The Backbone of Manufacturing: ReMA Highlights Recycled Materials at Capitol Hill Event

On Tuesday, March 17, ReMA and the Congressional Recycling Caucus hosted the "America is Made with Recycled Materials" event at the Rayburn House Office Building.

Moderated by Cheryl Coleman, ReMA's Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Safety & Sustainability, the session focused on how recycled materials strengthen American manufacturing and domestic supply chains. Speakers included Andy Golding, Chief Strategy Officer at Kripke Enterprises and ReMA Chair-Elect, Scott Saunders, General Manager at KW Plastics, Terry Webber, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Pratt Industries, and Josh Reynolds, Manager of Government Affairs at CMC.

"With the relaunch of the Congressional Recycling Caucus this past Summer, and a renewed focus on recycling as a way to support and grow domestic manufacturing, this event gave ReMA an opportunity to highlight just how essential recycling is," said Kristen Hildreth, ReMA's Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy.

The event highlighted how innovation and modern processing transform surplus or end-of-life products into resources that strengthen American industry, jobs, and communities. Recycling is not a secondary activity-it is a core part of the manufacturing process, serving as both the first and last link in the supply chain, directly supporting American industry.

"From recycled materials acting as the primary feedstock for over 70% of the nation's steel production, to over 75% of paper mills relying on recycled feedstock to a certain extent, the event gave ReMA an opportunity to highlight this dependence and share the perspective of those doing this work every day," Hildreth noted.

As policymakers look at policy impacting supply chains, infrastructure, or trade, recycling must be considered a critical input-not an afterthought-in those conversations.

"From the CIRCLE Act to the STEWARD Act, the Recycling Composting Accountability Act, the Recycling Infrastructure Availability Act, and more, the proposals you're seeing reflect a growing focus on strengthening recycling systems, expanding material collection, and better identifying where strategic investments may be needed," Coleman noted in her opening remarks. "Taken together, they signal an important shift in working with industry to support continued innovation, enable growth, and ensure recycled materials remain a reliable input for modern manufacturing.

By participating in the session, policymakers and their staff had the chance to connect directly with industry leaders who could speak to the impacts that policies have on their operations, their communities, and the manufacturing they support.

"Through events like these, we're able to make sure recyclers are part of the conversations early, leading to more durable and effective legislative solutions," Hildreth added.