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Tag Archives: industry groups

Ethics complaint filed in SB 54 back-and-forth

Published: March 5, 2025
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Baled plastics for recycling.

An anonymous complaint asked California’s Fair Political Practices Commission to investigate Rachel Wagoner for a violation of a ban that prevents former regulators from receiving compensation to work against the state on matters that were under their purview. | Zlikovec/Shutterstock

A formal ethics complaint has been lodged against Rachel Wagoner, formerly the director of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery who is now with producer responsibility organization Circular Action Alliance. The complaint alleges that she is lobbying her former agency in violation of a state “switching sides” ban. Continue Reading

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INC-5.2 for global plastic treaty to be held in August

Published: March 5, 2025
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Having left South Korea without a treaty, delegates from around the world will reconvene in Switzerland in August to keep working to address global plastic pollution. | Nexus 7/Shutterstock

Several months after wrapping what was intended to be the final negotiations on a global plastic pollution management treaty, the United Nations Environment Programme has announced the dates for extended talks.  Continue Reading

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Australian grocers offered more time on film stockpile

Published: February 12, 2025
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Bales of plastic films for recycling.

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

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Coffee pods, bulky rigids may lose ‘check locally’ label

Published: February 5, 2025
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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

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Plastics recycling industry speaks out on tariffs

Published: February 5, 2025
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shipping yard

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

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Trump admin reverses grant freeze

Published: January 29, 2025
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A government-wide pause on federal assistance could affect recycling projects across the country. | Rix Pix Photography/Shutterstock

After a day of confusion and legal challenges across the country, the Trump administration cancelled a memo freezing federal grants, loans and other assistance, according to reporting from various news outlets.

A federal judge on Tuesday had temporarily halted the change shortly before it was set to go into effect.

The pause had been intended to ensure that federal spending aligns with the Trump administration’s priorities and would include previously greenlit projects, according to a White House memo released Monday and related documents. Hundreds of millions of dollars for new recycling facilities and other industry initiatives were at risk of being put on hold.

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Industry groups form recycling alliance for PS

Published: January 29, 2025
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The Polystyrene Recycling Alliance includes members from both the PS and EPS industries, along with brands, converters and recyclers. | OlekStock/Shutterstock

In an effort to raise polystyrene recycling rates, the Plastics Industry Association has created a Polystyrene Recycling Alliance.  Continue Reading

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PCR procurement shifts as needed volumes grow

Published: January 29, 2025
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As brand owners increasingly require larger volumes of higher-quality recycled plastic, the procurement landscape is gradually shifting to a more formalized structure, while less traditional sourcing also continues to emerge. | Meaw Stocker/Shutterstock

Editor’s note: Learn more about procurement trends and many other topics at the 2025 Plastics Recycling Conference on March 24-26 in National Harbor, Maryland.  Continue Reading

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Three states turn to apps for recycling education

Published: January 23, 2025
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Person's hands holding and using a mobile phone.

Research from RRS found that in 2021, only 9% of U.S. recycling programs used a search app or tool for outreach, but apps appear to be gaining in popularity. | zhu-difeng/Shutterstock

Smartphones are a ubiquitous tool for many Americans, and several states have recently started using apps, including Recycle Coach, to disseminate recycling information. 

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A famed ski region is planning to improve diversion

Published: January 23, 2025
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Recycle Utah is working to bring a diverse array of shareholders together on a $25 million MRF project. | Photo courtesy Recycle Utah

Summit County, Utah, boasts one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S., bringing tourists from around the world to experience the majestic slopes in Park City. The region has even been selected as the site of the 2034 Winter Olympics.

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