November newsletter: How collaboration can advance recyclability

When a material moves from Widely Recyclable to Check Locally, all hope is not lost. Sure it feels like a setback for sustainability teams, but in my conversations with How2Recycle members, I’m consistently inspired by their ability to find a path forward. 

That’s what we’re covering in this issue of Beyond the Label: paths forward. At the How2Recycle Summit, panelists discussed the way back to a higher recyclability category. In our latest article, we’re outlining the key takeaways from this panel. Next, we’re looking at what’s on the horizon for How2Recycle and our members. Between new label offerings and consumer education plans, we encourage you to get involved and make the most of your membership. 

Thanks for reading and for all you do to move recycling forward.

- Paul Nowak, Executive Director, GreenBlue   

The Path to Higher Recyclability: How Collaboration Can Advance Recyclability

We know that a shift to something like legislation or end markets can change a material’s recyclability. But we also know the path forward after a downgrade. 

This year, at the How2Recycle Summit, experts from The Recycling Partnership, Danone, and How2Recycle gathered to discuss the path back to a higher recyclability category. In our latest #ForwardFindings, we’re outlining steps you can take on your way back up: 

• Make sure you understand the relevant parts of the recycling system
• Address recyclability challenges in design 
• Partner with recycling stakeholders
• Drive recycled content demand

Check out the full article to learn more about working your way up to a higher recyclability category. 

Read the Article

On the Horizon for How2Recycle

With the holidays right around the corner, the How2Recycle team is ready to ring in 2025 with our member community! What’s on the horizon for members like you and the How2Recycle program?

Dynamic How2Recycle Plus Labels

How can we make sure that a label is accurate and compliant no matter when or where it’s issued? With How2Recycle Plus featuring Recycle Check labels, How2Recycle members can do just that. Get started with your brand’s first dynamic label. 

Get the Label

Our Upcoming January Guidelines for Use

A new year means new Guidelines for Use for How2Recycle members. Members are required to review this resource, which covers everything from label design specifications to recyclability changes. Be on the lookout or check your member portal at the end of January.

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Consumer Education Campaign

For too long, we’ve asked the label to do too much of the lift when it comes to recycling education. That’s why we’re looking to explore the potential of a national consumer education around recycling with our members. Interested in participating or fueling this effort? Reach out to our team to get involved. 

Get in Touch

Upcoming Holiday Platform Closures

During the holiday season, the How2Recycle platform will be closed for Thanksgiving from November 28 - December 1 and for our winter holiday from December 24 - January 1. Please plan accordingly as email and label request turnaround times will be affected during the holidays.

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In Other News

• “It’s never been more important to get recyclability labeling right,” writes SPC Director Olga Kachook in this Trellis article covering on-pack labeling research.
• What happens when labeling worlds collide? How2Recycle discussed its partnership with the UK’s OPRL program during SPC Engage in Amsterdam earlier this month. 
• “How2Recycle Plus is another step in building trust and confidence in recycling.” Check out Waste360’s coverage of our dynamic How2Recycle Plus labels this month.
• Ready to learn more about what The Cool Down is calling a Goldilocks solution? Read the coverage on How2Recycle Plus featuring Recycle Check labels.
• Is recycling cool? We think so — and so does Colombian social media influencer Sara Samaniego, whose hundreds of thousands of followers view her recycling content.
• How will the election results affect plastic and plastic recycling? Check out Plastics Recycling Update’s coverage of the results of the 2024 election on the industry.