ReMA Celebrates the Power of Recycled Materials on America Recycles Day

On November 15, America Recycles Day, the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) emphasized the vital role of recycling in promoting sustainability, economic resilience, and environmental protection. This year, ReMA highlighted how recycling helps conserve resources, reduce carbon emissions, and cut down on waste.

Recycled Materials: Integral to Daily Life and Industry

Robin Wiener, President of ReMA, underscored the widespread use of recycled materials in everyday life and critical industries. “From the coffee cups we use to the cars we drive and the bridges we cross—recycled materials are in nearly everything around us,” she said. Recycled materials are essential in construction, automotive, and infrastructure sectors. It’s nearly impossible to go a day without utilizing products made from recycled content.

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Recycling

ReMA’s message also emphasized the environmental and economic advantages of recycling. Using recycled materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, and plastics reduces the need for raw material extraction, saving energy. Key statistics include:

• 90% of structural steel in hospitals and buildings comes from recycled steel.

• 25% of the average car body consists of recycled steel.

• 90% of steel in bridges is made from recycled content.

• Recycled plastics save 88% more energy than producing new plastic.

• Glass and aluminum can be recycled endlessly without losing quality, contributing to a zero-waste cycle.

These benefits not only support sustainability but also reduce carbon footprints and help minimize landfill waste, promoting the circular economy.

Strengthening the Circular Economy

ReMA emphasized the importance of a circular economy, where industries reuse, recycle, and repurpose materials instead of discarding them. This model plays a crucial role in sectors like construction, automotive manufacturing, and consumer goods. For example, companies recycle pizza boxes made from recycled paper into new boxes, demonstrating the reuse cycle.

Looking Ahead: Advancing Recycling Efforts

As sustainability efforts grow worldwide, ReMA continues advocating for innovative recycling solutions. By fostering collaborations between businesses, communities, and policymakers, the recycling industry aims to build a greener, more sustainable economy for the future.