Three panelists at the Plastics Recycling Conference explored why product traceability not only is vital for verifying PCR use but also can streamline processes and enhance profits. | Big Wave Productions/Resource Recycling
Enabling product traceability is vital to provide PCR accountability and can even help streamline recycling processes, according to several panelists during a session at the recent Plastics Recycling Conference. Continue Reading
The two chemical majors remain optimistic on demand for recycled polymers, while slowing plans for new U.S. capacity. | Rene Notenbomer/Shutterstock
Two U.S.-based chemical companies discussed upcoming recycling projects during recent earnings calls, expressing optimism despite persistent economic uncertainty and potential administrative hurdles.
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A federal court also ordered Clorox Australia to publish a correction notice and pay part of the consumer watchdog’s legal fees. | Photo Courtesy of Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Clorox Australia has been slapped with a multimillion-dollar fine resulting from misleading recycling claims for its plastic bags. Continue Reading
The Trump administration included Canada’s Zero Plastic Waste Agenda among numerous barriers to foreign trade in a recent report. | Monticello/Shutterstock
The Trump administration has included Canada’s Zero Plastic Waste Agenda among foreign trade barriers, drawing criticism from a Canadian advocacy group and caution from the country’s chemical industry. Continue Reading
The report explores the interrelated challenges to widespread adoption of PCR content and proposes solutions from both industry and policy standpoints. | Joyce Blessthink/Shutterstock
In its most recent report, the U.S. Plastics Pact outlined numerous market-based and policy solutions for existing challenges that may inhibit adoption of PCR in plastic packaging, including collection infrastructure and virgin resin oversupply. Continue Reading
In its 2024 sustainability report, the company said it expected to make a final investment decision on a chemical recycling plant in Houston in the first half of 2026. | StanislauV/Shutterstock
Global polymers heavyweight LyondellBasell provided updated timelines for some of its U.S. recycling projects amid progress toward 2030 plastics goals in a recent report. Continue Reading
Crystal Bayliss of the U.S. Plastics Pact emphasized that procurement involves far more than just haggling prices, a sentiment echoed by an Orbis executive. | Big Wave Productions/Resource Recycling
With PCR requirements increasing rapidly, companies throughout plastics value chains face similar challenges in controlling feedstock supply, scaling up supply and managing capital costs. This sentiment was clear during a Plastics Recycling Conference session as well as a recent industry interview. Continue Reading
Although recent tariffs may exclude resin shipments, market players are seeing no shortage of confusion and consternation. | AlexKol Photography/Shutterstock
After many weeks of shifting narratives and uncertainty, participants in recycled polymer markets are working to navigate the new tariff environment, in which buyers and sellers as well as customs officials struggle to align federal mandates with on-the-ground implementation. Continue Reading
A proposed International Recycling Group facility in Pennsylvania, seen here in a 2021 rendering, has been canceled concurrent with the project’s loss of federal funding. | Courtesy of International Recycling Group
Dramatic federal funding cuts have affected at least two plastics recycling efforts, contributing to a major project being canceled in Pennsylvania and forcing an accelerated timeline for self-sufficiency at an Alaska composite lumber operation. Continue Reading
With its latest sustainability report, Walmart became the latest mega-brand to announce it was unlikely to meet its voluntary commitments for plastics. | Harun Ozmen/Shutterstock
With the arrival of the benchmark year of 2025, two industry giants announced challenges and progress in meeting the ambitious plastics-related goals set for this year. Continue Reading