ReMA Celebrates the Power of Recycled Materials on America Recycles Day

On America Recycles Day, November 15, the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) took the opportunity to highlight the undeniable impact of recycled materials on sustainability, economic resilience, and environmental protection. This year, ReMA emphasized the crucial role recycling plays in everyday products and industries, stressing how recycled materials help conserve resources, reduce carbon emissions, and cut down on waste.

Recycled Materials: Essential to Daily Life and Industry
In her statement, Robin Wiener, President of ReMA, pointed out that recycled materials are an integral part of countless products and industries that we rely on. “From the coffee cup we are using to the cars we drive and the bridges we cross—recycled materials are a part of virtually everything around us,” she said. Wiener also noted that recycled materials are a critical component in sectors like construction, automotive, and infrastructure, adding that it’s nearly impossible to go a day without using something made from recycled content.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Recycling
ReMA’s message focused on how the recycling industry not only supports a sustainable future but also enhances economic resilience. Recycled materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, and plastics play a pivotal role in reducing the need for raw material extraction and conserving energy. Key statistics include:

• 90% of the structural steel in hospitals and buildings is made from recycled steel.
• 25% of the average car body consists of recycled steel.
• 90% of steel used in bridges is made from recycled content.
• Recycled plastics save 88% more energy than producing new plastic from virgin raw materials.
• Glass and aluminum can be recycled endlessly without any loss in quality, contributing to a zero-waste cycle.
  By using these materials, industries can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and cut down on landfill waste, reinforcing the importance of a circular economy.

Strengthening the Circular Economy
ReMA’s celebration of America Recycles Day also underscores the growing importance of a circular economy, where materials are reused, recycled, and repurposed instead of being discarded. In sectors like construction, automotive manufacturing, and consumer goods, the use of recycled materials is a key part of reducing reliance on virgin resources. The association also highlighted the example of pizza boxes, made from recycled paper, which are then recycled again into new boxes.

Looking Ahead: Advancing Recycling Efforts
As the global push for sustainability accelerates, ReMA continues to advocate for innovative recycling solutions and collaborations among businesses, communities, and policymakers. By working together, these groups aim to build a future where the benefits of recycling reach their full potential, helping the world transition to a greener, more sustainable economy.