What We Do
The Stewardship Action Foundation advances education, research, and collaboration that support the transition to a responsible circular economy in the United States.
By bringing together interest holders across the materials management system, SAF accelerates practical solutions that recognize the economic value of materials, protect public health, strengthen domestic supply chains, and support job creation.
Through educational initiatives, research, and cross-sector collaboration, SAF works to ensure responsible circular economy policies and systems can be successfully implemented in practice.
Convening National Working Groups
SAF convenes national working groups that bring together interest holders from government, industry, nonprofits, academia, and the recycling and materials management sectors.
These groups provide a pre-competitive space for education, dialogue, and the exchange of best practices related to emerging circular economy challenges and solutions.
Working groups focus on topics such as:
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Packaging and Extended Producer Responsibility implementation
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Textile circularity
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Household hazardous waste
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Recycling refunds and deposit return systems
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Illegal single-use ink toner cartridges (truth in labeling)
Our national working groups deepen understanding of policy developments, implementation challenges, and opportunities to strengthen circular economy systems.
Advancing Education and Research
Education plays a critical role in building responsible circular systems.
SAF develops educational resources, research, and programming that expand understanding of materials management challenges and emerging circular economy solutions.
These initiatives include:
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Educational webinars and convenings
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Policy implementation guides
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Research and analysis
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Case studies and best practices
These resources equip decision-makers with the knowledge needed to implement effective circular economy systems.
Driving Responsible Circular Policy Implementation
Passing policy marks the beginning of system transformation. Effective implementation determines whether circular economy policies deliver their intended environmental, economic, and public health benefits.
SAF convenes interest holders, advances education, and develops research that illuminate practical approaches to implementing responsible circular economy policies.
This work examines system design, material recovery strategies, product stewardship models, and opportunities to strengthen domestic remanufacturing and supply chains.
Strengthening the Economic Value of Materials
Materials used in products and packaging contain significant economic value.
Responsible materials management strengthens domestic manufacturing, generates jobs, and builds more resilient supply chains.
SAF advances education and collaboration that highlight the economic opportunities created when materials remain in circulation and return to productive use through reuse, repair, recycling, and remanufacturing.
Promoting Public & Worker Safety
Responsible circular systems prioritize the health and safety of workers and communities.
SAF advances education and collaboration that address hazardous products in the waste stream, improve product design, and strengthen systems for managing materials safely at the end of life.
These efforts reduce environmental exposures, protect essential workers, and ensure circular economy systems deliver benefits for both people and the environment.