The two organizations maintain the industry standard for acceptable materials and contaminants, and the specifications serve as a reference tool for MRFs and other recyclers. | Photo Courtesy Jared Paben
The Association of Plastic Recyclers and the Recycled Materials Association have updated specifications for post-consumer plastic bales, following a collaborative development process between the two organizations. Continue Reading
Five publicly traded North American waste haulers decreased expectations for full-year commodity pricing, and gave insights into new and upgraded capacity. | Photo Courtesy of Republic Services
Delegates from around the world will navigate a number of sticking points that remain after five previous rounds of negotiations. | Memori Susandi/Shutterstock
Delegates from more than 170 countries will gather at the United Nations’ Palais des Nations Aug. 5-14 for what may be the final round of negotiations on a landmark international treaty to curb plastic pollution. Continue Reading
The company is exploring options to increase RPET production, including debottlenecking the existing Kingsport methanolysis plant and exploring locations other than Longview, Texas. | Trismegist san/Shutterstock
Eastman Chemical will delay its second U.S. methanolysis plant for two years, as it appeals the revocation of a key federal grant and explores capacity expansions at its flagship site in Tennessee and other locations, CEO Mark Costa said during an investor call Aug. 1. Continue Reading
‘Break Up With Single-Use Bags’ campaign rolls out at over 1,000 Southern California stores ahead of the state’s 2026 plastic bag ban, aiming to shift habits early. | Photo Courtesy of Closed Loop Partners
A coalition of major retailers and local stores has launched a campaign across more than 1,000 Southern California locations this week to help customers kick the habit of using disposable shopping bags. Continue Reading
The melt flow sensor brings data collection right into the production line. | Photo courtesy HydraMotion
Equipment supplier HydraMotion has released a new line of melt flow analyzing tools, which report crucial resin composition information in real time. The company says the new equipment is particularly well-suited for RPET production lines. Continue Reading
Goodwill of Ontario Great Lakes installed a shredding and granulating system to recycle its unsold donated plastics and continue its goal of zero waste. | Photo courtesy Rotogran International
Goodwill Industries of Ontario Great Lakes recently purchased a size-reduction system to increase its recycling capacity for donated plastic goods in London, Ontario. Continue Reading
The producer responsibility organization in British Columbia reported a 45% plastic recovery rate in 2024. | Photo courtesy Recycle BC
Producer responsibility organization Recycle BC upped its plastic recovery rate in Canada’s southwestern province last year, and it managed nearly all of the collected plastic domestically. Continue Reading
Despite a three-year downturn, Dow and others are starting up vast new capacity for virgin PE resin, exacerbating the disadvantage for recycled HDPE. | Richard Frazier/Shutterstock
Despite being entrenched in what the CEO described as “one of the longest downturns our industry has experienced,” chemical and polymer company Dow has started up new virgin PE resin capacity geared toward packaging for food and for health and hygiene, executives said during a quarterly investor call. Continue Reading