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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Baled clamshells in Ridwell’s Portland facility on Aug. 15, 2024, awaiting shipment to a downstream processor. | Marissa Heffernan/Resource Recycling.
As more consumers turn a skeptical eye to traditional recycling programs, Ridwell, a company that provides curbside collection of hard-to-recycle materials, is growing into numerous markets across the country. And the company is doing it with transparency in mind. Continue Reading
With more capacity coming online, EFS-Plastics will be able to handle more B-grade LDPE film bales and potentially transition to contractual supply arrangements. | Vikentiy Elizarov/Shutterstock
As EFS-Plastics nears completion on its third LDPE film processing line in Pennsylvania, the company is changing the way it approaches film bales, a company executive said in an interview. Continue Reading
The ACC and Plastics Industry Association expressed disappointment in the shift in policy, while environmental groups applauded it. | Mstfcn/Shutterstock
The U.S. has reversed its stance on plastics production limits and now will support inclusion of these efforts in a global treaty, according to recent reports. The abrupt shift garnered a strong reaction from the plastics industry and cautious optimism from environmental groups. Continue Reading