2026 Recycling Open House Scheduled for Aug. 12 and 19
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) will hold the 2026 Recycling Open House webinar over two days in August, providing a platform for trade associations and other groups to discuss initiatives promoting the recyclability of plastic products.
The first webinar will be held on Aug. 12, with the second one scheduled for the following week on Aug. 19, according to PLASTICS’ website. Registration is required, and there is no cost to attend the webinar.
“Attendees learn about how to become engaged in sustainability programs with a focus around product design considerations for material circularity, climate change, and impact on greenhouse gas emissions,” PLASTICS says. “Most importantly, it is a call to action for industry leaders to work together in recycling programs to improve plastics recycling.”
More on Aug. 12
The program for the first day on Aug. 12 begins at 12 p.m. ET and ends at 1:30 p.m. The agenda includes the following presentations:
Andy Brewer, director at PLASTICS: “He leads the association’s efforts in advocating for the growth of sustainability in the plastics industry by managing the PLASTICS Recycling Committee, promoting recycling development through the New End Market Opportunities Program, and managing the Zero Net Waste recognition program,” according to the website.
Jay Thomas, vice president sustainability at the Vinyl Institute and executive director of the Vinyl Sustainability Council: “In these roles he is responsible for developing and implementing the strategies and tactics that support the sustainability mission and policies of the Vinyl Institute.”
Dan Felton, president and CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA): FPA represents converters of film, foil, paper, and other materials into packages for various industries, such as food, medical devices, and industrial products.
Tracy Taszarek, executive director of the Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC): Taszarek, an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) professional, has more than two decades of experience managing EHS programs across office, manufacturing, and field-based environments, the website notes.
Rachel Kipar, The Recycling Partnership (TRP): Kipar is director, strategic engagement at TRP, which works with communities, companies, and policymakers to enhance the recycling industry.
More on Aug. 19
The second day of the webinar also begins at noon and ends at 1:30 p.m. The agenda includes:
Shari Jackson, the American Chemistry Council (ACC): At ACC, Jackson is director of plastics sustainability.
Crystal Lopez, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW): As project manager at AEPW, Lopez manages projects that advance plastics circularity and recycling infrastructure.
Ally Walker, the Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR): As program officer, Walker leads several initiatives under CGLR’s Circular Great Lakes platform, including the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup, Boat Wrap Recycling Program, Dart Stormwater Grant, Return to Retail Takeback Program, and legislative outreach efforts.
Kara Pochiro, the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR): As APR’s vice president of communications and public affairs, Pochiro manages the implementation and promotion of technical, educational, market development, legislative efforts, and programs.
Circular Action Alliance: The producer responsibility organization (PRO) in several states with extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws also is expected to discuss its work.
