Author Archives: Editorial Staff

A project that tracked plastic packaging dropped off in retail collection sites was our top-read story last month, joined by coverage of a chemical recycling supply agreement, bale markets, the Plastics Recycling Conference and more.

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The latest plastics recycling news

Ellen MacArthur report: Less plastic used last year
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s 2023 report indicated a year-over-year decrease in both virgin and overall plastic use from signatory companies. That came from companies incorporating more post-consumer resin, combined with lower overall consumer demand due to economic challenges.
Plastic exports see stability through third quarter
For the first nine months of 2024, recovered plastic exports remained steady year over year, marking a change from multiple years of annual declines in export volume.
Haulers grow bearish on commodity prices
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.
Haulers report record Q3 earnings
North America’s five largest publicly traded garbage and recycling companies recently reported quarterly financial results, reaching record revenues and margins.
PCR mandate, virgin cap among most effective actions
Using insights from an AI-generated tool, a team of University of California researchers estimated that implementing four policies globally could reduce mismanaged plastic by 91%.
Amcor to acquire Berry Global in $8.4bn all-stock deal
Switzerland-headquartered packaging giant Amcor will acquire Indiana-based Berry Global in a $8.4 billion all-stock deal that’s expected to close in mid-2025, the companies announced Nov. 19, marking a continuing trend of consolidation in the packaging industry.
Plastics industry mulls election results
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.