The Association of Plastic Recyclers’ Recycling in Action initiative is encouraging MRFs to give more public tours. | Nordroden/Shutterstock
The first time I stepped inside a recycling facility, I was overwhelmed. Even with earplugs, the noise was relentless — the hum of machinery, the clatter of cans, the whir of conveyor belts. But what struck me most wasn’’t the sound. It was the sheer volume of material being sorted at lightning speed by robotic arms and optical sensors. Continue Reading
The Mamba Board line features composite boards made from recycled e-plastics. | Courtesy of RePolyTex
E-plastics processor Synergy Electronics Recycling and its subsidiary, RePolyTex, have expanded their product line of composite boards made with recycled e-plastics and recently earned recognition from the Carolina Recycling Association. Continue Reading
The final bill builds on previous legislation, resulting in an EPR program that will take shape in 2028. | Evan Lorne/Shutterstock
After five years of work and many interim steps, Maryland became the sixth U.S. state to pass extended producer responsibility legislation for paper and packaging, continuing the policy’s evolution in the country.
Rebecca Mick, program director of film and packaging innovation for APR, presented design guidance at a recent training session. | Tan Sackett/APR
Industry leaders and packaging design engineers explored the challenges to recycling film and flexible plastics during an inaugural packaging design training session recently in Houston. Continue Reading
The updated report examined increases in PCR usage and processing capacity, but noted that CPG companies are unlikely to meet this year’s plastics targets. | Meaw Stocker/Shutterstock
Although consumer packaged goods companies made progress toward their recycled-content goals, critical gaps remain in supply security, according to a recent report from Ameripen. As a result, the industry advocacy group says these companies are unlikely to meet their 2025 PCR targets. Continue Reading
The newly formed Kentucky Recycling Coalition plans to start a summit, do a membership drive and ultimately improve recycling access across the state. | Aspen Rock/Shutterstock
After several years of work, Kentucky is no longer the only state in its region without a state recycling organization. The new Kentucky Recycling Coalition wants to increase access, update a statewide sustainability plan and build up membership. Continue Reading
The legislation is intended to increase access to recycling, as only 58% of jurisdictions in the state provide access to curbside recycling. | Jeffrey-B.-Banke/Shutterstock
Just a week after Maryland became state No. 6 to approve a bill on extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, Washington made No. 7.
Three panelists at the Plastics Recycling Conference explored why product traceability not only is vital for verifying PCR use but also can streamline processes and enhance profits. | Big Wave Productions/Resource Recycling
Enabling product traceability is vital to provide PCR accountability and can even help streamline recycling processes, according to several panelists during a session at the recent Plastics Recycling Conference. Continue Reading
In North America, Mondelez is looking to put up to 50% RPET in cookie trays, including its Oreo packaging. | Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock
Two big food brands and an eco-conscious apparel company reported on their use of plastic resins recently, with Mondelez and General Mills reporting a focus on reducing the use of plastic packaging and transitioning to mono-material packaging, respectively. Continue Reading