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Study finds benefits to using recycled film in asphalt

Published: July 6, 2020
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Asphalt paving scene.

Based on the lab-scale research, the Plastics Industry Association is now working with several companies to use a recycled-PE binder in asphalt on privately funded roadways and parking lots. | Marcel Derweduwen/Shutterstock

Research shows post-consumer PE film could improve the stiffness and resistance of polymer-modified asphalt at less cost than the co-polymers that are typically used.

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Judge’s ruling means plastics initiative likely going to voters

Published: July 8, 2020
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U.S. and California flags against a blue sky.

A proposed California ballot measure would direct CalRecycle to charge producers up to a 1-cent fee for each single-use plastic package sold into the state. | RaksyBH/Shutterstock

A California court has given proponents of a California plastic waste initiative more time to gather signatures, all but assuring it will make the ballot, according to supporters.

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Our top stories from June 2020

Published: July 8, 2020
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Strawberries in plastic packaging.

News about the latest approvals to use recycling technologies to create recycled plastic for use in food packaging captured attention last month. | Dolores M. Harvey/Shutterstock

Readers last month were drawn to articles about consumer product brand owners, food-contact RPET approvals, a flexible packaging recovery project and plastics exports.

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Researchers: Enzymes could aid recycling of multi-layer packaging

Published: July 6, 2020
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Multilayer pouch

Researchers looked into multi-layer pouch recycling through the use of enzymes. | Ploylada/Shutterstock

A paper authored by a Spanish plastics research institute says enzymes can be used to degrade adhesive layers in multi-layer scrap materials, allowing the plastics to be separated for recycling.

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Meet two new entrants to the chemical recycling market

Published: July 6, 2020
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Baled plastics for recycling.

Encina and Braven Environmental are new to the chemical recycling sector. | Tunatura/Shutterstock

A pair of companies recently announced plans to build commercial-scale pyrolysis facilities, with one set for Texas and the other in Virginia. The plants will convert scrap plastics into chemical products.

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Equipment Spotlight: Tomra updates optical sorting system

Published: July 6, 2020
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Tomra's new Autosort model.

Tomra’s upgraded Autosort includes a broad range of sensors to detect small but important differences between materials.

Equipment supplier Tomra rolled out the latest generation of its Autosort optical sorter, which is geared to provide greater accuracy and speed while performing complex sorting tasks.

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Another major shipping line ends scrap service to China

Published: July 1, 2020
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Hapag-Lloyd shipping vessel with cargo.

Hapag-Lloyd announced that it will not accept “solid waste” cargo that would arrive in China after Sept. 1. | Solarisys/Shutterstock

This article has been updated.

Shipping company Hapag-Lloyd announced it will stop taking recycled material loads to China this year, citing the country’s recent law that referenced an all-out “solid waste” import ban in the near future.

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Assessments help plastic end users gauge recyclability

Published: June 10, 2020
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Various plastic spray bottles.

The RecyClass platform is focused on encouraging producers to sell packaging that’s compatible with current plastics recycling processes and technologies. | Africa Studio/Shutterstock

A European trade association has published step-by-step guides allowing packaging producers to rate the recyclability of their products and receive a certification.

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