The U.S. continued to ship less scrap plastic overseas during the first half of this year, federal trade data shows.
Timeline final update: March 22, 2022
The U.S. continued to ship less scrap plastic overseas during the first half of this year, federal trade data shows.
Canada has banned a wide range of single-use plastics, effective by the end of the year for most items, and is looking to implement new labeling laws as well.
European recyclers are struggling to get enough material, even as exports of plastics decline and values rise.
The U.S. continues to export less and less scrap plastic overseas, the latest trade figures show.
Timeline final update: March 22, 2022
U.S. scrap plastic exports fell by 12% in 2021, even though some countries, such as India and Mexico, brought in a whole lot more material.
CMA CGM Group, the third-largest ocean shipping company in the world, announced it will no longer carry post-use plastics on its ships as of June 1.
U.S. scrap plastic exports continued a precipitous year-over-year decline moving into the second half of the year, with several large destinations substantially reducing imports.
The U.S. has signaled support for a worldwide agreement to reduce marine plastic pollution. Meanwhile, the EU is drafting stricter export rules, a watchdog group is mapping plastic dump sites, and researchers shared findings on the greenhouse gas impacts of virgin plastic shipments.
Strife in the global shipping sector continues to impact North American recycling, with companies experiencing higher rates as well as decreased shipping availability and reliability.