WPC 2026: Fragmented US policies hinders post-consumer resin adoption by brand owners

This content is part of a series exploring key themes from the World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global being held in Houston from March 23-27.

Fragmentation in US domestic policy between states continues to hinder adoption of post-consumer resin by brand owners, with regulatory misalignment creating uncertainty around sustainability targets, according to experts at the WPC.

More US states are rolling out extended producer responsibility regulations, while others have recycled content mandates. However, there is no overlap among states that embrace advanced recycling and those that have either EPR or recycled content mandates, creating challenges for brands.

"Today were in a fragmented market," Amcor's sustainability director, Wesley Porter said March 24. "The states that have passed regulations are not the same states that embrace advanced recycling."

The uncertainty surrounding whether a brand owner's use of circular resin made from pyrolysis oil would help them achieve their sustainability targets hinders progress toward sustainability goals, panelists said.

However, the most pressing concern remains the premium of post-consumer or circular resin to virgin resin.

"The cost premium of PCR limits widespread adoption of sustainable materials," said Robert Mimms, senior material development manager of Advanced Composites, Inc. "How do you get consistent high-quality streams of PCR as a cost parity to implement it at a meaningful level?"

The panelists looked to EPR regulations to hopefully standardize supply and decrease the cost of PCR.

"We'll be able to pull more material than we ever have," Porter said. "EPR will help subsidize the cost of post-consumer material."

Mimms said that in the automotive sector, demand has significantly waned for greener initiatives, whether the use of PCR or electric vehicles.

"Honda canceled three of their planned EV models," Mimms said. "The EV industry has been flat since late 2023. We saw a brief spike in September when consumers rushed to take advantage of the EV tax credit."

Another headwind for sustainability initiatives in the automotive industry is the inconsistency among global automotive original equipment manufacturers.

"Global OEMs have different corporate sustainability targets based on their primary region," Mimms added.