Leading Businesses Join Environmentalists in Support of Passing the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act at Albany Legislative Hearing
Call on the New York Legislature to Save Tax Dollars, Cut Packaging Waste, Make Packaging Less Toxic and Prohibit Chemical Recycling
For Immediate Release: October 24, 2023
Contacts:
Sarah Paiji Yoo, Blueland, 646-535-7246, sarah.paiji@blueland.com
Lauren Sweeney, DeliverZero, 929-333-3854, lauren@deliverzero.com
Kate Jakubas, Meliora, 312-721-8002 kate@meliorameansbetter.com
Judith Enck, Beyond Plastics, 518-605-1770, JudithEnck@Bennington.edu
While in Albany to attend a major legislative hearing on packaging reduction legislation, 12 companies, representing industry leaders in innovative solutions to end the scourge of single-use plastic packaging, are joining forces with environmentalists calling on the New York State legislature to pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act.
The legislation would cut New York’s packaging waste in half over 12 years and compel companies to make their packaging less toxic and more recyclable. The bill would also establish a new system where companies, not taxpayers, pay for reducing and recycling packaging waste and achieve a 75% recycling rate for their single-use products. These mechanisms all work together to create an incentive for businesses to cut back on excess packaging.
Innovative businesses have stepped up to support the passage of this bill, citing its feasibility and its necessity as a step to cut waste from product packaging, reduce plastic pollution, and spur deployment of reuse and refill systems and alternatives to single-use plastic packaging.
“Just like we have fuel efficiency standards for cars and energy efficiency standards for appliances, we now need strong environmental standards for packaging. I am excited to join forces with these innovative entrepreneurs who are creating solutions to our plastic waste problems”, said Judith Enck, President of Beyond Plastics and former EPA Regional Administrator.
"The measures outlined in this legislation, aimed at minimizing excessive packaging, eliminating harmful plastics, and promoting the adoption of reuse and refill systems, are already made possible through growing businesses founded in New York State. This bill's provisions will further promote these sustainability initiatives and encourage broader adoption of innovative approaches that maximize material efficiency, leveraging emerging technologies like ours”, said Lauren Sweeney, Co-founder and CEO of DeliverZero. The companies and environmentalists noted that the 12 year timeframe for these changes gives all businesses ample time to scale up and prepare.
The requirements in the bill to reduce product packaging by 50%, incentivize reuse and refill systems, increase recycling rates to 75%, and remove well-known toxic chemicals would have major benefits for environmental justice communities across the state, especially those that are burdened with landfills or incinerators, including in Westchester County where the Peekskill garbage incinerator must be closed. "Every day that our leaders fail to address our dependency on plastic, is another day communities like Peekskill are plagued with the burden of "disposing" of this toxic material through incineration. The myth of plastic recycling has created long-standing environmental injustices in communities like mine where plastic is being burned, polluting the air we breathe and exacerbating already poor health conditions. Through this bill, New York has the opportunity to drastically cut down on plastic packaging. We can't wait another year. Our leaders must pass the Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act this legislative session" said Vanessa Agudelo, Organizer for Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions.
The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act A5322A by Assemblymember Glick and S4246A by Senator Harckham would provide a number of important benefits for New Yorkers:
Cut single-use plastic packaging in half, incrementally over 12 years - reducing the amount of packaging waste heading to landfills and incinerators, greenhouse gas emissions, and plastic waste entering waterways
Ban toxic chemicals and toxic materials from packaging - making packaging less toxic, safer, and more easily recyclable
Require packaging to be recyclable and for companies to achieve a 75% recycling rate over 12 years - reducing the amount of packaging that ends up in landfills, incinerators, and the environment
Save New York taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars annually by requiring companies to pay for the costs of managing packaging waste, rather than taxpayers
Provide financial assistance for reuse and refill systems and investments in improved recycling infrastructure
Prevent chemical recycling - a polluting false solution to the plastics crisis - from being considered recycling
"The logic is simple: Reducing plastic production is New York's best chance to beat plastic pollution. The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act is a crucial step towards achieving this goal, and we applaud the efforts of the legislators, businesses, and everyday New Yorkers who are pushing for its passage", said Hannah Fine, Senior Director of Campaigns for Only One.
“The new fee system would require companies, rather than taxpayers, to take responsibility for the impact of their products in a fair way that matches the scale of the plastic pollution problem. Our sustainable companies have already implemented these practices and we are ready for the rest of the business community to join us” said Sarah Paiji Yoo, CEO and Co-Founder of Blueland.
“We want all businesses to pay to cover the cost of their own product packaging, whether that’s through reuse-and-refill programs or packaging fees. We need this law so that the cost of product packaging is borne by the same companies that can change it by redesigning how products are sold”, said Kate Jakubas, Founder and COO of Meliora.
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Company Descriptions and Quotes
These 12 companies have a variety of ways that they are already meeting the requirements of the bill and are providing leadership in solutions to reduce our reliance on single-use plastic packaging.
Blueland is reimagining your everyday home essentials to eliminate single-use plastic and provide consumers with alternatives that are sustainable, effective and affordable. Blueland was one of the the first to bring the tablet form factor to market across a range of cleaning products--from hand soaps to cleaning sprays to laundry and dishwasher tablets. With over 40 patents, their innovative products have helped divert over 1 billion single-use plastic bottles from landfills and oceans.
“This bill is paving the path for a better future for our planet and the generations to come. Single use packaging is the largest category of new plastic production, and therefore one of the most impactful things we can do is to curb single use plastic packaging. This is a critical step to effectively reduce climate change and plastic pollution”, said Sarah Paiji Yoo, Co-Founder and CEO, Blueland.
Cup Zero is helping venues and events rethink their drinks. By providing full service reusable programs for the largest and most complex events, we are revolutionizing how food and beverage programs operate and allow them to hit their sustainability goals. Cup Zero provides a turn-key solution so venue operators and event producers can focus on putting forth a great attendee experience without the waste.
“Reuse is happening, we’re washing 10’s of thousands of cups and plates weekly, and our customers are benefiting financially from making the switch to reusables. Change always appears hard before it starts, but once businesses try us out, they never go back. Well thought out legislation such as this will only help progress the transition from a waste full to waste free world“, said Michael Cyr, Co-Founder, Cup Zero.
DeliverZero aims to normalize reuse. Their innovative software solution simplifies the transition to reusable packaging, making it convenient and climate-friendly. By seamlessly integrating with various ordering platforms and POS systems including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Toast, DeliverZero allows customers to enjoy the convenience they are used to without the wasteful packaging. In the long term, their software makes reuse possible at scale across additional verticals, such as ecommerce. With DeliverZero, customers can enjoy their favorite meals guilt-free, knowing they are actively contributing to a greener future while setting the stage for a broader reuse revolution.
"The measures outlined in this legislation, aimed at minimizing excessive packaging, eliminating harmful plastics, and promoting the adoption of reuse and refill systems, are already made possible through growing businesses founded in New York State. This bill's provisions will further promote these sustainability initiatives and encourage broader adoption of innovative approaches that maximize material efficiency, leveraging emerging technologies like ours”, said Lauren Sweeney, CEO and Co-founder, DeliverZero.
Earth & Me diverts tens of thousands of plastic bottles from landfill with their three refill stations located in Queens and Brooklyn. Since opening in 2020, they have stocked a wide range of household products via the refill model including laundry, skincare, cleaning, haircare, spices, grains, teas, and more. They also sell hundreds of SKUs of clean, plastic-free household essentials, such as locally made gifts and corner store necessities like toothbrushes and deodorant. Earth & Me was awarded the first ever “Climate Action is Our Business” award by Climate Week NYC in 2022. They also draw thousands of New Yorkers together to take collective action items and gather about sustainability and environmental policy.
Ecovative is the mycelium technology company that designs and grows sustainable materials that come straight from nature. The company's innovations address the global issue of plastic pollution and reliance on petrochemicals. Ecovative’s Mushroom Packaging provides a renewable, home compostable option that is free of chemicals and toxins and supports a circular economy.
“New York stands at the crossroads of change, and the policies within this bill pave the way for an economic renaissance. By incentivizing sustainable practices, we're not just curbing environmental degradation but also fostering an environment for green businesses to flourish. This translates to job creation in emerging sectors, increased investment in research and development, and the positioning of New York as a global leader in sustainability”, said Eben Bayer, CEO and Co-Founder of Ecovative.
Kaylaan is a visionary toothpaste company with a strong focus on sustainability, crafting eco-friendly toothpaste tablets that redefine oral care. Rooted in New York City, we are committed to revolutionizing the way we approach dental hygiene. Kaylaan stands out by manufacturing in the USA, fostering the green economy while mitigating our carbon footprint.
“Kaylaan's story is not just about toothpaste tablets; it's about reimagining how businesses can contribute to a more sustainable world. Our commitment to responsible manufacturing practices, coupled with a zero-waste approach, challenges industries to rethink their strategies and prioritize the planet. As consumers increasingly seek products that align with their values, Kaylaan's approach stands as a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable future”, said Deepti Brambl, Founder and CEO of Kaylaan.
Meliora creates products that clean your clothes, your home, and your body without plastic waste or harsh chemicals. Our sustainable cleaning products are better for the planet without compromising on cleaning power. All our products are single-use plastic-free and made with non-toxic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.Two of every three products sold by Meliora and shipped via e-commerce to customers in New York are sold in a “refill-and-reuse” format.
“We want all businesses to pay to cover the cost of their own product packaging, whether that’s through reuse-and-refill programs or packaging fees. We need this law so that the cost of product packaging is borne by the same companies that can change it by redesigning how products are sold”, said Kate Jakubas, Founder and COO of Meliora.
Muuse is a track and trace technology platform enabling reusable packaging as a service to reduce single use waste. Our platform is designed to be interoperable and scalable for any third party vendor to easily integrate their packaging within the Muuse system. We aim to be the leading platform for reusable packaging for manufacturers, retailers, corporations, and other reuse centered initiatives.
“The implementation of this bill will help catalyze a necessary transformation in how single use packaging waste is managed and produced. There are many companies out there today similar to us who have already proven that reusable packaging solutions are a necessary component to reducing the amount of packaging being disposed of and can help drive the necessary changes required by consumers and businesses. We are on the path to developing a new system for how we manage our growing waste problem and regulations are absolutely necessary in order to ensure we can make this transition happen before it’s too late. The responsibility of preserving this planet is up to us and will be determined by the actions we take today”, said Brittany Gamez, COO & Co-Founder Muuse.
Plaine Products sells personal care in returnable, reusable bottles via ecommerce and wholesale partnerships in all 50 states. Their e-commerce sales in New York are the second highest, after California.
“We are already doing what the law would require of all companies. We are living proof that companies can make the changes called for in this legislation and still thrive. We don’t need to sacrifice our environment to turn a profit. The businesses of today will need to embrace that approach in order to thrive tomorrow”, said Lindsey McCoy, CEO/Co Founder, Plaine Products.
Recirclable is a reuse enabler, providing consumers and food service providers the opportunity to reduce waste by offering reusable packaging as a simple and affordable alternative to single use. Recirclable integrates into select popular restaurant systems and processes, to make the transition as seamless and scalable as possible.
“Recirclable is proud to be a part of the reuse movement, showing the circular economy can provide viable alternatives to single use. We draw inspiration from the positive impact of legislation in expediting this transition in Europe and other parts of the world, highlighting the influential role legislation can play in making reuse prevalent”, said Margie Bell, Co-Founder of Recirclable.
Re:Dish offers a comprehensive reuse-as-a-service solution that sets the standard for environmental impact, empowering large organizations to seamlessly adopt circular practices, meet their sustainability targets, and drive positive change at scale. By providing reusable dishware and cups, the logistics to collect dirties and deliver clean daily, an industrial ware washing operation, and education and training.
“Re:Dish supports all aspects of the transition to reuse for food and beverage operations, says CEO Caroline Vanderlip, “we and others have already proven that reuse is viable; now it’s time to provide the legislative nudge necessary to make reuse ubiquitous.”
superzero sells award-winning salon quality hair and body care products in solid form that are completely plastic- and microplastic-free, carbon optimized and carbon neutral. superzero sells via wholesale partnerships and e-commerce to all US states. The brand’s biggest customer base is in New York State.
“There is a lot of unnecessary plastic waste that is purely caused by the way products are formulated for size and to enhance the shelf presence of brands. For example in hair care, liquid shampoos and conditioners include 80 to 90% water which is why they need to be packaged in oversized plastic bottles. There are currently no economic incentives for companies to reduce unnecessary packaging and it is important that these are put into place by policymakers to accelerate progress”, said Dr. Conny Wittke, Founder of superzero.
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