🎙️Welcome back to Crazy About Packaging! In this episode, Natalie, Mike, and Jonathan are joined by Kate Bailey, Chief Policy Officer at the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), to explore the challenges and solutions for creating a circular economy for plastics in North America. Discover the myths surrounding recycling and what it really takes to make recycling effective across the U.S.

🌍 Kate Bailey brings nearly 20 years of experience in the recycling industry, offering expert insights into policy and hands-on solutions. She discusses how better access to recycling, especially in underserved areas, and smarter packaging design can significantly improve recycling rates.

♻️ Did you know that while only 9% of plastics are recycled, this number includes items not meant for curbside bins? Kate explains how everyday items like plastic bottles and tubs are recycled at higher rates, and why policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are critical to boosting infrastructure and participation in recycling programs.

📦 Learn how the APR Design Guide is pushing for smarter, more recyclable packaging, and why better packaging decisions, from labels to caps, can make or break the recycling process.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website, and join the conversation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. Together, let’s get crazy about packaging and work towards a more sustainable future!