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Author Archives: Jared Paben

About Jared Paben

Jared Paben 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].

Packaging producer opens RPET thermoforming plant

Published: November 17, 2021
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Inside the Direct Pack Baja facility.

Direct Pack Inc. recycles PET bottles and thermoform bales from materials recovery facilities (MRFs). | Courtesy of Direct Pack Inc.

A packaging manufacturer will build a PET recycling operation adjacent to a thermoforming plant on the Mexican side of the U.S.-Mexico border.

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Technology evaluation report and other chemical recycling news

Published: November 17, 2021
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GreenMantra paving with NOVA chemicals recycled plastic.

NOVA Chemicals used asphalt modified with a 100%-recycled-polymer additive produced by GreenMantra Technologies in a parking lot at a construction project in Sarnia, Ontario. | Courtesy of NOVA Chemicals

Recent chemical recycling announcements include an in-depth analysis of different technologies, an industry group’s new working group, and the launch of recycled-content products.

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APR: Industry input crucial to implementing state bills

Published: November 3, 2021
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Aerial view of the California state capitol building in Sacramento.

An in-depth regulatory development process will be needed to implement a California bill regulating the use of the chasing arrows symbol on packaging. | Merge Digital Media/Shutterstock

Three West Coast states have signed sweeping recycling bills. Now the real work begins to hash out the details on how the policies will affect the plastics recycling industry.

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Lobbyists report on federal recycling proposals

Published: November 3, 2021
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US Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Legislators in Washington, D.C. are working on two infrastructure bills that could have plastics recycling implications. | LLoughran/Shutterstock

A proposed virgin plastics tax of 20 cents per pound has been axed from the Democrats’ social infrastructure bill, according to an industry lobbying firm.

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California’s carpet stewardship fees to consider recycled content

Published: November 3, 2021
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Removed carpets for recycling.

One goal of the differential fee schedule, to be implemented next year, will be to provide a financial incentive to consumers to buy recycled-content carpet. | ND700/Shutterstock

If carpet has at least 10% recycled content, then California consumers will pay a lower recycling system fee at the cash register starting next April.

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Trex to spend $400 million on third PE recycling plant

Published: October 27, 2021
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Closeup of Trex composite flooring installed in a restaurant.

Trex will invest $400 million over five years in a recycling and production site at the Port of Little Rock. | Courtesy of Trex

Already the largest scrap film recycler in the U.S., Trex is set to build a large polyethylene recycling and composite lumber production campus in Little Rock, Ark.

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Sorting equipment firm Machinex wins patent fight with rival

Published: October 27, 2021
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Court gavel on desk.

On Oct. 21, Machinex and Green Machine submitted a request to end the court case, with each side paying their own legal expenses. | corgarashu / Shutterstock

Optical sorter providers Machinex and Green Machine have ended their legal battle over imaging technology patents, with Green Machine’s initial claims deemed invalid.

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Starbucks and McDonald’s add $10 million to NextGen Consortium

Published: October 20, 2021
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Plastic cutlery on white background.

The NextGen Consortium is directing funds toward the recycling of PP used in foodservice settings, as well as other projects.| George Ruangdech / Shutterstock

Two food and drink giants will put millions more into an effort aimed at recycling polypropylene foodservice products, among other sustainability efforts.

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