Kelly Semrau, SC Johnson
For years, the plastics recycling sector has aimed to keep plastic film out of curbside bins and carts, in an effort to both keep the material clean and avoid the well-documented problems bags and other items cause at recycling facilities.
For compounders, buying cheaper regrind may be an attractive option, but the additional contamination can also mean higher processing costs. A case study shows how Aaron Industries reduced those costs and boosted throughputs by installing a continuous melt filter system.
Meal kits delivered straight to your doorstep are marketed as providing fresh, healthful food in a convenient way. But they also contain a lot of non-recyclable packaging, much of which carries problematic labeling.
The City of Calgary’s curbside recycling program has accepted plastic bags since it was rolled out in 2009, but it has faced a recurring issue: residents tossing them in the cart loose, instead of in bundles. This year, an outreach campaign aimed to address the problem head-on.
A manufacturer has been recognized for its process that uses 100 percent post-consumer plastics from e-scrap, as well as packaging and textiles, sourced from recycling companies across the U.S.
GreenMantra Technologies says its waxes, made from post-consumer plastics, can be used as additives to boost profitability for other reclaimers. Continue Reading
The Slovenian Minister for Education, Science and Sport, Maja Makovec Brenčič (left) and Axel Schweitzer, chairman of the board for ALBA Group, at the grand opening event. At the far left is Manica Ulcnik-Krump, manager of research and development for Recycled-Resource at Interseroh. Photo courtesy of Alba Group.
A research and development facility that recently opened in Europe aims to transform reclaimed plastics into higher-value applications.
A Canadian metropolitan region home to 2.5 million people is considering imposing a disposal ban on expanded polystyrene.
Miniature liquor bottles are targeted for a 15-cent container deposit, and companies work to implement more environmentally friendly packaging.
A new group in Europe is working to build a demonstration plant to recycle EPS building insulation containing a brominated flame retardant.