Although depressed plastics prices have caused some companies to revise their earnings projections, many in the sector are optimistic about an upcoming rebound. | Golden Dayz/Shutterstock
This story has been updated.
Recycled plastics prices are at their lowest levels in some time, putting significant strain on material processors. Meanwhile, some resin buyers are abandoning PCR to purchase virgin plastic instead. Continue Reading
Of the nine states for which data is available, only two showed meaningful increases in their container redemption rates. | Poring Studio/Shutterstock
Most states with deposit return systems saw static or reduced bottle redemption rates in 2022, according to a deposit advocacy organization. Continue Reading
Greystone Logistics processes about 60 million pounds per year of recovered material into new pallets. | Courtesy of Greystone Logistics
Lower recovered HDPE prices have helped increase the profitability of a recycled plastic pallet manufacturer. Continue Reading
A financial presentation from Unifi reported “strong adoption” of RPET chip and flake in the Americas in the fourth quarter of the 2023 fiscal year. | Don Pablo/Shutterstock
For Unifi, greater sales of recycled PET flakes and chips in the Americas provided one bright spot amid an otherwise gloomy business environment last year. Continue Reading
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste argues that consistent specifications for quality material will help drive investment in sorting and collection technology. | Fabrika Simf/Shutterstock
The Alliance to End Plastic Waste suggested the recycling industry in the European Union develop target specifications for processed materials to ease the transition to a circular economy. Continue Reading
Canada remains the top destination for U.S. exports of plastic bales, taking in 10% more of them this year than it did in 2022. | StockStudio/Shutterstock
Exports of recovered plastics fell during the first six months of 2023, newly released federal trade statistics show. Continue Reading
Several significant players in the plastics industry have made recent additive-related announcements. | Kirkam/Shutterstock
ExxonMobil, Polyvel and Techmer have all made recent investments in additive technology, including new HDPE grades, additives and acquisitions. Continue Reading
Many responses from environmental groups focused on the need for the U.S. EPA’s National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution to rein in the generation of new plastics. | Rich Carey/Shutterstock
The U.S. EPA asked for input on its draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution, and recycling industry stakeholders have answered. Continue Reading
Leaders at Polyfit hope to take advantage of a changing legislative landscape that is creating demand for film that contains PCR. | Courtesy of Polyfit
Plastics reclaimer Polyfit invested up to $7 million expanding its campus in northern Mexico, boosting its polyethylene recycling capacity at a time of rising demand in the U.S.
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Republic Services’ materials recovery facility in North Las Vegas will send bales of scrap plastics to Republic’s new nearby Polymer Center, which will recycle PET and sort and ship PE and PP to Blue Polymers. | Courtesy of Republic Services
Republic Services expects to invest about $160 million over the next five or six years into building four polyolefins recycling facilities around the country. When completed, the plants could bring the company up to $32 million in annual earnings. Continue Reading