In the first Redefining Plastics Podcast episode for 2026, host Justin Riney delves into California SB 54, a legislative bill aimed at reducing plastic waste and implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

He discusses the bill’s requirements, including a 30% recycling rate for plastic-covered materials by 2028, and the potential challenges it poses to the packaging industry.

Riney examines the complexities and ambiguities of the bill, highlighting the lack of clear regulations and the unrealistic expectations given the current recycling infrastructure. He also emphasizes the importance of industry engagement and collaboration with policymakers to create practical and effective environmental regulations.

If you are in packaging or government affairs, you will want to check this out.

https://www.packagingdive.com/news/calrecycle-packaging-covered-materials-recycling-rates-sb54/808884/

https://cascadiaconsulting.com/project/sb-54-waste-characterization-study/

https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/

Redefining Plastics

https://www.redefiningplastics.com/

https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics

https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney discusses the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) with key industry leaders Richard Shaw of AmSty, Joe Grzyb of EFP, and Erin Haas of the PLASTICS Industry Association.

The conversation highlights the successes of the first year of the PSRA and the outlook for year 2 and beyond. The discussion highlights key projects that the PSRA has supported like EPS collection in Colorado with Circular Colorado.

The guests provide insights into the importance of polystyrene, regulatory landscapes like EPR, and advocacy efforts. The episode underscores the collective efforts needed to advance circularity and sustainability in the polystyrene industry, calling for more industry participation and collaboration.

https://www.plasticsindustry.org/

https://amsty.com/

https://www.efppackaging.com/

Redefining Plastics

https://www.redefiningplastics.com/

https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics

https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

In the milestone 50th episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney reflects on the growth and future direction of the show. He discusses the challenges posed by misinformation on social media, advocating for a strategic approach to engagement.

Riney emphasizes the importance of not engaging with misleading posts to avoid amplifying their reach. He calls for more positive engagement and the need for expanding the conversation beyond industry insiders.

The episode also delves into issues surrounding plastics recycling, the potential of microplastics research, and the need for continued advocacy to protect and improve the industry. Riney appeals for community support to broaden the show's outreach and impact.

Redefining Plastics

https://www.redefiningplastics.com/

https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics

https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

Do you work in the plastics industry? Are you frustrated with the fear surrounding plastic products?

The best way to combat fear is through communication: with consumers, with regulators, and with legislators. That is what organizations like the EPS Industry Alliance (EPSIA) do for the industry.

In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney interviews Walter Reiter from the EPS Industry Alliance (EPSIA). Walter shares his diverse background, from studying biology and law to his extensive experience in litigation, ultimately leading him to his current role at EPSIA.

The discussion delves into the intricacies of the plastic recycling industry, focusing on EPS, its recyclability, and public perceptions. They explore the challenges of extended producer responsibility (EPR), the effectiveness of drop-off recycling programs, and the broader issues of consumption and sustainability. Walter emphasizes the importance of community involvement, proper waste management, and the need for better communication and transparency in the industry.

EPSIA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-reiter-ab143316/

https://www.epsindustry.org/

https://www.epsindustry.org/recycling-map

Redefining Plastics

https://www.redefiningplastics.com/

https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics

https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

What do we do with plastics that cannot be recycled due to their application (ie diapers, small formats, etc.)? Raws has a technology that aims to break down these products at end-of-life.

In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney speaks with Camilo Ferro of Raws about innovative technology aimed at making plastics fully biodegradable.

Camilo outlines their patented technology, which transforms plastics back to biomass without leaving microplastics. They discuss the benefits, applications, and testing behind this groundbreaking approach, along with addressing common skepticism and explaining how their solution is both environmentally beneficial and scalable.

Camilo also shares his journey from composting to tackling the plastic waste problem and encourages companies to consider this sustainable approach.

Raws

https://www.linkedin.com/in/camiloaferro/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/raws-tech/

www.rawsamericas.com

Redefining Plastics

https://www.redefiningplastics.com/

https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics

https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

How do we make plastic recycling work in the United States? Collaboration! In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney and co-host Samantha Ryan welcome Adam Hill, co-founder of Brave Industries.

They discuss the inefficiencies of the current recycling system and Brave's revolutionary approach to creating an equitable, sustainable, and efficient recycling market. The podcast includes a segment of 'Two Truths and a Lie' focusing on pop culture, plastics, and news. Adam elaborates on Brave's mission of improving the recycling industry through collaboration, transparency, and equitable capitalism.

The episode emphasizes the importance of building a strong, supportive culture within the industry and the benefits of creating circular recycling models for a more sustainable future.

Brave Industries

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-hill-%F0%9F%A6%85-4b3bbabb/

https://www.brvind.com/

Redefining Plastics

https://www.redefiningplastics.com/

https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics

https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

In this episode of the 'Redefining Plastics' podcast, host Justin interviews Adrian Colesberry from Buoy. Adrian discusses Buoy's mission to create sustainable products, specifically focusing on the company's innovative use of ocean-bound HDPE plastic for their iconic reusable water bottles.

The conversation covers issues related to polystyrene recycling, environmental impacts of different materials, and the challenges of manufacturing in the USA. Adrian shares insights on creating a truly recyclable product and emphasizes the company's commitment to reducing carbon footprints.

The episode also delves into broader topics like effective recycling systems, public misconceptions about plastics, and the role of scientific research in addressing environmental concerns.

Adrian and Buoy

https://www.buoy.eco/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriancolesberry/

Redefining Plastics

https://www.redefiningplastics.com/

https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics

https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm

Articles Referenced in the Show

https://rdcu.be/eDRnz

https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-a-study-investigating-the-accumulation-of-microplastics-in-human-organs/

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.4c12599

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-16529-0

https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/notification/microplastics-in-the-brain-bfr-evaluates-new-study-so-far-no-evidence-of-health-risks/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141391010004581

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8714882/

Do you think that plastic recycling is a fraud? Are you worried about the future of the recycling industry globally with all of the negative headlines?

In this episode of the Redefining Plastics Podcast, host Justin Riney talks to Simon Van Leuven, the Australian Director of Vanden Recycling. They discuss Simon's background, the growth and global expansion of Vanden Recycling, and the challenges and opportunities in the recycling industry.

Topics include global trade, economic challenges, the impact of regulations like the Basel Convention, and the importance of collaboration across the supply chain. They also touch on the similarities and differences in recycling practices between Australia and the U.S., emphasizing the need for long-term commitments and effective EPR schemes to improve recycling rates. This video is part of the Redefining Plastics podcast on plastics recycling, plastics sustainability, and the narrative around plastics.

Simon's Contact Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-van-leuven-48354980/ https://www.vandenrecycling.com/en/

Redefining Plastics

https://www.redefiningplastics.com/

https://www.brvind.com/redefining-plastics

https://rss.com/podcasts/redefining-plastics-with-justin-riney https://www.instagram.com/redefining_plastics/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-ryan-%F0%9F%A6%85-77057322a/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-riney-mba-67685940/ https://youtube.com/@redefiningplastics?si=KvG4dTvY1lALbwIm