Scrap plastic exports fell in 2024 while recycled plastics imports rose, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. | Druid007/Shutterstock
Scrap plastic exports fell by about 2% in 2024, according to new trade data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Meanwhile, recycled plastic imports reached record levels, making the U.S. a net importer of the material. Continue Reading
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is proposing a year-long extension for three major grocery chains to recycle 11,000 metric tons of stockpiled soft plastics. | Taniascamera/Shutterstock
Grocery chains in Australia may get even more time to deal with a huge film and flexible plastic buildup. Continue Reading
Plastic Recycling, Inc. has invested a total of $17 million of dollars into extrusion lines and labs to create recycled ABS and PS compounds from e-plastics. | Courtesy of Plastic Recycling Inc.
Midwest-based Plastic Recycling, Inc. is looking to provide compounds for OEMs and automotive manufacturers that fit a wide range of specifications and just happen to be made from e-scrap. Continue Reading
PETCORE Europe supports ecomodulation and plastic reduction, according to chairman Antonello Ciotti. | DonPablo Lorez/Shutterstock
The basis for Europe’s 72% collection rate of PET comes down to regulation and collaboration, Antonello Ciotti, chairman of PETCORE Europe, said in a recent podcast. Continue Reading
The U.S. EPA carries out a variety of recycling industry-supportive work through its Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery. | Tada Images/Shutterstock
There are few indications how incoming U.S. EPA administrator Lee Zeldin might shift the agency’s solid waste and recycling work, but he won the support of multiple recycling industry associations, and stakeholders say he likely brings an understanding of local solid waste management challenges. Continue Reading
CEO Mark Costa said the company’s second chemical recycling plant has already received its first funds from the Department of Energy, amid uncertainty for federal funding for Inflation Reduction Act projects. | Petrmalinak/Shutterstock
Amid uncertainty surrounding projects funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, the CEO of Tennessee-headquartered Eastman expressed confidence in the future of its second U.S. chemical recycling plant, which was greenlit upon a $375 million award from the Department of Energy. Continue Reading
Single-use PP beverage pods, such as those used for coffee and tea, may no longer qualify for the “check locally” label, according to the latest data. | Primestock Photography / Shutterstock
The How2Recycle labeling initiative is considering downgrading four types of plastic packaging in response to recent acceptance data, according to its latest guidance for recyclability designations. Continue Reading
Colorado’s extended producer responsibility for packaging program is slated to fully roll out in 2026. | AustralianCamera/Shutterstock
Circular Action Alliance submitted its initial extended producer responsibility plan to Colorado’s advisory board, taking another step on the state’s path to implementation. Continue Reading
In 2024, Mexico and Canada together received more than half of all U.S. plastic scrap exports and provided about 30% of PET resin imports, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission. | Hxdyl/Shutterstock
U.S. President Donald Trump was set to implement 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, effective Feb. 4, then delayed them, creating a rapidly changing trade landscape that furthered uncertainty in the plastics recycling industry. Continue Reading