PRESS RELEASE: PCPA Seeks New Members to Strengthen Poly Coated Paper Recovery

Inviting packaging and recycling stakeholders to a membership info session focused on accelerating recovery, end-market development, and system alignment

ANN ARBOR, MI>>> (November 20, 2025) —  Organizations looking to support stronger recovery pathways for poly coated paper packaging and navigate new EPR requirements are encouraged to join the Poly Coated Paper Alliance (PCPA) and attend the upcoming virtual membership info session on December 3 at 1pm EST. Prospective members will learn how joining PCPA enables coordinated action across the supply chain, ensuring that the work advancing poly coated paper recovery reflects broad industry input and engagement.

The session will help brands, packaging producers, retailers, material recovery facilities (MRFs), and trade associations understand how participation in PCPA supports policy readiness, end-market development, and scalable recovery solutions. As expectations around recyclability and state policy requirements continue to rise, active engagement across the value chain has never been more important.

Over the past two years, PCPA has completed its Phase 1 work: conducting field testing and research to close key data gaps, developing universal design guidance, and establishing a unified voice for poly coated paper recovery. With Phase 2 now underway, the Alliance is shifting from documenting the system to actively strengthening it.

There is still meaningful work to do to build a consistent and scalable recovery pathway, and PCPA is encouraging more stakeholders to take an active seat at the table by joining the Alliance. New members are expected to engage in research and recovery workstreams, contribute insights that guide research and design priorities, and support clear, consistent communication of PCPA’s mission.

“Poly coated paper recovery is at a turning point, and the progress we’re seeing is the direct result of industry partners working together,” said Marty Seaman, project director for PCPA. “EPR impacts every part of the value chain, so everyone has a role to play. Growing PCPA’s membership will help deliver the alignment and market development required to support recovery at scale.”

Membership is open year-round, and the December 3 info session will walk prospective members through PCPA’s current workstreams, expectations for member involvement, and how organizations can contribute to research and recovery efforts.

Register today to learn more about PCPA and explore membership opportunities: https://recycle.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tWoeNk-KQ0uzi5sPvcd65Q

For more information about the Poly Coated Paper Alliance, visit www.polycoatedpaperalliance.com.

###

The Poly Coated Paper Alliance (PCPA) was founded in 2023 to provide a collaborative industry platform for achieving widespread collection and recycling of poly coated paper products. PCPA membership represents every step in the supply chain from collection and sorting, to pulping, mills, converters, packaging manufacturers, and brands. PCPA is managed by Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Resource Recycling Systems (RRS). Learn more at www.polycoatedpaperalliance.com