About 2% of total energy consumption in the U.S. is used to make plastics, resins and synthetic rubber, and the production of fossil-fuel-based plastics generates about 3.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a recent federal report. | JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
The federal government is eyeing plastics recycling to tackle energy, environmental and manufacturing goals and the Department of Energy recently released an updated Strategy for Plastics Innovation report. Continue Reading
The application process for a second round of the Reuse Catalyst program will open in late 2023 or early 2024. | Natalia Deriabina/Shutterstock
In an effort to increase reuse and refill infrastructure in the U.S., the U.S. Plastics Pact announced its first class of Reuse Catalyst grantees. Continue Reading
Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) recycles over half a billion pounds of plastics, including a large portion of the color HDPE produced by U.S. recycling programs, into pipes, septic systems and other water-management products. | Courtesy of ADS
Economic conditions are taking their toll on two huge end users of recycled plastic, Advanced Drainage Systems and Unifi. Continue Reading
Kevin Kelly, CEO of California-based Emerald Packaging, said his company already internally recycles clear scrap plastics, but needs support to reach its diversion and PCR goals. | Praethip Docekalova/Shutterstock
Post-consumer resin is the way forward, the head of flexible film producer Emerald Packaging said. But it’s going to take commitment, collaboration and follow-through from many different actors to reach full PCR potential.
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The governor plans to make his recommendations to the Connecticut Legislature during the current legislative session. | Real Window Creative/Shutterstock
Gov. Ned Lamont is looking at extended producer responsibility for packaging, better organics diversion and minimum PCR requirements to help address Connecticut’s waste management woes. Continue Reading
The Recycling Partnership’s first round of grants is intended to help PET recyclers boost their recovery in the short term and build capacity for the long term. | DonPablo/Shutterstock
Resin company DAK Americas, recycled-content thermoforms producer Direct Pack and MRF operator Recycle Source have become the first three recipients of grants from the PET Recycling Coalition.
The revised lawsuit comes after an Illinois judge in September 2022 threw out many of plaintiff Devon Curtis’ claims. | Tiko Aramyan/Shutterstock
A Chicago resident has filed an amended lawsuit against 7-Eleven, arguing that some of the company’s “recyclable” labeling is deceptive because the products lack resin identification codes. Continue Reading
Hapag-Lloyd Aktiengesellschaft took legal action against materials exporter Golden Trust Trading on March 18, 2022, after the shipping giant said it transported 33 containers of PET, PP and PVC film bales from Vancouver, British Columbia to Bangkok in spring 2019 that were rejected by the Thai government. | John Crux/Shutterstock
A federal judge ruled that a Burnaby, British Columbia company owes an international shipping company $4.3 million Canadian dollars over plastics shipments rejected by the Thai government, the second such suit brought against the company. Continue Reading
Calhoun, Ga.-based Mohawk Industries attributes weak demand for carpet to interest rate increases, high inflation and reduced consumer confidence in the U.S. and Europe. | Casimiro PT/Shutterstock
Flooring market conditions have worsened faster than Mohawk Industries expected, leading to longer-than-anticipated idling of its carpet factories, the company announced. Continue Reading
The late-2022 rise in PET prices has extended into the new year, with the recovered plastic grade seeing a 12% bump this month. Continue Reading