Researchers in Japan found microplastics in clouds at the summit of Mount Fuji and other nearby mountains. | Martinho Smart/Shutterstock
One academic study from Iowa explored using residential PP scrap at different levels in new food bottles, and another in Japan discovered nine different polymer types as microplastics in clouds. Continue Reading
A wet grinder in Plastic Recycling Inc.’s new PP line in Indianapolis. | Courtesy of PRI
Plastic Recycling Inc. is now processing post-consumer curbside PP, with an eye toward obtaining an FDA food-contact letter in the near future. Continue Reading
The research team hopes that a better accounting of PP moving through materials recovery facilities will help build a circular economy for the material. | Pixel B/Shutterstock
Closed Loop Partners, NextGen Consortium and AI developer Greyparrot plan to study the composition of polypropylene in recycling streams using artificial intelligence. Continue Reading
Vitacore Industries is among a handful of companies that will receive money from the Canadian government to scale up their technology. | Faizzamal/Shutterstock
Vitacore Industries, a personal protective equipment manufacturer, received 4.18 million Canadian dollars (about $3.17 million) to develop a facility to recycle discarded PPE into building materials. Continue Reading
LyondellBasell aims to produce and sell 2 million metric tons annually of Circulen, its brand of recycled-content plastics, by 2023. | JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
Polyolefins producing giant LyondellBasell has purchased a 50% stake in a Dutch plastics reclaimer that specializes in producing HDPE and PP flakes. Continue Reading
Infusions of cash are going toward recovery in North America and infrastructure in South America. | Pichetw/Shutterstock
Two organizations focused on making the plastics supply chain more circular recently shared some investment news. Continue Reading
The Envision investments will enable the company to grow its annual HDPE output by 25 to 30 million pounds. | Courtesy of Envision Plastics
Envision Plastics is leaning into demand for PCR and putting millions of dollars into adding another recycled food-grade HDPE and PP processing line at an existing facility. Continue Reading
Innovative designers are developing applications for recycled content that range from industrial molding and compounding to residential seating. | Courtesy of Herman Miller
Two companies are marketing chairs made from recycled content, and another two debuted lines of post-consumer polymers.
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ADS’ plans for improved efficiency include automating material handling, pelletizing upgrades and expanded storage capacity. | Courtesy of Advanced Drainage Systems
Advanced Drainage Systems is in the midst of multiyear, multimillion-dollar recycling debottlenecking efforts that include upgrading recycling equipment and improving materials handling capabilities, an executive said.
LyondellBasell aimed to sell 150,000 tons of recycled polymers in 2022, but only sold 80,000. | JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
LyondellBasell failed to reach its weight goal for producing and selling recycled and renewable-based resins last year, even as the global plastics producer looks to borrow $500 million for “green” projects. Continue Reading