More than 100 recycling stakeholders urged the European Commission to address unfavorable market economics, a scenario that provides foresight into what may occur in North America. | NGCHIYUI / Shutterstock
More than 100 recyclers issued a call, coordinated by a Dutch consultancy, for the European Commission to take immediate action in addressing the causes of the current industry crisis – itself a window into what may await the North American recycling sector.
In its pursuit to advance food-grade recycled PP, the NextLoopp initiative is finding progress slower in the States, but still moving forward. | Meaw_stocker / Shutterstock
The Americas branch of a European initiative to advance incorporation of food-grade PP resin has achieved several initial milestones in recent weeks, though progress is slower than in Europe, according to the group’s president.
As the overall recycling sector struggles, plastic film stakeholders are bearing the brunt of the industry’s challenges. | Dmitry Markov152/Shutterstock
Editor’s note: Some industry sources for this story were granted anonymity due to the sensitive nature of market relationships.
Key takeaways
Two weeks after the closure of WM’s plastic film recycling operations, market players have been left to process what the development means for the overall industry.
A new study from ICIS and a Chinese industry association also predicted that the role of chemical recycling will increase amid PPWR implementation. | Alones / Shutterstock
A new study from commodity intelligence firm ICIS and a Chinese industry association explores the impacts of European regulations on global demand for recycled plastics in packaging, automotive and textile applications.
In recent quarterly investor calls, several major PE producers provided a survey of the current landscape for virgin resin and gave a glimpse at what the near future may hold. | Richard Frazier/Shutterstock
Key takeaways
For the past three years, virgin PE resin has caused severe headaches for North American recyclers who are unable to compete with pricing pushed down by vast oversupply amid a steady stream of new capacity amid lower-than-expected demand. Continue Reading
Nick Laneville, senior associate at Hogan Lovells in Washington, DC, at the APR fall member meeting Oct. 22, 2025 | Photo courtesy Tan Sackett/APR
As pressure builds and the recycling industry faces an existential crisis, speakers at the fall member meeting for the Association of Plastic Recyclers highlighted mounting efforts that focused on finding trade remedies. Continue Reading
The APR Design Guide for recyclable packaging is now available in Spanish and Mandarin, and includes modifications to suit variations in recycling infrastructure. | Pavlo Lys/Shutterstock
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has published its design guide in both Mandarin and Spanish, to help reinforce ongoing commitment to global alignment of guidelines for plastic packaging design for recyclability. Continue Reading
In a statement, the company called the closure of the plastic film processing plant temporary, amid challenging macroeconomic conditions. | Courtesy of Natura PCR
Hauler WM has shuttered its Natura PCR plastic film processing operations in Texas only months after starting up a new $150 million plant, amid lackluster market conditions.
Dissolution recycling processes leave a polymer structure intact, and belong in the physical recycling category along with mechanical recycling, Plastics Recyclers Europe said. | Rene Notenbomer/Shutterstock
Industry association Plastics Recyclers Europe is looking to raise the profile of dissolution recycling, an often-overlooked process that doesn’t quite fit into common recycling categories. Continue Reading
Advanced Drainage Systems, one of the biggest buyers of recycled HDPE and PP, also saw a 7.3% drop in purchases of recycled materials. | Courtesy ADS
Major buyer Advanced Drainage Systems reached its lowest level of recycled plastic purchases since its fiscal 2022 baseline, according to its annual sustainability report. Continue Reading