Recycling is Real: Two years of progress and purpose 

This year marks a major milestone for the Recycling is Real initiative — celebrating two years of showcasing the people, places and stories that drive recycling forward in communities across America. 

Launched in 2023 by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), this national advocacy initiative was built around a simple but powerful idea: shine a spotlight on the real people, processes and technologies behind plastic recycling. In just two years, Recycling is Real has produced 22 videos — reaching an estimated 6 million people — and ignited a more grounded, realistic conversation around recycling’s value. 

The videos show recycling from New York to California to Ohio, including the most recent video in the series at Alpek Polyester — a leading PET recycler in Reading, Pa., where used plastic bottles are transformed into new products again and again through the recycling process. Check out the video on RecyclingisReal.com. 

“The Recycling Is Real campaign has helped to transform public perception by highlighting the real people and processes behind recycling,” said Matt Seaholm, president and CEO of PLASTICS. “Our goal was to bring policymakers and elected officials inside recycling facilities — through the campaign’s digital storytelling — where recycling happens every single day. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and the recognition it brings to the vital role recycling plays in communities across the country.” 

By amplifying the voices of recyclers, processors and manufacturers, the initiative debunks persistent myths and demonstrates that recycling is not only real — but essential. Along with creating jobs, strengthening local economies and reducing waste, recycling keeps valuable materials out of the environment and in our economy. 

This year, the campaign continued its momentum on Capitol Hill, with PLASTICS spearheading the We Recycle Working Group open house and recycling caucus kick-off last month. The We Recycle Working Group is comprised of 21 organizations representing a diverse group of industries and constituents, united to reinforce the importance of recycling as an essential part of America’s sustainable future. The event brought together industry leaders and lawmakers to underscore the importance of policies that support recycling innovation, strengthen infrastructure and deliver real benefits to communities across the country. 

“Participating in the We Recycle Working Group’s Capitol Hill event was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how recycling drives economic growth and environmental progress across a multitude of industries,” said Stephanie Strategos Polis, PLASTICS’ VP of public affairs. “It’s incredibly encouraging to see accelerated bipartisan support around policies that strengthen our recycling systems and benefit communities nationwide.” 

Beyond national advocacy, PLASTICS continues to engage in global dialogue as well, including participation in the UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations. Whether on the global stage or in local communities, our mission remains focused on practical, forward-thinking solutions that support innovation and infrastructure. 

As we celebrate two years of Recycling is Real, we also look forward to new partnerships, new technologies and new ways to drive real change. The stories are out there. The solutions are real. And the momentum is only getting stronger.