The RMAA, introduced by Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) with nine original cosponsors, will help reduce plastic waste.
WASHINGTON, February 12, 2026 – Members of the Recycling Leadership Council (RLC), today welcomed the bipartisan introduction of the Recycled Materials Attribution Act (RMAA), legislation sponsored by Representative Nick Langworthy (R-NY) to help address the plastic waste challenge.
The RMAA would establish clear federal standards for recycling and recycled content marketing claims to reduce confusion for consumers and create regulatory certainty for businesses. This legislation will help supportrecycling innovation, reduce plastic waste, and improve recycling in the United States. It will also direct the Federal Trade Commission to update its Green Guides to conform with the legislation, ensuring timely consistent application of evidence-based marketing standards nationwide for consumers and businesses. The RLC, a broad coalition representing the recycling, manufacturing, packaging, and consumer products sectors, called the bill a necessary step in modernizing the nation’s recycling system.
“The Recycling Leadership Council is grateful to Congressman Langworthy for championing this foundational first step toward creating modern, national standards for marketing of recycled content,” said John Hewitt, Senior Vice President at the Consumer Brands Association. “We welcome this bipartisan commonsense legislation that will unlock investment and innovation, reduce plastic waste, and spur domestic manufacturing jobs.”
“Advanced technology in recycling is transforming how we recover and reuse materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, but our regulations have remained stagnant,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “This much-needed legislation changes that by modernizing and updating the rules with a uniform national standard that protects consumers from misleading claims while giving American manufacturers the certainty they need to invest, innovate, and compete. This legislation is a no-brainer for businesses, consumers, and our environment.”
The legislation is supported by a diverse coalition of consumer brands, packaging leaders, recyclers, and manufacturers who emphasize that clear national standards for marketing of recycled content are critical to improving recycling outcomes, tackling plastic waste, and meeting growing consumer demand for recycled materials. The RLC will continue working with Congress, federal agencies, and stakeholders across the recycling value chain to advance the RMAA.
The RMAA is co-sponsored by:
What They are Saying
The RMAA is important across American industry and its impact would advance their environmental goals in significant ways. Members supporting the bill include the Ag Container Recycling Council, American Chemistry Council, American Circular Textiles, Consumer Brands Association, Household & Commercial Products Association, Meat Institute, National Retail Federation, and the Plastics Industry Association.
American Chemistry Council
The RMAA is a commonsense technical solution that brings clarity and consistency to recycled-content marketing claims, helping unlock investment in advanced recycling and circular manufacturing. Clear national standards for marketing of recycled content will build trust and increase the supply of recycled materials.
American Circular Textiles
Federal recognition of mass balance could help unlock investment and scale for recycled and alternative feedstocks. To ensure credibility and effective implementation, clear guidance around third-party verification will be critical for the textile industry.
Consumer Brands Association
The makers of America’s trusted household brands need clear, national rules to make accurate recycled-content marketing claims and to meet growing demand for recycled materials. The RMAA creates clear national recycling standards for marketing of recycled content that will reduce confusion, lower compliance costs, and help deliver more recycled materials into American manufacturing.
About the Recycling Leadership Council
The Recycling Leadership Council (RLC) is a unified, broad-based coalition working to reduce plastic waste by advancing policies that improve recycling, strengthen resource efficiency, and support modern manufacturing solutions.
For more information, visit www.recyclingleadershipcouncil.org.