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
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
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.
The increase in both volumes and share of total purchases stands in contrast to brand owners that have announced they will miss voluntary 2025 recycled content targets for packaging. | Joyce Blessthink/Shutterstock
Global packaging giant Amcor reported higher volumes of recycled resin purchases despite a drop in total raw material consumption, according to its 2023 sustainability report. Continue Reading
Although companies may be shifting to a broader carbon-footprint strategy, PCR production still needs to increase several times over, a recent RaboResearch report said | RecycleMan/Shutterstock
Brand owner targets for PCR content have helped drive demand for recycled plastics in the U.S. and Europe in recent years, but PCR production needs to increase as much as fivefold to meet those goals, according to a recent RaboResearch report. Continue Reading
The new recycling center in Ohio combines vast processing capacity with community outreach and education, company leadership said in an interview. | Courtesy of Rumpke
Understanding customer needs has shaped the new Rumpke Waste & Recycling facility in Columbus, Ohio, and will help increase incoming volumes, according to company leadership. Continue Reading
Republic Services recovered 2.2 million tons of cardboard, metal, organics, paper and plastics in 2023. | Rhfletcher/Shutterstock
For a second consecutive year, waste hauler Republic Services recovered fewer tons of recyclable materials than in the previous year, according to the company’s 2023 ESG report. Continue Reading
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.
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
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