RLG Shares Key Takeaways from the Resource Recycling Conference
RLG recently participated in the Resource Recycling Conference, one of the leading gatherings for professionals committed to advancing recycling systems across North America. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to discuss emerging trends, regulatory developments, and innovative solutions, shaping the future of material recovery.
Representing RLG and Minnesota’s Boat Wrap Stewardship Program – Wrap Recycle Right, Operations Program Coordinator, Sarah Bonvallet, attended the three‑day conference alongside Andriana Kontovrakis, RLG’s Director of EPR Solutions, to learn and share insights on how collaboration and innovation are driving progress within the circular economy.
Exploring New Pathways for Recycling
Throughout the sessions, including “Textile EPR Clinic” and “Beyond Packaging: Early Lessons from New EPR Programs for Hard-to-Recycle Products,” participants explored how recycling programs are adapting to evolving policy landscapes and market conditions. Key discussions focused on building scalable collection systems, strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, and identifying practical pathways for materials with historically limited recycling options.
During a panel discussion on EPR and innovation, Sarah and Andriana joined industry peers to discuss how recycling systems can evolve to capture more materials and keep valuable resources in circulation.
“We have a lot of boats and a lot of winter,” Sarah noted.
That simple statement reflects Minnesota’s unique recycling challenge: each year, thousands of boats are wrapped in protective plastic to endure the state’s long winters. When spring arrives, that material must be collected and managed sustainably. Programs like Wrap Recycle Right demonstrate how industry partnerships and community engagement can turn what was once waste into a recoverable resource.
Building Systems That Enable Change
Sarah emphasized that innovation and collaboration are essential drivers of recycling progress.
“The road ahead is ambitious – and that’s exactly why it’s exciting. By continuing to innovate, expand, and engage, Wrap Recycle Right is building a future where boat wrap is not waste, but a resource.”
Her message underscored how stewardship programs across the United States are helping producers, municipalities, and recyclers work together to create scalable, practical recycling infrastructure.
“The innovations that need to happen for recycling (any material) rely upon our collective abilities and I am excited to play a small part in that innovation.”
Looking Ahead
The Resource Recycling Conference served as a valuable opportunity to connect with other leaders, innovators, and policymakers in the recycling space and exchange ideas on creating more circular systems. Events like this highlight both the complexity of the work ahead and the momentum building across the industry.
RLG’s Role in Supporting PRO Operations
As circularity continues to evolve through new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, effective program management has become fundamental to successful implementation. RLG works alongside Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) and Stewardship Organizations (SOs) to design, manage, and optimize recycling systems that deliver measurable results.
Our team provides comprehensive PRO Support Services that cover every aspect of program operations – from strategic design and producer registration to reporting, stakeholder engagement, and technical infrastructure. These services are supported by RLG’s end‑to‑end expertise in:
- Stakeholder engagement across producers, regulators, and collection partners.
- Data and compliance management for accurate, transparent producer reporting.
- IT systems and digital tools that enable scalable, real‑time program oversight.
- Operational optimization to ensure efficient collection and recycling systems.
With over 30 years of international experience managing complex EPR programs across multiple sectors, RLG combines deep regulatory knowledge with hands‑on operational capability. Whether supporting the launch of a new PRO or optimizing an existing one, RLG helps organizations build strong, compliant, and sustainable systems.
Need Support with EPR or PRO Operations?
Get in touch with our team to learn how RLG can help advance your organization’s circular economy goals.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Laws are subject to interpretation and change without notice, so always consult with professional advisors and refer to primary sources. Content is accurate as of publication date but may not be regularly updated.
