Back to Top

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].

Amazon: Business growth at root of plastic use increase

Published: July 17, 2024
Updated:

by
Amazon Prime plastic bubble shipping mailer.

Amazon largely focused on its efforts to reduce plastic use, such as substituting recycled paper for flexible fillers and making packaging suitable for curbside collection. | oasisamuel/Shutterstock

In its 2023 sustainability report, global retail powerhouse Amazon highlighted its efforts to reduce packaging materials and to make its packaging suitable for curbside collection but provided few details on PCR usage.

Continue Reading

Posted in News | Tagged |

Plastic industry weathers Beryl’s effects

Published: July 17, 2024
Updated:

by

Texas experienced its first major hurricane of the season in early July, with significant power outages, but peak storm season has yet to occur. | Vladimir-Martinov/Shutterstock

As the first major hurricane of the season hit Texas last week, MRFs and processors braced for disrupted services, flooding and power outages, which are familiar obstacles for Gulf Coast operators each June through November.

Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , |

PureCycle reaches PP milestone at Ironton plant

Published: July 10, 2024
Updated:

by
A vial of plastic resins emptied onto a black surface.

After multiple mechanical issues over the past year, the recycled PP resin startup is feeling optimistic. | Praethip Docekalova/Shutterstock

The PureCycle PP processing plant in Ironton, Ohio, has produced more than 1.1 million pounds of resin pellets since restarting May 30, according to the latest company update. CEO Dustin Olson elaborated on the progress in an interview. Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , |

Revolution expands film lineup with Norflex buy

Published: July 10, 2024
Updated:

by

The acquisition is the second in 2024 for Arkansas-based Revolution, with the CEO signaling in January that more would follow. | Joyce Blessthink/Shutterstock

Revolution Sustainable Solutions acquired Norflex, a Wisconsin-based producer of agricultural and industrial films, the companies announced July 9. Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , , |

Vinyl Institute awards grants, re-opens submissions

Published: July 2, 2024
Updated:

by
Plastic resin on a white background.

Three organizations won grants to further projects to increase the recyclability of PVC. | Saravutpics/Shutterstock

The Vinyl Institute has awarded almost $332,000 in recycling grants to three organizations to help keep PVC out of landfills and in productive use in society, the organization recently announced.  Continue Reading

Posted in News | Tagged , , |

Michigan reports 23% recycling rate, record high

Published: July 2, 2024
Updated:

by

Michigan is on track to achieve its goal of 30% recycling rate by 2029. | OnePhoto/Shutterstock

The recycling rate in Michigan reached a record high of 23% in 2023, keeping the state on track to achieve its goal of a 30% recycling rate by 2029, according to a press release from the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Continue Reading

Posted in News | Tagged , |

CIEL report lays out roadmap for paying for pollution

Published: July 2, 2024
Updated:

by

The report from the Center for International Environmental Law details effects of plastic pollution and provides tools for local governments to pursue compensation. | Poring Studio/Shutterstock

The Center for International Environmental Law has released a report detailing how local governments can pursue compensation for the effects of plastic pollution, mostly via legal action against plastic producers and brand owners. Continue Reading