Innovators in the resin realm often get a bad rap for prioritizing functionality over recyclability. But according to one bioplastics executive, end-of-life is still top-of-mind for many companies developing cutting-edge materials. In a webinar earlier this month, Steve Davies of PLA resin manufacturer NatureWorks pointed to estimates that show only 14 percent of plastic material globally actually gets recovered, and...

This story originally appeared in the November 2016 issue of Resource Recycling. Subscribe today for access to all print content. The 2016 Resource Recycling Conference in New Orleans this summer started with a jolt of industry energy. Five well-spoken representatives from groups and companies pushing forward recycling today took the stage for a session called “Curbside Enthusiasm.” The aim was...

Innovators in the resin realm often get a bad rap for prioritizing functionality over recyclability. But according to one bioplastics executive, end-of-life is still top-of-mind for many companies developing cutting-edge materials. In a webinar last week, Steve Davies of PLA resin manufacturer NatureWorks pointed to estimates that show only 14 percent of plastic material globally actually gets recovered, and he...

The average value of recovered material sent to foreign markets is back under 17 cents per pound. Volumes are up year-over-year, however. In September, the most recent month for which figures are available, scrap plastics exports totaled 354.25 million pounds, a drop of 5.8 percent from August 2016 export levels. However, when matched against September 2015 levels, the volume of...

Last week's stunning election results showed change is afoot in Washington, D.C. But to what degree will a Trump administration and continuing GOP control of Congress affect the recycling sector? This early, it's an impossible question to answer. Donald Trump is just in the preliminary stages of putting together his policy team. And when the president-elect and Congress start working...

Figures on industry exports indicated upticks for both volume and price in late summer. For the year, exports continue to lag 2015 totals, however. In August, scrap plastics exports totaled 375.91 million pounds, a rise of 8.8 percent from July export levels. When matched against August 2015 levels, the volume of plastic scrap exports in the month was up by...

Scrap plastics recently enjoyed a month-to-month rise in shipments abroad. Paper and metals, however, were marked by declines. In August, scrap plastics exports totaled 375.91 million pounds, a rise of 8.8 percent from July 2016 export levels. When matched against August 2015 levels, the volume of plastic scrap exports in the month was up by 9.1 percent. That bucks the trend...

The plastics recycling sector has recently felt heavy pressure amid price swings in the virgin market. But a leader at one reclaimer says that value conversation may sometimes overshadow another significant issue: getting ahold of enough quality material. "The biggest dilemma has always been supply," said Steve Navedo, vice president of sales at Richmond, Ind.-based Perpetual Recycling Solutions. "That's something...

An executive from the world's largest retailer says the company is aiming to give suppliers concrete details in its mission for more sustainable packaging – and recycling is playing a major role in that process. "For the first time, we're being a little bit clearer on some of the aspects of sustainable packaging," Zach Freeze, Walmart's director of initiatives-sustainability, said...

E-Scrap 2016’s opening panel discussion covered a range of industry talking points, including export complications, certification evolution and the shifting materials mix. But speakers returned again and again to what may now be the e-scrap industry’s most pressing question: Who’s going to pay for the proper management of used electronics? The combination of low commodities prices and a material stream...