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US plastic exports fell at a faster rate in 2022

Published: February 21, 2023
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Years after the implementation of China’s National Sword policy, the U.S. continues to export less and less plastic. | Jared Paben/Plastics Recycling Update

The decline in U.S. scrap plastic exports accelerated for the second year in a row, according to recently released U.S. Census Bureau trade data.  Continue Reading

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Chemical recycling developments move forward

Published: February 21, 2023
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LyondellBasell facility exterior.

Nexus Circular will supply pyrolysis oil to LyondellBasell for production of new plastics. That’s one of several recent chemical recycling technology deals. | Flagmania/Shutterstock

Several chemical recycling facilities, offtake agreements and technology licenses have been announced in recent weeks, with industry giants like Shell and LyondellBasell involved.  Continue Reading

NOVA Chemicals launches recycled resins line

Published: February 15, 2023
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The three new offerings from NOVA Chemicals are intended for use in a variety of wrapping and packaging applications. | Courtesy of NOVA Chemicals

NOVA Chemicals will offer three commercial recycled resins under a new business division called NOVA Circular Solutions. Continue Reading

WM to invest $125M expanding PCR production

Published: February 14, 2023
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Finished pellets at Avangard Innovative.

The Natura PCR facility in Waller, Texas produces post-consumer resin for a variety of applications. | Courtesy of Avangard Innovative

After spending many millions of dollars buying plastics reclaimer Avangard Innovative last year, Waste Management now plans to invest another $125 million expanding its film recycling business. Continue Reading

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EU-to-US scrap plastics trade under threat

Published: January 24, 2023
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Industry leaders oppose the European Commission’s proposed phase-out of plastics exports, arguing such a move would restrict trade. | European Parliament Multimedia Centre

A branch of the European Union wants to end all exports of recovered plastics within the next four years, a move that would undoubtedly disrupt trade with the U.S. One company leader suggested the impacts could hinge on what the EU decides to consider “waste.”

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ExxonMobil brings Texas facility on-line

Published: January 24, 2023
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ExxonMobil sign at facility in Texas.

Located at the company’s integrated manufacturing complex in Baytown, Texas, the chemicals recycling faculty is about 25 miles east of Houston. | michelmond/Shutterstock

Operations at ExxonMobil’s large-scale chemical recycling facility successfully began in mid-December, and the company is now eyeing other sites around the world.  Continue Reading

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Federal report targets recycling innovations

Published: February 7, 2023
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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

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US Plastics Pact launches Reuse Catalyst initiative

Published: February 7, 2023
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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

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