Associate Editor Jared Paben has worked for Resource Recycling since December 2014. Most of his earlier career was spent as a reporter for the daily newspaper in Bellingham, Wash., but he also has experience working for the Oregon volunteerism commission and for Oregon nonprofits serving low-income populations. He can be contacted at [email protected].
LyondellBasell aimed to sell 150,000 tons of recycled polymers in 2022, but only sold 80,000. | JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
LyondellBasell failed to reach its weight goal for producing and selling recycled and renewable-based resins last year, even as the global plastics producer looks to borrow $500 million for “green” projects. Continue Reading
In the first quarter of 2023, Malaysia took in less than half the scrap plastic it did one year earlier; meanwhile, Bangladesh received just over four times as much. | Chenxueting/Shutterstock
U.S. companies exported 10% less scrap plastic during the first quarter of 2023 than they did a year earlier, and there were some dramatic changes in where material was flowing. Continue Reading
A cup made of recycled PLA, produced by Coexpan and TotalEnergies Corbion, recently passed form, fill, seal testing. | Courtesy of TotalEnergies Corbion
TotalEnergies purchased a Spanish plastics reclaimer. Meanwhile, a joint venture involving TotalEnergies announced it is now marketing a recycled PLA cup.
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The multifaceted recycling company posted an increase in sales but a decrease in income, due to an increased cost of sales and higher operating expenses. | Gonzo/Shutterstock
TerraCycle US’s total sales surged last year, with a particular improvement in the sales of recycled plastics and other materials. Continue Reading
More honesty in recyclability labeling could save brands the trouble of going to court – without costing them much in sales. | Ivan Alex Burchak/Shutterstock
After Keurig Green Mountain reached a class-action settlement in a case concerning the company’s K-Cup recyclability claims, the plaintiffs anticipated the brand owner would end up paying consumers $1.25 million.
Money from states and various recycling organizations is being put toward boosting plastics collection, MRF upgrades and several other projects. | MinskDesign/Shutterstock
Clear Path Recycling, Direct Pack Recycling, Wenplastics, the Ocean Legacy Foundation, Goodwill Industries/Hydroblox and a slew of other plastics recycling companies are among the recipients of recently awarded grants. Continue Reading
Although it is opposed by the plastics and packaging industry, the EPS ban enjoys support from environmental groups and the Association of Oregon Recyclers. | Wk1003 Mike/Shutterstock
Oregon lawmakers sent the governor bills that ban polystyrene food service ware and allow restaurants to serve food in their customers’ reusable containers. Continue Reading
LyondellBasell announced progress on its production of recycled polymers, and Sonoco announced it used 10% recycled content in its plastic packaging last year. | Madam F/Shutterstock
Two major companies, plastics producer LyondellBasell and packaging manufacturer Sonoco, recently published sustainability reports. The following are their plastics recycling takeaways. Continue Reading
The U.S. EPA is seeking comments on its recently published “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution.” | SerPhoto/Shutterstock
Although it doesn’t use the word “ban,” the U.S. EPA released a plastics pollution strategy that supports steps to reduce production of single-use and difficult-to-recycle plastics. Continue Reading
At its new location, Greystone plans to produce pallets made of 100% recycled resin. | Courtesy of Greystone Logistics
Greystone Logistics, which recycles tens of millions of pounds of recovered polyethylene a year into pallets, has acquired a pallet production operation in Indiana. Continue Reading