At PPRC in Chicago, industry experts warned that complex rules and demands will take years to refine as Oregon sets an early model. | Bob Pool / Shutterstock
At the Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference in Chicago, industry leaders said extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs for packaging are changing how the US handles residential recycling, but warned that uneven state rules will slow the transition.
The national average price for bales of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars remained steady in October, now averaging 4.50 cents/lb, compared to 4.66 cents this time last month. Regional contracts are still yielding in the 3-7 cent range. One year ago this grade was trading at an average 17.59 cents/lb.
While most US recycled plastic scrap markets remain weak, several have likely found a pricing floor, prompting some stabilization. | Garry Killian / Shutterstock
While most US recycled plastic scrap markets remain weak, several have likely found a pricing floor, prompting some stabilization. Overall demand remains soft, especially as buyers seasonally reduce inventory volumes within the fourth quarter. Continue Reading
Production of film and flexible packaging is growing while recycling rates remain low. | K M Hargreaves / Shutterstock
While film and flexible packaging represent about 34% of the total US plastic packaging industry by weight, abysmal recycling rates are requiring adjustments across the entire system. Continue Reading
While Washington aims to reduce plastic bag waste, the mandate for thicker bags is in question, resulting in more plastic volume overall. | Olga Miltsova / Shutterstock
The Washington State Department of Commerce released a report on the effectiveness of the state’s retail carryout bag policy prohibiting thin, 0.5 mil thickness single-use plastic bags. Continue Reading
The Circular Action Alliance and Colorado are gearing up to implement the state’s new EPR law. | Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Editors note: Join us at the 2026 Resource Recycling Conference where we’ll dive deeper into EPR compliance and policy.
The group overseeing Colorado’s upcoming recycling system overhaul is moving forward with new plans to boost participation statewide. Continue Reading
A Dow executive discusses end-market potential for recovered flexible films, and an article explores the challenges of recovering plastics from toys.
A French chemical company has announced industrial-scale production of a recycled polyamide 6.6 resin made from airbag fabrics.