Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM ET (11:00 AM CT)
Location: Zoom
Webinar Topic: Exploring Virgin Plastic Source Reduction with the US Plastics Pact
Guest Speaker: Annika Furr, Program Manager of Reuse & Reduction, U.S. Plastics Pact
Moderator: Ally Walker, Programs Officer, Council of the Great Lakes Region
Join us on June 24 at 12:00 PM ET (11:00 AM CT) to learn about the U.S. Plastics Pact for an engaging webinar exploring the role of virgin plastic reduction in advancing a more circular plastics economy. This session will provide an overview of the Pact’s work and programs before diving into the evolving legislative and policy landscape surrounding source reduction and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Participants will gain insight into the key strategies organizations are using to reduce virgin plastic use, including material elimination, packaging and product redesign, format changes, reuse and refill systems, and the incorporation of post-consumer and post-industrial recycled content (PCR/PIR). The webinar will also examine the practical challenges, trade-offs, and implementation considerations associated with each approach, supported by real-world case studies and examples. Whether you are a policymaker, industry professional, sustainability practitioner, or circular economy stakeholder, this webinar will provide valuable context on the opportunities and complexities shaping virgin plastic reduction efforts today.
SPEAKER:
Annika Furr | Program Manager Reuse & Reduction | U.S. Plastics Pact
Annika Furr is the Program Manager of Reuse & Reduction at the U.S. Plastics Pact, facilitating programs in the areas of reuse, virgin plastic reduction, environmental justice, and member education. Annika holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communication and a minor in Packaging from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, as well as a Master of Science in Global Sustainable Business Management from Northumbria University of Newcastle.
MODERATOR:
Ally Walker | Program Officer | Circular Economy | Council of the Great Lakes Region As Program Officer for Circular Economy, Ally Walker leads several flagship initiatives under CGLR’s Circular Great Lakes platform, including the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup, Boat Wrap Recycling Program, Dart Stormwater Grant, Return to Retail Takeback Program, and legislative outreach efforts. Since joining CGLR in 2022, Ally has combined her background in sustainability policy, recycling systems, and stakeholder engagement to advance cross-sector solutions that support a more circular regional economy.
