Recyclers Give Packaging Designers a Glimpse Into Limitations, Opportunities in Today’s MRFs Manufacturing, Quality

Packaging Dive (03/17/25) Rachal, Maria

Recycling leaders were recently brought together on a special panel to discuss how packaging designers can create items that flow better through the country's diverse recycling systems. The panel, which was held at the Sustainability in Packaging U.S. conference in Chicago, explored cutting-edge technologies that allow for more data-informed decision-making on this matter. Natalie Betts, assistant vice president of sustainability at the Recycled Materials Association, moderated the session. Recyclability involves a materials recovery facility, or MRF, being able to sort the material that enters the stream, and multiple end users that can turn the product into something new. Jeff Snyder, senior vice president for recycling and sustainability at Rumpke Waste & Recycling, remarked that if it can't be sorted and sold to make new product, it's "not acceptable" in the MRF world.

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