OPLN's CIRCLE

OPLN's CIRCLE is a multi-stakeholder learning platform designed to keep multi-stakeholder leadership connected to the real-time evolution of U.S. circular policy

CIRCLE’s mission is to advance knowledge and build capacity for effective circular economy policies, with a focus on system-level approaches. Through an inclusive, “all sides of the table” approach, CIRCLE fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging and other circular policies like recycling refund (also called deposit return, or bottle bills) and reuse and refill models.

Since 2022, the following organizations have engaged in CIRCLE events

In-Person Events & Expeditionary Summits

CIRCLE hosts a variety of in-person multi-stakeholder convenings to deepen collaboration, including dedicated programming tracks at world renowned conferences.

CIRCLE expeditionary summits unite policymakers, NGOs, and stakeholders from across the value chain. In 2025, CIRCLE will host two expeditionary summits in Canada.

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

In-Person Events & Expeditionary Summits

10-14-202510-16-2025

Vancouver, British Columbia

CIRCLE's October 2025 Expeditionary Summit

Between October 14-16, 2025, CIRCLE will bring multi-stakeholder leaders to Vancouver, British Columbia to gain hands-on experience with circular systems in action.

09-16-202509-18-2025

South End Arts & Innovation District | Burlington, Vermont

OPLN’s CIRCLE 2026-27 EPR Launchpad @ See Change

From September 16-18, OPLN’s CIRCLE program will host a two-day summit at the See Change conference in Burlington, Vermont. This gathering—The 2026–2027 EPR Launchpad—will serve as a strategic touchpoint for packaging policy leaders across the country.

06-09-202506-12-2025

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.

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.

06-05-2025

1-2:30 PM ET

Virtual

Inside the Momentum in U.S. Circular Policy - Maryland & Illinois

CIRCLE Plenary June 5, 2025

Join this unique plenary to hear directly from the legislators behind Maryland’s newly passed EPR legislation and Illinois’ closely watched joint EPR-DRS bill. Gain insight into how these bills were developed, lessons from Maryland’s needs assessment process, and how both states are shaping the next wave of circular policy in the U.S.

04-10-2025

1-2:30 PM ET

Virtual

Lessons 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.

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.