Polymer Resources has grown its Rochester, N.Y. facility to nearly twice its previous size, with plans to expand even further. | Courtesy of Polymer Resources
A Northeast U.S. compounder’s recent capacity upgrades represent part of an effort over the next two years to double the amount of recycled-content products it sells, an executive explained. Continue Reading
The company also aims to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or compostable by 2025. | Robert D Brozek/Shutterstock
Keurig Dr Pepper used 11% less virgin plastic in 2022 and achieved 18% recycled content in plastic beverage bottles, the company announced in its 2022 corporate responsibility report. Continue Reading
From left: Keefe Harrison, Jennifer Russell and Matt Seaholm. | Big Wave Productions/Plastics Recycling Update
How to make plastics sustainable and improve recycling infrastructure was the focus of a recent panel discussion, with stakeholders pointing to transparency, public trust and standardization. Continue Reading
Two new wet grinders have been installed next to the old one. | Jared Paben/Plastics Recycling Update
A Pacific Northwest PET reclaimer is working to expand its capacity, with an eye toward continued population growth in Oregon and a potential bottle bill on the horizon in Washington state. Continue Reading
Speakers on the “Frontline Communities” panel included (from left) Sandra Gonza, Jo Banner, Paulina Lopez and Joy Banner. | Dan Leif/Plastics Recycling Update
As companies across the sector try to navigate concerns around environmental justice, leaders of activist groups have some advice: Stop and listen to the local community first. Continue Reading
Pinning down an accepted materials list means balancing a variety of needs and interests. | nate samui/Shutterstock
States with extended producer responsibility programs are starting to grapple with a tricky question: How do we establish a list of materials covered by the system?
Much like the FDA does in North America, the EFSA evaluates which materials can be used in food and beverage packaging. | Jared Paben/Plastics Recycling Update
A European food safety panel has given the green light to a couple dozen companies seeking to use Bandera, Erema, Polymetrix and Starlinger recycling technologies to produce food-grade RPET. Continue Reading
Europe’s PET imports doubled from 2021 to 2022. | Aykut Erdogdu/Shutterstock
Could minimum recycled content mandates for PET bottles simply drive an increase in RPET imports? A recycling industry group in Europe is concerned that’s happening there. Continue Reading
Many parties involved with the agreement see promise in the negotiations, but serious disagreements remain. | Gerain0812/Shutterstock
The second meeting to create a global plastics agreement ended with delegates agreeing to have a draft prepared in six months’ time, despite delays at the outset of negotiations. Continue Reading
The amended extended producer responsibility bill enjoys support from Members of New York’s legislature, but faces opposition from several brands and industry groups. | Real Window Creative/Shutterstock
Some New York legislators are pushing to see extended producer responsibility for packaging pass this year. With days left in the session, they’ve reintroduced what they see as a compromise bill.
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