A story about low prices for recycled resins commanded readers’ attention last month. | Golden Dayz/Shutterstock
Readers were drawn to stories about Eastman’s PET recycling plans, tough plastics recycling markets, the new Blue Polymers joint venture and more last month.
In addition to its proposed ban on EPS packaging, Ocean Conservancy wants to ensure banned items aren’t simply replaced by other single-use plastic items. | Courtesy of Ocean Conservancy
As it kicks off its 38th International Coastal Cleanup, environmental group Ocean Conservancy is calling for a nationwide ban on expanded polystyrene foodservice packaging. Continue Reading
About 20% of EverestLabs’ AI-powered robotic systems are installed at plastics reclaimers. | Courtesy of EverestLabs
A fast-growing recycling robotics company is finding particular success marketing to plastics reclaimers, which are using the systems to sort scrap material from lower-grade bales, a company leader said. Continue Reading
Although no criminal charges have yet been filed, Ontario authorities have issued 19 “orders” and one “requirement” to Nexcycle in light of the event. | JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
An employee at an Ontario plastics recycling facility has died in an on-the-job incident, according to media reports. Continue Reading
Waste Management handled about 10% fewer tons of scrap plastic in 2022 than it did in 2021. | Rblfmr/Shutterstock
Waste Management handled 465,000 tons of scrap plastic bales in 2022, down from the previous year because recycling plant upgrades required temporary shutdowns. Continue Reading
Anja Brandon, associate director of U.S. plastics policy at the Ocean Conservancy, speaks during the “Plastic Tensions Within Extended Producer Responsibility” session at the 2023 Resource Recycling Conference in Orlando, Fla. | Big Wave Productions/Resource Recycling
Resource Recycling Conference attendees may have been expecting a boxing ring when stakeholders got on stage to talk about plastic and extended producer responsibility, but instead they got a message of hope, progress and civil disagreement on film, chemical recycling and labeling. Continue Reading
Although depressed plastics prices have caused some companies to revise their earnings projections, many in the sector are optimistic about an upcoming rebound. | Golden Dayz/Shutterstock
This story has been updated.
Recycled plastics prices are at their lowest levels in some time, putting significant strain on material processors. Meanwhile, some resin buyers are abandoning PCR to purchase virgin plastic instead. Continue Reading
Of the nine states for which data is available, only two showed meaningful increases in their container redemption rates. | Poring Studio/Shutterstock
Most states with deposit return systems saw static or reduced bottle redemption rates in 2022, according to a deposit advocacy organization. Continue Reading
Greystone Logistics processes about 60 million pounds per year of recovered material into new pallets. | Courtesy of Greystone Logistics
Lower recovered HDPE prices have helped increase the profitability of a recycled plastic pallet manufacturer. Continue Reading