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APR: Degradable additives cause recycling problems

Published: September 11, 2024
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Mixed plastics for recycling.

The Association of Plastic Recyclers updated its Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability to note that packaging containing degradable additives, nutrients and supplements are no longer considered recyclable. | Josep Curto/Shutterstock

Degradable additives, nutrients and supplements will boot packaging into the non-recyclable category, according to an update to the Association of Plastic Recyclers’ Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability.

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Azek reports less recycled material used in 2023

Published: September 11, 2024
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The maker of composite decking and other architectural elements used less recycled material but expanded its recycled PVC collection program. | Courtesy of Azek

Chicago-based composite decking company Azek used about 16% less recycled material in fiscal 2023 than in the previous year, according to its latest sustainability report.

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U.S. Plastics Pact adds to its list of ‘problematic’ plastics

Published: September 5, 2024
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Non-compostable produce stickers, multi-material plastic packaging and degradability additives have been added to U.S. Plastics Pact’s list of problematic and unnecessary materials. | Neungstockr/Shutterstock

With the U.S. Plastics Pact on track to eliminate its initial 11 problematic plastics by 2025, the group decided to add three more items to the list.  Continue Reading

APR encourages MRF tours over ‘tracker tests’

Published: September 5, 2024
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Plastic bottles gathered for recycling.

After a rise in GPS tracker tests of curbside recyclable materials, the Association of Plastic Recyclers is asking the public to schedule a MRF tour instead. | pkproject/Shutterstock

The Association of Plastic Recyclers is encouraging members of the public who have questions about what really happens to their recycling to book a MRF tour instead of putting trackers in curbside materials.  Continue Reading

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California passes expanded plastic bag ban

Published: September 5, 2024
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The two identical state bills are on the desk of the governor, who just last week announced investment in 250 recycling sites across the state. | Susanne Pommer/Shutterstock

Despite advocacy from plastic film companies, California lawmakers passed two bills that ban reusable plastic bags in the state, drawing scathing reactions from the industry. Continue Reading

California grants increase deposit return system options

Published: August 28, 2024
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Grants of $70 million will lead to 250 new sites for Californians to redeem used beverage containers. | Pichetw/Shutterstock

In an effort to boost used beverage container redemption access, the state of California provided nearly $70 million in grants to open 250 new redemption sites across the state. Continue Reading

Q&A: Comparing recycling and renewable energy

Published: August 28, 2024
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A plastics recycling executive who advocated for California’s post-consumer resin mandate draws distinctions between the recycling and renewable energy industries. Witsarut Sakorn/Shutterstock

Although regulations that scaled the renewable energy market share some conceptual similarities with post-consumer resin mandates, one longtime plastics recycling stakeholder argues there are key differences creating unique challenges for plastics recycling. Continue Reading

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New Unifi offerings add to push for RPET end uses

Published: August 28, 2024
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Unifi sources recycled polyester through its Textile Takeback program, which recently began supplying feedstock for new products. | Photo courtesy Unifi

By and large, U.S. recycled PET end markets have shifted focus from textiles to food packaging in recent years. But North Carolina-based Unifi is working on building end uses for recycled plastics in fashion and other fabric applications, the CEO said in a recent interview. Continue Reading

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