Reports & Advocacy from Associations and Coalitions
1. The CIRCLE Act (US) — July 17, 2025
A bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Suozzi (D-NY) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) aims to catalyze investment in U.S. recycling infrastructure through a 30% investment tax credit. Backed by groups like the Recycling Partnership, WWF, Aluminum Association, and Association of Plastic Recyclers, it targets enhanced circularity and supply chain resilience. (The Recycling Partnership)
2. Closed Loop Partners — 2024 Impact Report (Released August 2025)
This circular-economy-focused investment firm revealed its 2024 impact, noting:
- 16 billion pounds of materials kept in circulation.
- 25 million metric tons of GHG emissions avoided.
- $5 billion worth of materials/products preserved via investments in infrastructure, reuse, and recycling systems across multiple U.S. regions.
(Closed Loop Partners)
3. EU Circular Economy Action Highlights — Early July 2025
On July 2, the European Commission unveiled new measures ahead of the forthcoming Circular Economy Act (due 2026), including:
- Doubling recycled material use by 2030.
- Launching a Digital Waste Shipment System.
- Public consultation on “green-listed” waste and WEEE (electronic waste) targets. (Landbell Group)
4. Graphic Packaging’s 2024 Impact Insights — July 10, 2025
Leading in circular packaging, Graphic Packaging emphasized using renewable and recycled materials, DfE (Design for Environment) strategies, and paperboard-to-plastic replacements. Key achievements include:
- Replacing 1 billion plastic packages with paperboard.
- 97% of products sold deemed recyclable.
- 130+ new patents filed. (graphicpkg.com)
5. Canada’s Circular Materials Collaboration — July 22 & September 2, 2025
- July 22: Circular Materials formed a strategic alliance with Call2Recycle Canada to enhance recycling practices and public awareness.
- September 2: Allan Cosman was appointed as the new Board Chair.
No frontline worker reports were included, but these organizational moves signal shifting governance and leadership in producer responsibility frameworks.
(circularmaterials.ca)
Summary Table: Circularity Updates (Jul 1 – Sep 4, 2025)
| Date | Organization / Report | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 17, 2025 | CIRCLE Act (US) | Proposed tax credit for recycling infrastructure; broad coalition support |
| Jul 2, 2025 | EU Commission Circularity Initiatives | Steps towards Circular Economy Act; digital systems and regulatory updates |
| Jul 10, 2025 | Graphic Packaging | Impacted circular packaging: major plastic replacements and recyclability |
| Jul 22 / Sep 2, 2025 | Circular Materials (Canada) | Strategic PRO collaborations and board leadership change |
| Aug 12, 2025 | Closed Loop Partners | Impact report: billions in materials kept in circular flow |
Why It Matters for Stakeholders
- Policy Sparks Investment: The CIRCLE Act—if passed—could inject significant private capital into U.S. recycling and manufacturing infrastructure.
- Infrastructural Momentum: Closed Loop Partners’ impact shows scalable success in circular systems, with measurable environmental and economic returns.
- System-Level Innovation: EU and North American systems are taking shape—seen through digital tracking, policy reforms, and strategic alliances.
- Design & Product Evolution: Graphic Packaging demonstrates how DfE and renewably sourced materials can drive product-level circularity.
- Governance & Collaboration: Organizations in Canada are forming new partnerships and leadership, shaping how producer responsibility models evolve.