Analysts say that new Chinese import regulations covering recycled pellets have created challenges for exporters of the material. | Sheila Fitzgerald/Shutterstock
In the U.S., the plastics recycling market has been largely dictated by pandemic-related collection and demand realities. Overseas, a recent Chinese move to restrict recycled plastic pellet imports is posing trade challenges.
Virgin plastics producer SABIC will supply recycled resin derived from post-consumer mixed plastics for beauty products packaging. | Casimiro PT/Shutterstock
Three virgin plastics companies recently announced developments in the area of chemical recycling. The following are summaries of the news from Chevron Phillips Chemical, SABIC and BASF.
Pyrolysis equipment inside the Agilyx facility in Oregon. | Jared Paben/Resource Recycling, Inc.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (left) with Sean Whiteley, Revolution’s CEO, at an event announcing the film processor’s expansion. | Lyndsay D. Photography
Revolution, a polyethylene reclaimer and recycled-plastic products manufacturer, is investing in its Arkansas site to boost its ability to produce recycled-content films.
The price of natural high-density polyethylene sorted at municipal recycling facilities surpassed 61 cents per pound for the first time.
In addition to the draft strategy, the EPA plans to release a list of national recycling goals this fall. | Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock
A draft of the U.S. EPA’s National Recycling Strategy was published last week. The plan aims to foster a “stronger, more resilient and cost-effective” recycling system.
Because they are made out of recyclable aluminum and stainless steel materials, the Verity packaging options are widely curbside recyclable. | Courtesy of Verity.
Verity, a startup making packaging for personal care products, is producing curbside-recyclable aluminum options in lieu of hard-to-recycle plastic.
There are now only a few types of scrap plastic shipments not subject to the new Basel criteria. | Go_Legacy/Shutterstock
Experts with the U.S. EPA say there are a number of potential outcomes from upcoming shifts in global rules governing scrap plastic shipments. Under one possibility, trade in scrap plastic will no longer be allowed between the U.S. and most other countries.
The Recycling Partnership recently released “Accelerating Recycling,” a policy document outlining a proposal that includes fees paid by brands and packaging producers. | photka/Shutterstock
Two major industry groups are promoting packaging fees on product makers to support recycling infrastructure development, a shift one recycling facility operator described as a “historical moment.”
A deal between Merlin Plastics and NOVA Chemicals was big news last month. | Courtesy of NOVA Chemicals.
News about Merlin’s deal with a resin giant grabbed reader attention last month. California’s recycled-content mandate and updates from China also drew lots of interest.