Hear all about what the team at US Plastics Pact is doing and check out their Roadmap 2.0
Thanks to CEO Jonathan Quinn for joining the Packaging Today show! Follow him on LinkedIn
About the Guest(s):
Jonathan Quinn
Jonathan Quinn serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the US Plastics Pact. With a rich background in flexible packaging, Jonathan has consistently demonstrated his commitment to advancing a circular economy for plastics. He spearheads initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration across the value chain to enable sustainable and impactful solutions in the plastic industry.
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Episode Summary:
In this engaging and information-packed episode of Packaging Today, hosts Evelio Mattos, Adam Peek, and Cory Connors sit down with Jonathan Quinn, the CEO of the US Plastics Pact, to delve into the complex and pressing issues surrounding plastic recycling and sustainability. As industries worldwide grapple with creating a circular economy, Jonathan sheds light on his organization's goals, challenges, and the integral role of consumer participation in achieving these targets.
The conversation spans a broad spectrum of topics, from innovative strategies to increase recycling rates to the intricate balance between cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Discussing the US Plastics Pact's roadmap, Jonathan explains the importance of transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement in the battle to enhance recycling infrastructure and reduce plastic waste. Key issues such as the role of big oil in funding recycling initiatives, the feasibility of compostable plastics, the urgency of achieving 2025 targets, and the shifting landscape towards sustainable packaging are thoroughly examined.
Key Takeaways:
Collaboration is Key: The US Plastics Pact brings together all elements of the value chain, including plastic producers, packaging companies, brand owners, and municipal solid waste managers, to enable a circular economy.
Transparency and Accountability: Annual reporting and public acknowledgment of progress (or lack thereof) are critical to building trust and driving improvements towards sustainability goals.
Focus on Consumer Education: Consumer understanding and participation are crucial in navigating the complexities of plastic recycling and achieving broader environmental targets.
Financial Investment is Necessary: Real progress requires significant financial investments from all stakeholders, including potential contributions from big oil companies.
Adaptation and Realistic Goals: While ambitious targets like 2025 set a framework, continuous and transparent progress toward long-term milestones like 2030 is essential for sustainable impact.
Notable Quotes:
"At the end of the day, we're nothing without each other. We're all in this together." - Jonathan Quinn
"Progress is the key to it all… and accelerated progress." - Jonathan Quinn
"The pact is going to be an organization based on science, fact, and actions, not words." - Jonathan Quinn
"It's not just about enabling products to be recyclable; they actually have to be recycled." - Jonathan Quinn
"We need to show improvement and make clear, transparent progress towards the ultimate goal of a plastic circular economy." - Jonathan Quinn
Resources:
US Plastics Pact Website:
https://usplasticspact.org
- For more information and how to become an activator.
Jonathan Quinn on LinkedIn: Jonathan Quinn
Stay tuned and listen to the full episode to gain deeper insights from the experts and keep abreast of the latest trends and challenges in sustainable packaging. Remember to follow the show for more enlightening discussions on packaging today.
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