A statewide coalition of New Jersey’s leading business organizations has requested state lawmakers to support advanced recycling technology in an effort to address plastic waste. The coalition, which includes the state's largest employer groups representing hundreds of thousands of workers, views advanced recycling as crucial for developing a sustainable, circular manufacturing economy.
Advanced recycling technology enables the breakdown of plastic polymers into their original molecules, allowing more types of plastics to be remanufactured into new products. Currently, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled. Twenty-five other states have already passed legislation to enable this technology.
The following organizations support expanding advanced recycling technology in New Jersey:
- Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey
- Chemistry Council of New Jersey
- Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey
- New Jersey Business & Industry Association
- New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
- New Jersey Food Council
In a letter addressed to legislators, the coalition stated: “As leaders from across New Jersey, we support our state taking additional measures to expand advanced recycling technology as an integral step toward developing a sustainable, circular manufacturing economy.”
The letter highlighted that while plastics are prevalent in daily life, many types are challenging to recycle with current mechanical technologies. Existing facilities can handle items like water bottles but struggle with complex plastics such as Astroturf or mixed materials found in most food packaging. Consequently, most plastics end up in landfills or incinerators.
“Without new solutions, growing demand for plastics will continue to compound this challenge,” the letter noted. Advanced recycling offers modern techniques that break down plastics into raw materials chemically indistinguishable from new plastics. This process could facilitate the reuse of these materials in various high-quality products and packaging.
The coalition emphasized that building a robust circular economy would benefit both the environment and the economy by creating jobs and reducing landfill waste. They cited that since 2017, over 40 projects related to advanced recycling have been initiated across 25 states, attracting over $7 billion in investment and diverting nearly 9 million metric tons of waste from U.S. landfills.
Furthermore, incorporating recycled complex plastics into packaging and products is becoming increasingly common among familiar brands. However, without legislative action fostering industry growth in New Jersey, potential economic activity and job creation might bypass the state.
Advanced recycling also reduces carbon emissions from plastic production and offsets crude oil demand, aligning with New Jersey's net-zero emissions goals. The coalition stressed that preserving the environment is vital for maintaining the state's natural attractions enjoyed by millions annually.
New Jersey possesses an experienced workforce capable of addressing plastic waste through innovative industries. The coalition urged lawmakers to join states like Michigan, Illinois, and Virginia in adopting regulations supportive of advanced recycling.
Sincerely,
Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey
Chemistry Council of New Jersey
Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey
New Jersey Business & Industry Association
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
New Jersey Food Council
