New webpages for the PET Thermoform Recycling Subcommittee and the PET Bale Quality Subcommittee have been posted in the Members Only section of the NAPCOR website. These pages contain reports, presentations, and technical information pertaining to each committee as well as summary notes and slides from past meetings. 

Two states have introduced Beverage Container Deposit Legislation this year. In Maryland, HB0982 / SB0684 had hearings in both houses of the legislature in March. While the support for deposits is growing in Maryland, the bills are not expected to make it out of committee this year. In Texas, HB2425 lays out the Lone Star state's approach to deposit legislation. Advocates are hoping to get a hearing in April, and legislative action before the session ends in June.

In Illinois, local governments are pushing for a new extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for postconsumer carpets. They are backing SB1433, a bill that would require that carpet manufacturers, working through the Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE), to establish and finance a collection and recycling system for carpets in the state. The system would be funded by a fee placed on carpet made of PET, PTT and blended fibers; nylon carpet would not be subject to the fee. The legislation sets the fee at 3.33 cents per square foot, paid by consumers of PET, PTT or blended carpets in the state. The carpet industry is opposing the legislation and encouraging the state to take advantage of its voluntary product stewardship program instead.    

A packaging EPR bill has been introduced in Rhode Island this session. Like last time around (in 2013) the draft legislation is framed as a measure to "reduce marine debris and preserve landfill space" while increasing recycling. Rumor has it that similar legislation will be introduced in Massachusetts.

In Maine, a bill has been introduced that will eliminate the deposit on containers that are 32 ounces and greater and replace it with a fee to finance a new recycling grant and loan fund. NAPCOR will closely track this bill if it moves through the legislature.

Recent research has found that marine debris is finding its way into fish tissue. Researchers have found small particles of plastic in fish skin, crab gills, and other fish membranes.