The two major U.S. chemical companies cited subdued demand and an unfavorable capital investment climate. | JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
Two U.S. chemical recyclers have announced delays to major investments in the emerging technology, amid a challenging demand environment and funding concerns. Continue Reading
The two organizations maintain the industry standard for acceptable materials and contaminants, and the specifications serve as a reference tool for MRFs and other recyclers. | Photo Courtesy Jared Paben
The Association of Plastic Recyclers and the Recycled Materials Association have updated specifications for post-consumer plastic bales, following a collaborative development process between the two organizations. Continue Reading
Five publicly traded North American waste haulers decreased expectations for full-year commodity pricing, and gave insights into new and upgraded capacity. | Photo Courtesy of Republic Services
The company is exploring options to increase RPET production, including debottlenecking the existing Kingsport methanolysis plant and exploring locations other than Longview, Texas. | Trismegist san/Shutterstock
Eastman Chemical will delay its second U.S. methanolysis plant for two years, as it appeals the revocation of a key federal grant and explores capacity expansions at its flagship site in Tennessee and other locations, CEO Mark Costa said during an investor call Aug. 1. Continue Reading
Despite a three-year downturn, Dow and others are starting up vast new capacity for virgin PE resin, exacerbating the disadvantage for recycled HDPE. | Richard Frazier/Shutterstock
Despite being entrenched in what the CEO described as “one of the longest downturns our industry has experienced,” chemical and polymer company Dow has started up new virgin PE resin capacity geared toward packaging for food and for health and hygiene, executives said during a quarterly investor call. Continue Reading
As brand owners face the realities of their 2025 voluntary sustainability targets, report author Jim Owen of RaboResearch predicts that recycled-content goals will become more pragmatic and lean more heavily on legislation. | Photka/Shutterstock
A new report from RaboResearch explores the factors behind brand owners’ retreat from 2025 packaging recycled content goals – and provides a look at the path ahead. Continue Reading
Analysis from a Closed Loop consortium studied numerous state-level methods for reducing bag waste and informed considerations for policymakers. | The Image Party/Shutterstock
A new report on state-level single-use bag laws indicates that New Jersey’s ban has had numerous effects, both positive and negative. Continue Reading
Despite gains made in recycled content, textile manufacturing faces unique challenges, a Unifi executive said during a recent APR podcast. | Photo Courtesy of Unifi
Editor’s Note: Mark your calendar for the 2026 Textile Recovery Summit, Feb. 23-25 in Chula Vista, California. Continue Reading
Despite making gains in PET recycling, the Coalition acknowledges that its goals require more industry support. | Konektus Photo/Shutterstock
Since forming in 2022, the PET Recycling Coalition has worked to increase PET bottle recycling rates and access to curbside recycling for non-bottle materials, including thermoforms. Continue Reading
Federal rules attempting to regulate new recycling processes and potential contaminants continued a back-and-forth that has lasted at least five years. | John Hanson Pye/Shutterstock
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has withdrawn rules first proposed by the Biden administration that addressed chemical recycling and had attracted significant industry opposition. Continue Reading