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ARTICLE · 16 JANUARY 2026

2026 Regulatory Outlook: Advanced Recycling

K&L Gates
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The recycling industry, traditionally seen as stable, is in an era of innovation and growth. A class of advanced recycling technologies is emerging to address plastics that conventional recycling methods cannot process...

United StatesEnvironment
Maureen O'Dea Brill
Maureen O'Dea Brill
Cliff L. Rothenstein
Cliff L. Rothenstein

The recycling industry, traditionally seen as stable, is in an era of innovation and growth. A class of advanced recycling technologies is emerging to address plastics that conventional recycling methods cannot process, converting materials like mixed film and multilayer packaging into reusable chemical ingredients. While some of the core processes have been around for decades, what's new is how these technologies are being refined, scaled, and integrated into circular-economy strategies. Modern applications are quickly gaining momentum as brands pursue circularity, states enforce waste-reduction measures, and artificial intelligence-driven efficiencies enhance processing. What started as a promising concept is quickly becoming one of the most closely followed growth stories in the materials sector.

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