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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].

ADS plastic purchases reach 50% recycled

Published: July 31, 2024
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ADS recycled plastic piping.

ADS bought a third of the total color HDPE bales in North America in fiscal 2024, and recycled plastics accounted for 50% of the company’s resin purchases in that time period. | Photo courtesy of ADS

Advanced Drainage Systems has reported flat consumption of recycled plastics over the past few years, but in fiscal 2024 the company increased the share of recycled materials to 50% of its total resin purchases, according to its most recent ESG report.

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WM leans on automation in MRF upgrade

Published: July 24, 2024
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The recent upgrade of WM’s Germantown MRF in Wisconsin added 20% more capacity to one of the company’s largest facilities in the heart of a rapidly growing manufacturing corridor. | Courtesy of WM

With a nearly $39 million upgrade completed at one of its biggest MRFs, WM officials are looking to further refine automation capabilities as well as add volumes in the Midwest. Continue Reading

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Alaskans innovate to address marine plastic pollution

Published: July 24, 2024
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Grizzly Wood is made of 100% plastic waste, which limits color options but holds up well to the state’s harsh climate. | Courtesy of Alaska Plastic Recovery

A small company in Alaska is lending the state’s resourcefulness and ingenuity to creating composite lumber and addressing coastal plastics pollution.  Continue Reading

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Mohawk’s RPET consumption flat in 2023

Published: July 24, 2024
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Despite introducing a new line of carpet containing recycled PET, Mohawk indicated little change in recycled plastic consumption from the previous year’s report, amid a challenging economic environment. | Courtesy of Mohawk Group

Global flooring manufacturer Mohawk Industries offered few specifics in its 2023 impact report regarding consumption of recycled plastics, and little appeared to have changed from the previous year’s report.  Continue Reading

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Massive plastics recycling project draws federal backing

Published: July 24, 2024
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International Recycling Group has secured a guarantee for up to $182.6 million in loans from the DOE, and is looking to proceed with its long-planned project, which incorporates plastic resin production and plastic waste as feedstock for furnaces used in steel manufacture. | TKCREDIT/Shutterstock

A Pennsylvania project from International Recycling Group has gained momentum, with a commitment for a multimillion-dollar loan from the U.S. Department of Energy. Continue Reading

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Novolex reports lower global PCR usage

Published: July 17, 2024
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Novolex building seen from above.

Although overall PCR usage dropped in 2023, Novolex’s paper segment reached its highest share of recycled content since 2020. | Photo Courtesy of Novolex

Packaging producer Novolex reported slightly lower post-consumer recycled content usage in its plastic products for 2023, according to the company’s latest sustainability report.

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Amazon: Business growth at root of plastic use increase

Published: July 17, 2024
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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.

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Plastic industry weathers Beryl’s effects

Published: July 17, 2024
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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.

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PureCycle reaches PP milestone at Ironton plant

Published: July 10, 2024
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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

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Revolution expands film lineup with Norflex buy

Published: July 10, 2024
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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

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