The collection program was made possible through a nearly $39,000 grant from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. | eleonimages/Shutterstock
A state grant will enable a four-month pilot agricultural film recycling program in the Northeast.
A number of companies received approval to use their recycling technology to produce recycled plastic for use in food and drink packaging.| Somsak21/Shutterstock
A company was given the go-ahead to recycle post-consumer PET into multi-layer reheatable food trays. Meanwhile, a global packaging company was OK’d to recycle LDPE films into reusable bags.
After paper recycling companies extract fiber from cartons, they’re often left with a plastic-aluminum mix that’s sent to disposal. An Italian company has begun recycling that mix into pellets.
Private equity company Arsenal now has a controlling interest in a firm that collects polyethylene film from farms. | Courtesy of Revolution Plastics
An ag plastics collector, processor and end user will be acquired by a private equity firm, which took note of the company’s unique business model and plans for growth.
For injection molding, Busch Systems is now taking in at least 44,000 pounds of post-consumer plastic a month. | Courtesy of Busch Systems
Garbage and recycling container maker Busch Systems recently announced it has developed additional products made from 100% recycled plastic. An executive explained how the Canadian company continues to boost recycled content.
Biopharmaceutical production scrap consists of different polymers, multi-layer films and some hazardous materials. A recycling program is demonstrating that this tough-to-tackle stream doesn’t have to be destined for disposal.
In coming years, recycled PET and polyolefins will likely have to continue competing with cheap virgin plastics. But scrap markets will also be impacted by uncertain government policies and brand owner decisions.
Researchers have found a way to convert post-consumer LDPE and HDPE into energy-storing carbon that can be used in batteries.
Mixed plastics and recovered carpet aren’t usually the preferred feedstock for product manufacturers. But a Texas company making wood alternatives for the construction sector is building its business around those very materials.
Film collected by retailers could be recycled into a number of additional product types, but contamination will likely stifle end-market potential for curbside material, a report concludes.