The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality announced it approved a program plan on Feb. 21. | Yanqiang Dai/Shutterstock
A major milestone in Oregon EPR policy development caught readers’ attention last month, as did stories covering a chemical company’s chemical recycling outlook, small-format packaging recycling, plastic markets and tariffs.
The list below shows our top stories published in February in terms of unique page views.
1 | Oregon is first to approve EPR plan
After several years of work, Oregon has approved an extended producer responsibility plan, laying out how packaging producers are expected to fulfill the requirements of the law.
2 | Eastman optimistic on chemical recycling demand
Amid uncertainty surrounding projects funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, the CEO of Tennessee-headquartered Eastman expressed confidence in the future of its second U.S. chemical recycling plant, which was greenlit upon a $375 million award from the Department of Energy.
3 | Small-format recycling within reach, Closed Loop finds
Existing technologies and targeted investments could allow U.S. MRFs and glass recycling facilities to capture tens of thousands of tons of valuable small-format plastic items, according to a Closed Loop Partners report released Feb. 19.
4 | PP sees major increase, natural HDPE continues rise
Two key curbside plastic grades rose significantly in value this month, while other grades held steady from January.
5 | Plastics recycling industry speaks out on tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump was set to implement 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, effective Feb. 4, then delayed them, creating a rapidly changing trade landscape that furthered uncertainty in the plastics recycling industry.