The story of recyclable packaging doesn’t end at the bin. Retaining material value across the product lifecycle, securing supply chains against resource volatility, and meeting tightening compliance requirements all have a common denominator: functioning end markets for the recyclate. Yet for many materials and formats, those markets remain underdeveloped, and regulators aren’t waiting. Building solid end markets for secondary materials calls for proactivity in how different parts of the value chain — brands, MRFs, reclaimers, and policymakers — find their role and work in concert.
The pressure is real, but so is the opportunity: the carton sector shows what’s possible when industry invests collectively in infrastructure and end markets, with household access to carton recycling growing from around 18% in 2009 to 63% today (Waste Dive, 2026). How can this example inform the development of sustainable end markets for other packaging materials? Who needs to do what, and where does the right expertise lie in the value chain? There’s no single blueprint, but there are building blocks. This panel brings different perspectives together to discuss:
- The infrastructure gap: What does the business case for funding domestic recycling infrastructure actually look like, and what are effective ways to invest?
- Supply chain resilience: How do businesses make the link between circular material flows and a more stable, less import-dependent supply chain?
What to expect from this type of session...
You’ll hear a step-by-step breakdown of a very focused case study. From concept creation and business buy in; to identification of the right partners and implementation; to understanding impact and ROI. Always grounded in a real-world example, these sessions provide clear guidance and action points to take back to your own organisation.
