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Author Archives: Antoinette Smith

About Antoinette Smith

Antoinette Smith started working for Resource Recycling in June 2024 after spending several years covering commodity plastics and supply chains, with a special focus on economic impacts. She can be contacted at [email protected].

Q2 Northeast commodity values hit 2-year high

Published: September 11, 2024
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Stacked bales of PET for recycling.

Average prices for blended residential commodities rose by 5% to 6% during the quarter, according to data collected from 15 MRFs in the Northeast. | Warut Chinsai/Shutterstock

Average commodity prices for April-June 2024 were higher by about 40% on the year, marking their highest level since the second quarter of 2022, according to the latest MRF Values Survey Report from the Northeast Recycling Council. Continue Reading

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Azek reports less recycled material used in 2023

Published: September 11, 2024
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The maker of composite decking and other architectural elements used less recycled material but expanded its recycled PVC collection program. | Courtesy of Azek

Chicago-based composite decking company Azek used about 16% less recycled material in fiscal 2023 than in the previous year, according to its latest sustainability report.

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Coalition seeks to narrow definition of ‘recycling’

Published: September 5, 2024
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Yellow recycle container with chasing arrows symbol.

The National Recycling Coalition is seeking feedback on its draft policy, which discourages the labels of “advanced” or “chemical” for non-mechanical recycling. | Roman Zaiets/Shutterstock

The Policy Committee of the National Recycling Coalition has published a draft policy called “Chemical Recycling Is Not Recycling” and is seeking review and comment. Continue Reading

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California passes expanded plastic bag ban

Published: September 5, 2024
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The two identical state bills are on the desk of the governor, who just last week announced investment in 250 recycling sites across the state. | Susanne Pommer/Shutterstock

Despite advocacy from plastic film companies, California lawmakers passed two bills that ban reusable plastic bags in the state, drawing scathing reactions from the industry. Continue Reading

New Unifi offerings add to push for RPET end uses

Published: August 28, 2024
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Unifi sources recycled polyester through its Textile Takeback program, which recently began supplying feedstock for new products. | Photo courtesy Unifi

By and large, U.S. recycled PET end markets have shifted focus from textiles to food packaging in recent years. But North Carolina-based Unifi is working on building end uses for recycled plastics in fashion and other fabric applications, the CEO said in a recent interview. Continue Reading

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PET Recycling Coalition releases inaugural yearly report

Published: August 21, 2024
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The Coalition has distributed more than $5 million in grants since its inception in mid-2022. | DeawSS/Shutterstock

The PET Recycling Coalition has released its first annual report, detailing progress in increasing collection and recycling of one of the most common plastics in packaging. Continue Reading

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Expanding capacity shifts reclaimer’s buying strategies

Published: August 21, 2024
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With more capacity coming online, EFS-Plastics will be able to handle more B-grade LDPE film bales and potentially transition to contractual supply arrangements. | Vikentiy Elizarov/Shutterstock

As EFS-Plastics nears completion on its third LDPE film processing line in Pennsylvania, the company is changing the way it approaches film bales, a company executive said in an interview. Continue Reading

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Industry responds to US pivot on plastics production limits

Published: August 21, 2024
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Shredded plastics for recycling.

The ACC and Plastics Industry Association expressed disappointment in the shift in policy, while environmental groups applauded it. | Mstfcn/Shutterstock

The U.S. has reversed its stance on plastics production limits and now will support inclusion of these efforts in a global treaty, according to recent reports. The abrupt shift garnered a strong reaction from the plastics industry and cautious optimism from environmental groups.   Continue Reading

Companies provide updates on recycling operations

Published: August 14, 2024
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Advanced Drainage Systems expects to spend $250 million to $301 million on capital expenditures this year. | Courtesy of ADS

Several plastics reclaimers and recycled resin end users recently shared details about their operations in earnings calls. From capital project spending at ADS to chemical recycling expansions at LyondellBasell, here’s a roundup of recycling operations news. 

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