Biden-Harris Administration and EPA reveal national strategy to tackle plastic pollution

Biden-Harris Administration and EPA reveal national strategy to tackle plastic pollution

Sustainability

The Biden-Harris Administration has taken significant steps towards reducing plastic pollution in the US, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) releases the draft "National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution" for public comment. The draft strategy sets out ambitious actions to eliminate plastic and other waste from land-based sources into the environment by 2040, as part of the Administration's efforts to reduce pollution and promote a circular economy.

Coinciding with Earth Week last week, the EPA's draft strategy was released alongside the White House Interagency Policy Committee (IPC) on Plastic Pollution and a Circular Economy. The IPC will coordinate federal efforts to combat plastic pollution, with a focus on public health, economic development, environmental justice, and equity to ensure that the benefits of reducing plastic pollution are available to all.

The production of plastics and plastic waste has more than doubled in the last 20 years, resulting in significant pollution from the manufacture, transportation, and disposal of plastic products. The EPA's draft strategy sets out three key objectives, including reducing pollution during plastic production, improving post-use materials management, and preventing trash and micro/nanoplastics from entering waterways and removing escaped trash from the environment.

To achieve these objectives, the EPA's draft strategy identifies a range of actions, such as improving the design of plastic products to provide more reuse and refill opportunities, increasing solid waste collection, and reducing the production of single-use and unrecyclable plastic products. Additionally, the strategy aims to increase public awareness of ways to reduce plastic and other trash in waterways.

Close up of a plastic bag thrown on the ground Plastic waste credit Ivan Radic 22 BY 20
Close up of a plastic bag thrown on the ground Plastic waste © Ivan Radic (CC BY 2.0)
Plastic pollution negatively impacts our environment and public health with underserved and overburdened communities hit hardest, said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. As a global leader in the efforts to address these challenges and pave the way for the future, we must combat plastic pollution from every angle and prevent it at every step of the plastic lifecycle. As we take comment on EPA's draft national strategy, the agency will continue this work to protect people and the planet, ensuring the benefits reach our most vulnerable communities.

The EPA is inviting public comments on the draft strategy and has included specific questions in the report for feedback. The agency expects to finalise the strategy by the end of the year. Furthermore, the EPA is supporting the strengthening of requirements for environmental marketing claims, including higher thresholds for plastic products and packaging to be marketed as recyclable, as part of the Federal Trade Commission's request for comment on potential updates to its "Green Guides."

Latest Packaging News

Interroll: Increase safety and reduce cost with automated pallet conveyor systems
Supplier News

Interroll: Increase safety and reduce cost with automated pallet conveyor systems

In today’s fast-paced logistics and manufacturing sectors, efficiency and safety have become...
PHS: Layer palletisers for beverages
Supplier News

PHS: Layer palletisers for beverages

Layer palletisers operate by systematically placing complete layers of products—such as bottles,...
Craemer Group: The new E3-5 pallet as Zero Virgin
Supplier News

Craemer Group: The new E3-5 pallet as Zero Virgin

The newly developed E3-5 pallet from Craemer is a robust all-rounder among heavy-duty pallets. For...
New packaging insert enhances Pret A Manger’s granola pot delivery
Business

New packaging insert enhances Pret A Manger’s granola pot delivery

In an excellent example of added-value engineering, Sabert Corporation Europe has enhanced an...
Great success for Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025: Over 255,000 attendees from 150 countries
Events

Great success for Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025: Over 255,000 attendees from 150 countries

The 56th edition of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna concluded on a high note, reaffirming its status as...