Introducing the U.S. Flexible Film Initiative: Building the Future of Film Recycling
The U.S. Flexible Film Initiative (USFFI) is proud to announce its official launch as a nonprofit industry coalition dedicated to building a scalable, responsible, and circular system for the recovery and recycling of flexible plastic packaging in the United States.
Flexible films—such as bags, wraps, and pouches—are among the fastest-growing packaging formats due to their efficiency and lightweight properties. However, they remain one of the most challenging materials to recycle. USFFI was created to meet this challenge head-on by unlocking the full potential of flexible film recycling through strategic funding, infrastructure development, and strong partnerships across the value chain.
Our Mission and Approach
At its core, USFFI is committed to supporting the recovery of post-consumer flexible films and ensuring that these materials are recycled into high-quality, marketable end products. Our focus is on catalyzing long-term, sustainable solutions by working collaboratively with producers, material recovery facilities (MRFs), reclaimers, and end markets.
To that end, USFFI will soon launch its first Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify and support demonstration projects—beginning in California—that prove the technical and economic viability of recovering and recycling MRF-collected flexible films. These real-world demonstrations will help inform future investments, contracting models, and policy approaches that can be scaled nationally.
Board Leadership and Governance
USFFI is governed by a board of industry leaders representing both private sector stakeholders and nonprofit advisors who bring decades of experience in recycling, circular economy strategy, and materials innovation. The board is responsible for setting strategic priorities, reviewing demonstration outcomes, and ensuring accountability and transparency in fund allocation and program performance.
Our board members include senior leaders from brand organizations committed to sustainable recovery of flexible plastic packaging.
Founding Corporate Members
We are honored to be supported by a group of leading global brands that have joined as USFFI’s founding corporate members. These companies include Nestlé, PepsiCo, Mars, Mondelēz International, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and General Mills. Each has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and is playing a hands-on role in shaping the future of flexible film recovery and recycling in the U.S.
Together, these founding partners are providing the funding and leadership necessary to launch critical demonstration projects, build infrastructure, and advance solutions that align with circular economy principles and regulatory readiness.
Looking Ahead
USFFI is still in its early stages, but our vision is clear: a U.S. recycling system where flexible films are no longer seen as waste, but as a valuable material stream that supports a circular economy. With the support of our board, founding members, and partners across the recycling value chain, we believe we can turn that vision into reality.
Stay tuned for the release of our first RFP, updates on demonstration projects, and opportunities to join this groundbreaking initiative.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.usffi.org or contact us at mquinn@usffi.org