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
Advanced Drainage Systems, one of the biggest buyers of recycled HDPE and PP, also saw a 7.3% drop in purchases of recycled materials. | Courtesy ADS
Major buyer Advanced Drainage Systems reached its lowest level of recycled plastic purchases since its fiscal 2022 baseline, according to its annual sustainability report. Continue Reading
The Lubricants Packaging Management Association became the first independent producer responsibility organization to gain approval in a state EPR program. | Air Images / Shutterstock
Although a designated producer responsibility organization (PRO) receives much of the attention for any state’s emerging extended producer responsibility (EPR) plan for packaging, independent PROs quietly address more specialized needs. Continue Reading
Amazon-backed Glacier has installed AI sorting at Penn Waste’s York County MRF with support from Cox Enterprises, aiming to boost PET capture in Pennsylvania. | Photo courtesy Glacier
Glacier, the Amazon-backed AI and robotics company, has installed its sorting technology at Penn Waste’s MRF in York County, Pennsylvania, in a project supported by Cox Enterprises that aims to lift plastic recovery and improve fiber quality for mills. Continue Reading
The immediate effect of a tiered incentive shows the power of state-level initiatives to support the value chain and reinforce EPR laws. | Photoeu / Shutterstock
Recycling technology company Carbios will restart construction on its enzymatic PET recycling plant in Longlaville, a move attributed in part to French governmental incentives. The so-called biorecycling plant is expected to start production in the second half of 2027.
APR has unveiled a digital platform that evaluates whole plastic packages for recyclability and helps brands prepare for EPR and labeling rules. | Courtesy APR
The Association of Plastic Recyclers will launch a new digital platform to help brands and packaging suppliers evaluate the recyclability of entire plastic packages and prepare for policy requirements in the US and abroad. Continue Reading
A new report says healthcare plastics could rise 40% by 2040, but scaling recycling strategies could cut waste in half and save $18B annually across global systems. | Steve Allen / Shutterstock
Healthcare organizations generate large quantities of recyclable single-use plastics, but face unique challenges, said panelists during a recent webinar from Eunomia Research and Consulting.