With fewer available drivers comes less available trucking supply, leading to higher prices and potential disruptions in trucking availability for those in the recycling industry. | Vitpho/Shutterstock
A driver shortage that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to create challenges for moving recyclables this year, analysts say.
Prices for recovered plastics increased across the board during the past month, with natural high-density polyethylene bales notching another record.
COVID-19 and pricing pressure led companies to seek other supply lines for PET feedstock. | Pixel B/Shutterstock
A confluence of RPET market disruptions in 2020 included low prime plastic pricing and supply challenges that led end users to seek feedstock from other sources. Still, experts maintain a surge of RPET demand is fast approaching.
As the year comes to a close, the price of natural high-density polyethylene bales notched another record. Color HDPE also continues to climb.
Amcor sees the greatest opportunity for use of PCR in its PET and HDPE rigid packaging portfolio. | Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock
Amcor, one of the largest packaging producers in the world, used nearly 84,000 metric tons of PCR during the 2020 fiscal year, according to its sustainability report.
The average price of natural HDPE bales have reached another record high this month. Continue Reading
Analysts say that new Chinese import regulations covering recycled pellets have created challenges for exporters of the material. | Sheila Fitzgerald/Shutterstock
In the U.S., the plastics recycling market has been largely dictated by pandemic-related collection and demand realities. Overseas, a recent Chinese move to restrict recycled plastic pellet imports is posing trade challenges.
The price of natural high-density polyethylene sorted at municipal recycling facilities surpassed 61 cents per pound for the first time.
There are now only a few types of scrap plastic shipments not subject to the new Basel criteria. | Go_Legacy/Shutterstock
Experts with the U.S. EPA say there are a number of potential outcomes from upcoming shifts in global rules governing scrap plastic shipments. Under one possibility, trade in scrap plastic will no longer be allowed between the U.S. and most other countries.
KW’s recycled PP paint can manufacturing operation, KW Container, has experienced increased sales during the pandemic. | Photo courtesy of KW
Supply and demand realities for key curbside plastics are evolving fast during the coronavirus pandemic, and they’ve led one major plastics recycling company to adjust operationally. Continue Reading