This photo shows the optical sorter module developed to test the sorting of packaging with the Digimarc digital marker. The barcode scanning system works in conjunction with NIR identification. | Courtesy of Digimarc.
A major packaging producer will begin using a discrete barcode technology that can provide optical sorters with critical recycling information.
The NAPCOR report shows over 1.8 billion pounds of PET bottles were collected in the U.S. for recycling in 2018. | pook jun/Shutterstock
More PET bottles were collected for recycling last year, but the overall recycling rate remains stagnant, according to an industry report.
The recently introduced RECOVER Act provides funds to support recycling infrastructure, programs and education. | Yi Chen Chiang/Shutterstock
Legislation before Congress provides up to $500 million in matching grants to state and local governments to support recycling.
In 2017, the U.S. recycled 3 million tons of plastic, down 5.1% from 2015, according to the EPA.
The U.S. plastics recycling rate fell to its lowest level in half a decade, recently released figures show.
John Standish of APR (right) presented Scott Giffels of American Fuji Seal with a letter confirming the recyclability of the RecShrink label. | Photo courtesy of APR
The Association of Plastic Recyclers confirmed that a crystallizable shrink sleeve label with washable ink meets the group’s criteria for recyclability in the PET bottle stream. Continue Reading
ABA President and CEO Katherine Lugar presented a major recycling funding initiative alongside leaders from beverage companies. | Photo credit: YouTube
Coca-Cola, Keurig Dr Pepper and PepsiCo have pledged to put their money behind boosting processing technology and increasing curbside collection access. They’ll also introduce a uniform recycling message on their bottles next year.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation released an update on organizations’ progress toward their global plastic packaging commitments. | Aykut Erdogdu/Shutterstock
The Coca-Cola Co. uses considerably more recycled plastic than many of its global packaging peers. But, like others, it still has a long way to go to hit its ambitious goals for post-consumer resin. Continue Reading
Recology CEO Michael Sangiacomo told an audience at the 2019 Resource Recycling Conference and Trade Show his company would help bankroll a California initiative taking aim at plastic waste. | Brian Adams Photography
The CEO of West Coast hauler Recology teamed up with environmentalists to this week submit a proposed California ballot initiative taking aim at single-use plastics. Continue Reading
Verdex’s technology can be used to process a variety of polymers. | Courtesy of Verdex Technologies
A company has developed a technology for spinning contaminated post-consumer plastic into extremely thin fibers used to make filters, wipes and other products.
The Recycling Partnership has identified three key initiatives to improve the current recycling system.
PET collection is lagging behind recycled resin demand by more than 1 billion pounds per year, according to a study, and investment of $500 million is needed to improve the situation.