Congressman Brett Guthrie and Congressman Gary Palmer have announced a hearing focused on advanced recycling. The event, titled “Beyond the Blue Bin: Forging a Federal Landscape for Recycling Innovation and Economic Growth,” is set to take place on July 16, 2025, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C.
Guthrie and Palmer said that the hearing aims to explore new opportunities in recycling, assess current infrastructure, and evaluate if existing laws support the AI industry domestically. “From addressing e-waste and microplastics to creating opportunities for advanced recycling technologies, the Subcommittee on Environment is working to find commonsense solutions that promote innovation while protecting our nation’s soil, air, and water,” they said.
Dan Felton, President & CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), testified about challenges in recycling flexible packaging—a $42.9 billion industry employing 83,000 people. He highlighted issues such as infrastructure gaps and low recycling rates for complex materials. Felton also noted consumer confusion due to inconsistent state labeling laws.
Felton proposed several policy recommendations including supporting state Extended Producer Responsibility programs and advocating for federal harmonization of regulations. He suggested classifying advanced recycling technologies as manufacturing to attract investment and recommended passing federal legislation like the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act.
Felton emphasized the need for industry commitments to invest in recycling facilities and recognize post-industrial recycled content. He called for bipartisan action to modernize infrastructure, incentivize technology adoption, and standardize labeling.
The hearing will be open to the public and press with a livestream available on energycommerce.house.gov.
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