage and effective implementation of these key initiatives.

 The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $519 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.

The American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division represents America’s Plastic Makers^SM plus the half million+ scientists, engineers, technicians, and other innovators who make plastics for many essential and lifesaving products that are vital to modern life. America’s Plastic Makers continue to embrace change. We’re linking innovation with sustainability, deploying next generation technologies to make plastics lighter, stronger, more efficient and more recyclable, so we can meet our goal for 100% of U.S. plastic packaging to be reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040. We’re making sustainable change to help build a cleaner, safer, more sustainable future for generations to come.