CIRCLE’s mission is to advance knowledge and build capacity for effective circular economy policies, with a focus on best practices and system-level approaches such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Systems (DRS), and Reuse and Refill models. Through an inclusive, “all sides of the table” approach, CIRCLE fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

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Since 2022, the following organizations have engaged in CIRCLE events

Virtual Plenaries

CIRCLE plenaries, available to all OPLN members, are designed to foster collaboration and learning through six virtual convenings.

Plenaries keep multi-stakeholder leadership connected to the development, implementation, and evolution of circular policies in real time.

Virtual Plenaries
03-06-2025
1-2:30 pm ET
Virtual
Lessons Learned | Connect to the Evolution of US Circular Policies in Real Time
CIRCLE Plenary March 6, 2025
OPLN is pleased to host its first 2025 virtual plenary for its dedicated CIRCLE network. Through segments like the "US Circular Policy Navigator", "Writer's Room" & "Implementer's Insights", CIRCLE virtual plenaries offer direct engagement with the legislators, policy experts, regulators, and value chain stakeholders behind passed and developing circular policies.
04-10-2025
1-2:30 PM ET
Virtual
A Critical Juncture | Lessons and Impact from California EPR Implementation & Federal EPR Developments
CIRCLE Plenary April 10, 2025
In March 2025, the United States saw major developments in EPR for packaging legislation. Development of a federal EPR framework to inform a bill began, and implementation of California's SB 54 legislation was postponed. On April 10, multi-stakeholder leaders – including the legislation writers and implementers – will reflect on learning, challenges, opportunities, and national & state-level impact.

Expeditionary Summits

CIRCLE expeditionary summits take this effort further by uniting policymakers, NGOs, and stakeholders from across the value chain at two flagship events in Canada.

These summits provide an opportunity to explore key learning from implemented circular policies.

Expeditionary Summits
06-09-2025 06-12-2025
Montréal, Québec
Join us in Montréal, Québec
CIRCLE's June 2025 Expeditionary Summit
Between June 9 - 12, 2025, CIRCLE will bring multi-stakeholder leaders to Montréal, Québec to gain hands-on experience with circular systems in action.

Engaged Multi-stakeholder Leadership

01/03
Abraham Aiyash
Majority Floor Leader
Michigan House of Representatives
Alex Valdez
State Representative
Colorado
Ben Isabel
Chief of Staff, Senator Laura Fine
Illinois
Beth Doglio
State Representative
Washington
Bridget Valverde
State Senator
Rhode Island
Dawn Euer
State Senator
Rhode Island
Dylan de Thomas
VP of Public Policy & Government Affairs
The Recycling Partnership
Heidi Campbell
State Senator
Tennessee
Janeen Sollman
State Senator
Oregon
Kate Bailey
Chief Policy Officer
Association of Plastic Recyclers
Kristin Williams
Chief of Staff, Senator Rachel May
New York
Liz Berry
State Representative
Washington
Lori Gramlich
State Representative
Maine
Nan Orrock
State Senator
Georgia
Nicole Grohoski
State Senator
Maine
Nicole Portley
Program Plan Lead
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Richard Bennett
State Senator
Maine
Sharon Shewmake
State Senator
Washington
Stacy Brenner
State Senator
Maine
Sydney Jordan
State Representative
Minnesota
Tina Andolina
Senior Policy Advisor - Senator Ben Allen’s Office
California
Victoria Reinhardt
Elected Chair of the Minnesota Packaging EPR Advisory Board
State of Minnesota