Shifting export markets captured our audience’s attention throughout 2019. | AlexKol Photography/Shutterstock
The past year has without question been one of the most turbulent in the history of the plastic recycling sector. Export markets have shifted, chemical recycling concepts have gained prominence and processors targeting a variety of resin types have moved boldly. That’s given our editorial staff lots to chew on – and offered readers plenty to click.
A reclaimer is recovering polyamide from multi-layer films via a solvent-based process, and additive companies release products to boost recycled polyamide and PP.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Plastics Innovation Challenge will promote production of plastic products that are recyclable by design. | Jer123/Shutterstock
A U.S. Department of Energy initiative seeks to boost plastics recycling, setting a handful of goals to hit by 2030 and highlighting funding opportunities to advance technology.
As we approach the 2020 Plastics Recycling Conference and Trade Show, we’re giving several industry experts who will be taking the stage a chance to outline some key talking points in advance.
The NAPCOR report shows over 1.8 billion pounds of PET bottles were collected in the U.S. for recycling in 2018. | pook jun/Shutterstock
More PET bottles were collected for recycling last year, but the overall recycling rate remains stagnant, according to an industry report.
In October, India’s imports of U.S. scrap plastics dropped to their lowest single-month volume since at least 2002. | November Studio/Shutterstock
Export figures continue to show the power of recycled plastic import restrictions in Southeast Asia. Countries that were previously the largest overseas markets have seen massive decreases in U.S. plastic imports since mid-2018.
Post-consumer PET prices have remained steady over the past month, but HDPE grades have slipped.
CalRecycle alleges 81 out of CVS Pharmacy’s 848 California stores have not complied with state law. | Simone Hogan/Shutterstock
California regulators say retailer CVS hasn’t complied with bottle and can redemption requirements, and they’re seeking to force the company to fork over nearly $3.7 million.
Prices for curbside natural high-density polyethylene have climbed even higher over the past month.
The task force will include elected officials at the federal, state and local level, as well as recycling industry representatives. | Orhan Cam/Shutterstock
Four members of Congress this week unveiled a workgroup to boost plastics recycling through technology investments and more. It’s the latest of several recent moves at the national level to address plastics recovery.