2021 has begun and already statements of purpose are pouring in from governments around the world. American President Elect Joe Biden’s climate and environmental justice proposal will make a federal investment of $1.7 trillion across the US between 2021 and 2031. The EU will start collecting tax on non-recyclable plastic to encourage the reuse, while the German Lieferkettengesetz (German Supply Chain Act) is set to hold businesses legally accountable for social as well as environmental issues. Although the details of such plans are still being decided; understanding how to make global supply chains sustainable has never been more important.

PFI’s sustainability team will launch the PFI Recycled Material Certification (RMC) Light in the second quarter of the year. A sister certification to the RMC Blue (ocean-bound plastic recycled content certification) and RMC (recycled content certification), both launched in 2020, the RMC Light also assists companies to upcycle recycled materials into final products. The new version promises increased accessibility for brands with more complex products (e.g. footwear), as well as certification for a wider range of source materials and a more streamlined traceability process.