The long-term outlook for used milk jugs contributed to KW Plastics’ move to add white recycled HDPE resin to its offerings. | StanislauV/Shutterstock
Recycled resin producer KW Plastics is rolling out white HDPE pellets this month, an idea that isn’t new but is gaining traction due to changes in consumer behavior and increasing demand for PCR. Continue Reading
Strong third-quarter commodity prices bolstered earnings for the nation’s top five haulers. | Courtesy of Republic Services
North America’s five largest publicly traded garbage and recycling companies recently reported quarterly financial results, reaching record revenues and margins.
The Trump presidency promises decreased regulation and likely less funding for environmental initiatives. | LLoughran-Shutterstock
Following Donald Trump’s win in the 2024 presidential election, the plastics and chemicals industries are processing what may lie ahead in an environment that is likely to have drastic reductions in regulation and an emphasis on fossil fuels.
Although third-quarter revenues reached record levels for some of the nation’s top five publicly traded haulers, plummeting fiber pricing in October was an indicator for commodity values heading into 2025. | Huguette Roe/Shutterstock
Although third-quarter commodity prices contributed to record quarterly revenues and margins for North America’s largest garbage and recycling companies, their outlook has changed moving into the final stretch of the year. Continue Reading
Packaging suppliers including TC Transcontinental, Tetra Pak, Amcor and Orbis shared insights on incorporating PCR at the 2024 Pack Expo International in Chicago. | Antoinette Smith/Resource Recycling
The broad theme of sustainability was a central focus at Pack Expo International in Chicago this week, encompassing package recyclability, PCR content and legislation. Continue Reading
Pierre Benabides, technical advisor for the Circular Action Alliance, explained responsible end market verification and next steps during the APR fall member meeting. | DOERS/Shutterstock
Circular Action Alliance, which has emerged as the primary U.S. packaging producer responsibility organization, aims to increase PCR utilization with strategies including verification of responsible end markets, according to the organization’s technical advisor. Continue Reading
The APR market development committee discussed how to approach policy and PCR implementation. | Praethip Docekalova/Shutterstock
The key to implementing effective recycling legislation is to adopt a collaborative, regionally tailored approach, according to a policy expert at the fall member meeting of the Association of Plastic Recyclers. Continue Reading
The CEO of Trex said the composite lumber company will supplant external resin purchases with pellets from its new Arkansas facility. | Photo Courtesy of Trex
Although the new Trex composite lumber plant in Arkansas will not start production until 2027, the company’s recycling facility will begin processing post-consumer plastic film in early 2025, the CEO said during a quarterly earnings call. Continue Reading
The industry-led Consortium to Reinvent the Retail Bag conducted a three-month pilot project that implemented store signage, enlisted employees to help effect behavior change and included out-of-store marketing. | Photo by Nick Pizzolato
When retail stores encouraged consumers to bring their own bags or opt out of using one, nearly 5% fewer single-use plastic bags were used, according to a report from the industry-led Consortium to Reinvent the Retail Bag. Continue Reading
The Houston-based chemicals powerhouse has been pursuing an aggressive strategy as it shifts focus toward circularity. | JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
Chemical majors LyondellBasell and Chevron Phillips Chemical have invested an undisclosed amount in recycling technology company Alterra to help commercialize chemical recycling technology for plastics. Continue Reading