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Category: Top stories

Study: Reclaimers discharge ample microplastics

Published: May 9, 2023
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Researchers found that one UK facility discharged somewhere between 59 and 1,184 metric tons of microplastics in a single year. | Microgen/Shutterstock

Research from the UK found that plastic recycling facilities are discharging microplastics into water systems and suggested both further research and stronger wastewater filtration systems to address the pollution.   Continue Reading

Colorado chooses brand group to lead EPR

Published: May 2, 2023
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The Circular Action Alliance will serve to coordinate producer responsibility efforts around the recovery of plastics and other forms of packaging, as well as paper, in Colorado. | Konektus Photo/Shutterstock

In a big step toward implementing one of the nation’s first extended producer responsibility programs for packaging, Colorado selected Circular Action Alliance as its producer responsibility organization. Continue Reading

Plastic and packaging producers provide PCR data

Published: May 2, 2023
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LyondellBasell announced progress on its production of recycled polymers, and Sonoco announced it used 10% recycled content in its plastic packaging last year. | Madam F/Shutterstock

Two major companies, plastics producer LyondellBasell and packaging manufacturer Sonoco, recently published sustainability reports. The following are their plastics recycling takeaways.  Continue Reading

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Hundreds comment on Green Guides updates

Published: April 25, 2023
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Remarks from industry groups focused on such topics as uniformity of standards, using data to back policy and recognition of the ever-changing recycling landscape. | G0d4ather/Shutterstock

The Federal Trade Commission requested comments on its revisions to the Green Guides and got 850 responses, with many calling for a crackdown on deceptive claims and better definitions of key terms.  Continue Reading

EPA weighs in on cuts to single-use plastic production

Published: April 25, 2023
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Various single-use plastic packaging on a table.

The U.S. EPA is seeking comments on its recently published “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution.” | SerPhoto/Shutterstock

Although it doesn’t use the word “ban,” the U.S. EPA released a plastics pollution strategy that supports steps to reduce production of single-use and difficult-to-recycle plastics.  Continue Reading

Which brands hit or missed California’s PCR mandate

Published: April 18, 2023
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Most beverage brands failed to meet CalRecycle’s requirements for PCR use or didn’t report to the regulator at all. | Noom CPK/Shutterstock

This story has been updated.

Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo and other big beverage brands achieved California’s mandate to use 15% PCR in their bottles last year, but the list of smaller brands that failed to hit the target – or even report data to the state – stretches over 500 companies long.  Continue Reading