Priorities
Circular Great Lakes unites key sectors and stakeholders to create the systemic changes necessary to transition to a circular economy—starting with plastics—in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada.
Now, the region must work proactively and collaboratively across borders to tackle this major global challenge.
Building Systems for the Circular Economy
A gap analysis was completed in 2021 to evaluate the bi-national Great Lakes region's performance in six key areas of materials management best practices.
Using the findings from the gap analysis, a five-year circular economy strategy and action plan for forging a future without plastic packaging waste and litter was developed and released on June 28, 2022.
Through this plan, working groups and new partnerships will be formed, projects prioritized in three areas, described below, to drive the systems change needed to close the loop and achieve a circular economy for plastics in the region.
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Priorities for Forging a Future Without Plastic Packaging Waste and Litter
Operating in tandem with other zero plastic waste measures, a modern and effective recycling system is a key component of closing the loop and eliminating plastic marine debris. Yet, too many Great Lakes households still do not have access to recycling options. Additionally, regional recycling rules differ, with policies in many places still favoring a throw-away economy and recycling system infrastructure is aging and lacks investments in advanced materials management practices.
To tackle these issues facing the region, the Circular Great Lakes strategy and action plan centers around three key priorities as the initiative moves from vision to action:
Priority One: Clean up and end plastic waste and litter from entering the Great Lakes watershed, earth’s largest freshwater system.
Priority Two: Accelerate development of plastic packaging recycling supply chains and markets, with a focus on flexible plastics.
Priority Three: Achieve a step change in plastics recycling quantity and quality through policy, consumer behavior, and investments in infrastructure and advanced technologies.
Guiding Principles for the Circular Economy
Innovation
Transform recovery pathways and end markets for a wider array of plastic packaging, utilizing advanced infrastructure and technology.
Investment
Leverage investments from business, government, and others to pilot and scale circular economy solutions throughout the region.
Collective Action
Develop a five-year strategy and action plan for regional implementation through a collaborative approach based on the 6 key areas outlined above.