PODCAST: Sustainably speaking – why brands reduce recycled content targets and the impact on markets

LONDON (ICIS)–Recent revisions of recycled content targets from major brands have led to questions about just how committed companies are to reducing their consumption of virgin plastic. But what are the underlying issues behind such decision?

In this third episode of Sustainably Speaking, ICIS senior executive, business solutions group John Richardson is joined by Mark Victory and Matt Tudball, senior editors for recycling Europe, and Helen McGeough, global analyst team lead for plastic recycling at ICIS, to dive deeper into this topic.

Key topics in the discussion include:

• Revised down recycled content targets do not mean lower recyclate demand
• The impact on current and future investment decisions for both mechanical and chemical recycling
• The importance of improving access to good-quality feedstocks
• The role of consumers and consumer pressure
• Spreads between packaging and non-packaging grades remain high, particularly for recycled polyolefins
• The impact of regulation on the US and European markets