Please share some background on yourself and your company 

I’ve spent over 25 years focused on solving technology challenges for companies from start-up to billion-dollar industry-leaders. In 2019, I founded Diversys to address the growing need for flexible, scalable and easy-to-use tools in recycling and resource management. At the time, there was a lack of trustworthy software in the recycling space that could help organizations gain visibility of their operations from end to end. Our software platform was built to simplify the recycling process for organizations, helping them achieve real results without worrying about tech complexity. At Diversys, we aim to make a real difference by supporting sustainable recycling efforts globally. The name Diversys, which comes from a blend of Diversion Systems, reflects our goal of diverting waste from landfills easily and cost-effectively.

How important is tracking in the plastics recycling industry? How can digital tools optimize the tracking process?

Tracking is essential in plastics recycling to build trust and improve efficiency. There are two key challenges: the perception that plastics aren’t being recycled and the need to improve the recycling supply chain. Digital tools like Diversys can enhance transparency by mapping the entire process, from collection to remanufacture, ensuring materials are tracked accurately through each step.

When used properly, these tools reduce manual errors and increase accountability, showing that plastics are not only being recycled but done so efficiently. By minimizing material loss and improving handovers between parties, digital solutions can strengthen collaboration across the supply chain, ultimately driving better sustainability outcomes.

What role does EPR currently play in the North American plastics recycling system? Can you compare EPR schemes in North American countries with one another or with countries in other regions (such as Europe)?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is still emerging in North America. It began in Europe in the 1990s and arrived in Canada in 2002, first in Ontario, and more recently in the U.S. EPR is vital for improving plastic recycling rates—currently, the U.S. recycles 5% of plastics, Canada 9%, while the EU exceeds 40%.

One of the key challenges with recycling plastics is that it is more expensive than using unrecycled plastics. EPR addresses this by holding producers accountable for designing more recyclable plastics and ensuring they are properly managed. Similar to how car manufacturers were pushed to adopt catalytic converters to reduce automotive emissions, EPR shifts responsibility to producers to ensure their plastics are recycled, driving more sustainable practices across industries.

How would you like to see EPR schemes in North America evolve in the coming years? What are the current limitations and what work needs to be done?

EPR in North America would benefit from stronger collaboration and a shift toward more consistent, mandatory frameworks. By working together, stakeholders can ensure that producers are held accountable while supporting the transition. Raising awareness among consumers, employees, and shareholders is essential to encourage responsible choices and shared responsibility.

Canada’s greenwashing law and the SEC’s climate disclosure rules are steps forward, but consistent EPR rules across states and provinces are crucial. Navigating multiple regulations is inefficient. A unified approach would simplify compliance and make EPR more effective. Tools like Diversys can help producers streamline waste management across jurisdictions and meet these evolving requirements.

What innovations in infrastructure, policy, or technology do you think will have the largest impact on plastics recycling rates in the North American region?

While innovations in biodegradable plastics have potential, enhanced EPR frameworks would be game-changing to improve plastic recycling rates in North America. Collaboration between consumers, producers, and policymakers is key. While consumers play a role, and at-home sorting helps, producers must take more responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their plastics, ensuring accurate reporting on their recycling efforts and with the same commitment to transparency and auditability used to track and report their financial performance.

Technologies like Diversys are supporting this by providing the data necessary for informed decision-making in the reverse supply chain, enabling real progress in recycling operations. By working together and sharing accountability, all stakeholders can drive meaningful improvements in the recycling process and ensure greater sustainability across the plastics industry.

Roger Barlow will be speaking on Day 1 at the Plastics Recycling World Expo Theater.

Conference Producer

Peter Hannan-Young has a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Reading, UK, and a Masters in Green Chemistry from Imperial College London, UK. He has previously worked for Sun Chemical developing their UV-curing inkjet products but now works for AMI as a Conference Producer. He is interested in materials and is passionate about sustainability and likes to use his knowledge of both to drive environmentally-conscious development in industry.