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Author Archives: Marissa Heffernan

About Marissa Heffernan

Marissa HeffernanMarissa Heffernan started working for Resource Recycling in January 2022 after spending several years as a reporter at a daily newspaper in Southwest Washington. After developing a special focus on recycling policy, they are also the editor of the monthly newsletter Policy Now. Heffernan can be contacted at [email protected].

Bollegraaf, Greyparrot partner to accelerate AI adoption

Published: February 7, 2024
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Bollegraaf and Greyparrot have formed a strategic partnership to roll out AI to more MRFs. | Courtesy of Bollegraaf

In a unique move for the recycling industry, a recycling equipment manufacturer has partnered with an AI analytics company, turning over its intellectual property and buying a non-controlling stake to accelerate AI adoption.  Continue Reading

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Sprite to ditch sleeve labels in UK trial

Published: January 30, 2024
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Coca‑Cola is running a small pilot program to see if engraving product information directly onto bottles could replace labels on drink bottles. | DenisMArt/Shutterstock

In a trial project aiming to simplify recycling and reduce the use of material, Coca‑Cola will temporarily remove labels from some Sprite go bottles in the UK and instead use label engraving. Continue Reading

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Bills introduced in 2024 focus on EPR, bans

Published: January 23, 2024
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A law office scene with gavel and scales.

State houses across the country are seeing bills filed that center on plastics and recycling. | Zolnierek/Shutterstock

The 2024 legislative season is in full swing, with dozens of bills filed so far on extended producer responsibility for packaging and regulation of plastic products.  Continue Reading

Resynergi raises funds to ramp up pyrolysis tech

Published: January 17, 2024
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Resynergi’s Evolucient Continuous Microwave Assisted Pyrolysis technology uses microwave energy to break down HDPE, LDPE, PP and PS into pyrolysis oil. | Courtesy of Resynergi

Pyrolysis start-up Resynergi raised $6.4 million in series B funding to bring its modular Continuous Microwave Assisted Pyrolysis technology to commercial scale.  Continue Reading

Study probes byproduct chemicals in packaging

Published: January 17, 2024
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Flexible packaging samples.

Researchers identified nine substances in virgin polyethylene samples and 52 components in recycled polyolefin samples. | Tiffy Studio/Shutterstock

A study from Iowa State University researchers explored the risks posed by non-intentionally added substances in recycled polyolefin materials used in food contact packaging.  Continue Reading

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Study: Simple sign-up, clear design vital for reuse systems

Published: January 17, 2024
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Early adopters of reusable product systems identified simplicity, consistency and ample options as keys for scaling up. | OlegKovalevichh/Shutterstock

A study of 300 people who regularly use reusable packaging showed that reuse systems need minimal and streamlined technology, reminders to return packaging and more options to be successful.  Continue Reading

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Residential recycling report estimates 21% recovery rate

Published: January 10, 2024
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A study from The Recycling Partnership found that seven out of 10 cardboard boxes, three out of four milk jugs, four out of five steel cans, three out of four tons of mixed paper and seven out of 10 glass bottles, aluminum cans and PET bottles are put in trash bins in homes. | Volt Collection/Shutterstock

A study from The Recycling Partnership proposed ways to raise the recycling rate of residential recyclables – which the group puts at 21%.

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