The US Plastics Pact has introduced its three reports aimed at bolstering the circular economy for plastics in the country.   

The playbooks, comprising Design for Recyclability Playbook, Design for Reuse Playbook, and Design for Compostability Playbook, offer detailed guidelines to ensure that plastic packaging is continuously reused, recycled, or composted.  

The Design for Recyclability Playbook is crafted to ensure plastic packaging aligns with current recycling infrastructures.  

It outlines strategies for designing new packaging and refining existing solutions to enhance recycling efficiency, reduce problematic materials, and ultimately boost national recycling rates. 

The Design for Reuse Playbook delivers a framework for creating and implementing reusable packaging systems.  

In line with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's global principles, it encourages the adoption of practices that cut down on single-use plastics and promote a reuse culture, an essential move for companies aiming to reduce waste. 

Addressing the integration of compostable packaging into the US organics diversion systems, the Design for Compostability Playbook provides guidelines for creating packaging that decomposes effectively in composting facilities.  

This process transforms waste into valuable compost, contributing to soil health and sustainable agriculture. 

US Plastics Pact CEO Jonathan Quinn said: "These reports are crucial tools that hold all of us accountable for designing sustainable and environmentally friendly plastic packaging.

"By providing clear, actionable guidelines, we empower companies and organisations to make informed decisions to drive substantial improvements in plastic design and management. We all need to take responsibility, and these guidelines help us do just that." 

The US Plastics Pact, a collaborative network of businesses, government agencies, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), and research institutions, is dedicated to promoting a circular economy for plastics.  

In June this year, it unveiled its strategic plan, Roadmap 2.0, setting forth targets to continue advancing sustainability in the plastics sector.