Innovation Is the American Spirit
As we mark Flag Day, we honor the freedoms that define the American experience—including the freedom to innovate. America has a rich heritage of cutting-edge innovation, and the plastics industry is no exception. As Americans, we have inherited a unique spirit of grit and determination – a spirit that has powered revolutions in industry, medicine, agriculture, and technology. Today, you can find that same drive alive and well in the laboratories, workshops, and facilities where U.S. manufacturers are developing breakthrough technologies to recycle plastic, remanufacture used materials, and strengthen American supply chains. These efforts are not only good for the environment—they’re helping reshape American manufacturing and create well-paying jobs here at home.
A Legacy of Leadership in Technology
From the steam engine to the smartphone, America has led the world in developing new technologies that change the way we live. Leading in advanced manufacturing and plastics innovation is no different—and that leadership depends on a regulatory framework that keeps pace with progress. American manufacturing leadership thrives in open systems that reward risk-taking, welcome innovation, and empower engineers and entrepreneurs to bring tomorrow’s solutions to life.
Advanced Recycling: Powering Sustainable Manufacturing
The field of plastics recycling is evolving rapidly. Traditional mechanical recycling is expanding, and advanced recycling technology—which breaks plastic down to its molecular building blocks—is already helping deliver efficient solutions to recycle significantly more plastics – a wider range of types and greater amounts – across industries.
This type of remanufacturing gives new life to used plastics and helps build a truly sustainable plastics industry. It’s happening right now in the U.S., pioneered by American chemists, engineers, and manufacturers who see the potential to reduce waste and strengthen our supply chains.
Why Regulatory Reform Is Essential
Despite its promise, advanced recycling faces hurdles in a protracted permitting process that has historically viewed used plastics as “waste” instead of a resource for making new products. The Environmental Protection Agency has the chance—and the responsibility—to fix that. By establishing a forward-looking, science-based framework for advanced recycling, the EPA can help unlock a new era of sustainable manufacturing, reduce landfill waste, cut emissions, and secure American leadership in a global race for cleaner materials.
Raising the Flag for American Ingenuity
Freedom isn’t just about speech or the right to vote—it’s also about the freedom to invent, to test, and to build something better. It’s about the freedom to take full advantage of the opportunities that new technologies afford, to disrupt old systems with better ones, and to strengthen industries that serve both people and the planet.
Americans don’t shy away from challenges – we tackle them head on. With the right policies in place, advanced recycling can help us lead the world in addressing plastic waste.
Happy Flag Day.
Here’s to freedom, and to the future we’re building together.
