Marissa 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].
Illinois stakeholders have been workshopping a beverage container deposit return system under Senate Bill 85. | alenka2194/Shutterstock
Illinois may or may not be the next state to pass a bill setting up a beverage container deposit return system under Senate Bill 85, and industry players recently debated the benefits and concerns around the bill.
A group of Canadian packaging stakeholders are exploring ways to optimize the recycling system for flexible plastics. | Patpitchaya
Results from the first phase of a study into Canada’s recycling system found that flexible materials account for 47% of the plastic packaging put on the Canadian market. Continue Reading
Experts in EPR compliance say the best time to prepare is right now, and there are resources that can help. | Konektus Photo/Shutterstock
The first packaging data reporting deadline for extended producer responsibility programs doesn’t come until 2025, which seems far in the future, but compliance experts are warning that companies should start the massive undertaking now.
The bag, which has up to 30% PCR, is for Andy Boy romaine hearts. | Courtesy of Emerald Packaging
Flexible packaging company Emerald Packaging has released a plastic bag for romaine hearts that has up to 30% PCR. Continue Reading
A handful of states have modernized their bottle bills in recent years, and pressure to enact programs in non-bottle-bill states appears to be growing, according to panelists on a recent webinar. | Monticello/Shutterstock
Deposit return systems are poised to take center legislative stage in the coming years, with strong potential benefits for the environment and economy, the Container Recycling Institute noted in a recent analysis and webinar. Continue Reading
Myplas USA brought its 170,000-square-foot mechanical recycling and pelletizing facility in Minnesota on-line, creating an outlet for flexible film. | Joyce Blessthink/Shutterstock
Reclaimer Myplas USA brought its Minnesota processing facility on-line this month, bringing an annual 90 million pounds of flexible film recycling capacity to the area. Continue Reading
Birch Plastics can produce about 800,000 pounds of FDA-approved natural PP per month. | StanislauV/Shutterstock
Texas-based Birch Plastics recently received a letter of no objection from the U.S. FDA for a line of recycled PP that can be used in all food and cosmetic applications. Continue Reading
A lawsuit from New York State Attorney General Letitia James makes a number of allegations against PepsiCo, including failure to warn the public about the environmental impact of its products. | Pixinoo/Shutterstock
New York State’s attorney general is the latest to launch a lawsuit against a major brand over plastic, this time focused on pollution. Continue Reading
The Toluca, Mexico RPET plant will grow its capacity from 58 kilotons per year to 84 kilotons per year. | Courtesy of PetStar
In pursuit of recovering and recycling every Coca-Cola PET bottle sold in Mexico by 2027, a local recycler is undergoing a $167 million expansion. Continue Reading
The slow progress of the U.N. committee tasked with crafting a global plastics agreement has many frustrated, but others see sunshine on the horizon. | Courtesy of INC-3
As the third meeting of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee wrapped up in Kenya, delegates once again expressed frustration about the slow progress toward an internationally binding resolution on plastic pollution. Continue Reading