Emerald Packaging joins US Flexible Film Initiative

Emerald Packaging, a supplier of retail flexible packaging for the produce industry, announced it has become a member of the US Flexible Film Initiative, a nonprofit initiative and industry coalition working to build a scalable, circular system for recycling flexible plastic packaging in the U.S.

Emerald Packaging is the first associate member and first flexible manufacturer to join. Founded in 1963, its customers include Taylor Farms, D’Arrigo California, Duda Farms, Grimmway Farms and Wada Farms.

Flexible packaging like bags, wraps and pouches is a fast-growing segment of the plastics industry, but these items face recycling challenges. The coalition, comprised of major consumer companies including Mars, PepsiCo, Nestlé, General Mills, Mondelēz and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, will provide funding to material recovery facilities and other recyclers to launch film and flexible plastic packaging recycling initiatives, with the initial focus being California.

Th effort will provide subsidies to bridge the gap between the cost of recycling plastics and the price at which companies can profitably sell it.

USFFI aims to scale recycling systems and move toward a model where flexible films are intentionally collected alongside other recyclables, especially at the curbside. The initiative seeks to establish reliable markets for flexible materials as California implements its extended producer responsibility program under SB54, which requires all single-use packaging and plastic foodware to be 100% recyclable or compostable by 2032.

“Joining USFFI aligns with Emerald’s belief that circularity is achievable when recyclers can sell the material at a profit,” said Kevin Kelly, CEO of Emerald Packaging. “Flexible packaging has long been the missing piece in the U.S. recycling system. By demonstrating that recyclers will process post-consumer flexible films when it’s economically viable, USFFI is helping to create a system that finally brings flexibles into the circular economy. We hope by proving the concept that the Circular Action Alliance will direct EPR funds to bridge this critical gap.”

“USFFI is proud to welcome Emerald Packaging as an associate member,” said Maite Quinn-Richards, executive director of USFFI. “We invite other brands, retailers and packaging converters to join and add their resources and leadership to this effort. Expanding our membership strengthens the funding pool and accelerates market development.”