If threatened tariffs against Mexico and Canada are implemented, trade volumes of U.S. plastic scrap could be impacted. | HuguetteRoe/Shutterstock
Although the potential effects – or even the likelihood – of threatened U.S. tariffs on Mexico and Canada are yet unknown, they’ve focused attention on the trade dynamics among the North American neighbors, including in post-consumer plastics.
During a Nov. 21 investor event, company executives discussed the $375 million grant for the new Texas recycling plant and gave updates on the France plant and expansion in end markets. | Photo Courtesy of Eastman
Executives from Tennessee-based Eastman signaled uncertainty with the future of a federal grant supporting construction of their second chemical recycling plant, and apprehension about a potential trade war with China, during the company’s Circular Economy Deep Dive investor meeting.
The addition of 350 million pounds of annual processing capacity comes as feedstock-preparation company Cyclyx, a joint venture involving ExxonMobil and LyondellBasell, announces FID on a second U.S. plant in Texas. | JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
Energy giant ExxonMobil is expanding its U.S. chemical recycling footprint, with 350 million additional pounds of capacity expected to start up in Texas in 2026.
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