Health care workers can earn rewards for recycling IV bags, and redeem them for a pair of Vida sneakers made using recycled PVC | Photo Courtesy of Orbia
PVC and medical waste are both areas often considered to be non-starters for plastics recyclers. But global vinyl producer Orbia is expanding its program that incorporates both, as well as helping improve the standard of living for some of the most vulnerable people in the recycling system. Continue Reading
Industry groups are working to define their position on the complex technologies included in the broad and ill-defined sector of chemical recycling. | Extarz/Shutterstock
In recent weeks, two U.S. recycling organizations have released policy positions on chemical recycling. But questions remain for the often controversial recycling methods included in the umbrella term of chemical recycling, also known as molecular or advanced recycling. Continue Reading
The Fayetteville site is the company’s second U.S. PET plant to close in less than two years. | Aykut Erdogdu/Shutterstock
Major PET producer Alpek is closing a North Carolina plant that includes both virgin and RPET production, with operations to cease by July 31.
Despite sweeping legislative mandates that would seem to result in stronger demand for recycled content, Europe has seen its own share of hurdles to PCR adoptions. | Ugis Riba/Shutterstock
While delays and court setbacks have provided a temporary and tenuous reprieve from President Donald Trump’s market-disrupting tariffs, the European recycling sector continues to struggle with a rash of bankruptcies, most filed months before the trade war even began.
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A judge favored Brightmark’s parent company over a slightly higher bid, preferring Brightmark’s plan to keep the facility operating over the competing bid’s liquidation plan. | Photo courtesy of Brightmark
Brightmark’s bankrupt Indiana pyrolysis facility has been sold to parent company Brightmark for $14.3 million in a move that will keep the facility operating and retain most or all of its more than 100 employees, a judge ruled this month. The latest development came after a competitive auction process with plenty of twists and turns.
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Producer responsibility organization Circular Action Alliance is making staffing changes in California as implementation ramps up. | zmotions/Shutterstock
Changes are coming at producer responsibility organization Circular Action Alliance in California, with Rachel Wagoner moving out of the California executive director role and into an “external advisory capacity.” Continue Reading
PepsiCo will now shoot for 40% global recycled plastic use by 2035, instead of 50% by 2030. | FotograFFF/Shutterstock
Citing factors outside the company’s control, brand giant PepsiCo has softened its global post-consumer recycled content target and given itself more time to achieve the goal. Continue Reading
The $150 million plant near Houston — nearly three times bigger than the original — will ramp up throughout 2025 to its monthly capacity of 7.5 million pounds of resin. | Photo Courtesy of Natura
The nation’s largest waste services provider, WM, is unveiling its new $150 million plastic film recycling facility in Waller, Texas. Continue Reading
In March, California Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected SB 54 draft regulations, forcing the rulemaking process to restart. | Brandon Bourdages/Shutterstock
The first public opportunity to comment on California’s latest extended producer responsibility for packaging draft regulations stretched past the allotted time frame, with some speakers saying changes to a chemical recycling regulation section were unlawful. Continue Reading