(March 7, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Plastics Pact released its Baseline Report, publishing aggregated data from its member organizations (“Activators”) in 2020, the year the organization was founded.

The U.S. Pact’s consumer packaged goods retailer, and converter Activators produce 33% of plastic packaging in scope in the U.S. by weight. More than 100 businesses, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, and research institutions have joined the U.S. Pact and are addressing four targets to address plastic waste at its source by 2025.

• TARGET 1: Define a list of plastic packaging that is to be designated as problematic or unnecessary by 2021 and take measures to eliminate the items on the list by 2025
• TARGET 2: 100% of plastic packaging will be reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025
• TARGET 3: Undertake ambitious actions to effectively recycle or compost 50% of plastic packaging by
• TARGET 4: Achieve an average of 30% recycled content or responsibly sourced biobased content in plastic packaging by 2025

The report demonstrates the U.S. Pact’s starting point toward achieving these ambitions goals. It covers key actions the U.S. Pact and its Activators have taken in the first year, including data and case studies. Initial progress demonstrated in the Baseline Report includes:

• shifts away from non-recyclable plastic packaging and toward packaging that is more easily captured and recycled with higher value;
• increases in the use of postconsumer recycled content (PCR) in plastic packaging;
• improved technologies and increased use of technology to make the recycling process more efficient;
• pilots of innovative and accessible reuse models; and,
• enhanced communication to help more Americans know how to recycle plastic packaging.

100% of U.S. Pact Activators that was a member during the reporting window submitted data for the baseline report through World Wildlife Fund’s Resource Footprint Tracker. Activators will continue to assess their portfolios and report progress toward the four targets annually, and progress toward elimination will be also documented in aggregate as part of the U.S. Pact’s annual reports.

"Transparent reporting is an essential tool in ensuring accountability and driving credible change when it comes to securing a circular future,” said Erin Simon, Head, Plastic Waste and Business, World Wildlife Fund. “The Baseline Report sets the stage for annual, data-driven measurement from the Pact’s Activators and represents actions that will move us toward more impactful outcomes in addressing plastic waste.” 

"The U.S. Pact’s 2020 Baseline Report illustrates where our journey begins and where we will focus efforts to propel the monumental change required to create a circular economy for plastic packaging. The data clearly show that we have a lot of work to do,” said, Emily Tipaldo, U.S. Pact Executive Director. At the same time, we are encouraged by the Pact’s support for policy measures that will enable reuse, recycling, and composting infrastructure across the U.S. The needs to bolster composting and the implementation of affordable reusable packaging are many, on top of necessary support for recycling.”

"ALDI is thrilled to be a founding member of the U.S. Plastics Pact. It has been energizing and inspiring to work with the other member organizations that share a similar vision for the future. ALDI will continue to lead by example, and we are eager to drive meaningful change across the industry,” said, Joan Kavanaugh, ALDI U.S., Vice President of National Buying.

“With a focus on meeting the U.S. Plastics Pacts targets by 2025, as a manufacturer and recycler of plastic film we are grateful to be part of the Activator community focused on finding collaborative solutions towards meeting those goals,” said Cherish Miller, Revolution, Vice President, Sustainability & Public Affairs.

“The energy and drive of the U.S. Plastics Pact is infectious! This coordinated, unified effort of industry, government and non-government Activators will provide a future where all plastics materials are thought of as resources,” said, Kim Hynes, Central Virginia Waste Management Association, Executive Director.