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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ADS’ plans for improved efficiency include automating material handling, pelletizing upgrades and expanded storage capacity. | Courtesy of Advanced Drainage Systems
Advanced Drainage Systems is in the midst of multiyear, multimillion-dollar recycling debottlenecking efforts that include upgrading recycling equipment and improving materials handling capabilities, an executive said.
Panelists speaking during a recent webinar focused on the need to build up infrastructure and target investments toward existing gaps in the system. | Mameraman/Shutterstock
During a recent Financial Times webinar, experts from industry and government agreed that the future holds ample potential for investment in recycling. Continue Reading
After examining over 700 publications, researchers concluded that reused and recycled plastics are likely to transfer toxic chemicals to the foods they contain. | Konektus Photo/Shutterstock
A recent analysis by Switzerland-based Food Packaging Forum reviewed hundreds of scientific studies and concluded that recycled and reused food-contact plastics can accumulate and release chemicals of concern. Continue Reading
The latest report from Greenpeace says recycled plastics are more toxic than their virgin counterparts. | RecycleMan/Shutterstock
Greenpeace is spotlighting what it calls toxic chemicals in recycled plastics. The group is also calling for global plastics agreement negotiators to focus on reduction. Continue Reading