Oceans United will use the iCat-90 Skimmer to collect mixed plastic waste from the oceans and use the material as feedstock for fuel. | Photo courtesy Oceans United
A fleet of self-sustaining vessels will collect and process mixed plastic in the world’s waterways, a nonprofit organization announced this month.
Dell’s 2019 sustainability report addressed several plastics-related points. | Courtesy of Dell
A global electronics company’s sustainability report provides a glimpse into its use of recycled resins, including e-plastics, post-consumer packaging and other sources.
Recycled ocean plastic was recently used to create a small batch of “handplanes,” which are tools employed by bodysurfers. The project partners are planning additional, larger production runs.
The U.S. government is using the power of the federal purse to help boost recycling infrastructure in Asia.
Tech giant HP recently spent $2 million to help improve infrastructure for recovering plastics at risk of entering the ocean. The investment is expected to create jobs in an impoverished area and move more material into the recycling stream.
Geneva, Switzerland
The scrap plastic trade will receive focus this week in Switzerland, where countries are meeting to discuss and consider amending global waste regulations.
Americas Styrenics’ Jon Timbers, left, talks during the opening session of the 2019 Plastics Recycling Conference and Trade Show.
Executives from large resin makers say circular economy principles are key to their companies’ long-term viability. Putting such a strategy into action will be no easy task, however.
Resin and packaging giants last week committed $1 billion over the next five years to “end plastic waste.” While recycling and sustainability stakeholders say they are encouraged by the effort, they also want to ensure materials recovery remains part of the solution.
Envision Plastics has had success integrating marine plastics into the supply chain. But if more brand owners don’t step up to purchase the material, the whole effort may have to scale back, an executive at the reclaimer said.
