Alexandra Savino explains why new data showing recycled plastics contain more hazardous substances than virgin materials is driving Extended Producer Responsibility reforms that link compliance to chemical performance.

Key Highlights
EPR now includes chemical safety, increasing scrutiny on contaminants like metals, PFAS and PAHs in post-consumer recycled plastics.

Upstream accountability is growing, with regulators and brand owners requiring chemical producers to verify product safety and recyclability data.

Proactive compliance creates opportunity, as processors that audit, reformulate and improve traceability can gain an advantage in chemically safe recycling.

Read the column here.