After examining over 700 publications, researchers concluded that reused and recycled plastics are likely to transfer toxic chemicals to the foods they contain. | Konektus Photo/Shutterstock
A recent analysis by Switzerland-based Food Packaging Forum reviewed hundreds of scientific studies and concluded that recycled and reused food-contact plastics can accumulate and release chemicals of concern. Continue Reading
The latest report from Greenpeace says recycled plastics are more toxic than their virgin counterparts. | RecycleMan/Shutterstock
Greenpeace is spotlighting what it calls toxic chemicals in recycled plastics. The group is also calling for global plastics agreement negotiators to focus on reduction. Continue Reading
Researchers found that one UK facility discharged somewhere between 59 and 1,184 metric tons of microplastics in a single year. | Microgen/Shutterstock
Research from the UK found that plastic recycling facilities are discharging microplastics into water systems and suggested both further research and stronger wastewater filtration systems to address the pollution. Continue Reading
The U.S. EPA is seeking comments on its recently published “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution.” | SerPhoto/Shutterstock
Although it doesn’t use the word “ban,” the U.S. EPA released a plastics pollution strategy that supports steps to reduce production of single-use and difficult-to-recycle plastics. Continue Reading
An increased bottle recycling rate was driven mainly by PET bottles. | Nixx Photography/Shutterstock
The U.S. plastic bottle recycling rate was 28.2% in 2021, up 1 percentage point from a year earlier, according to an industry report released April 11.
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Collecting a wide variety of film packaging curbside and sorting it at a materials recovery facility (MRF) can deliver big benefits, according to a report on a years-long pilot program. | Tiffy Studio/Shutterstock
Collecting a wide variety of film packaging curbside and sorting it at a MRF can deliver big benefits, according to a report on a years-long pilot program.
The REMADE Institute has funded $98 million worth of projects in the past five years. | NicoElNino/Shutterstock
A federally funded institute is offering up another $10 million in public funds to support recycling, reuse and remanufacturing R&D projects, including projects focused on plastics recycling technologies.
Small plastic items such as travel shampoo bottles often cannot be captured at materials recovery facilities. | Kris Black/Shutterstock
Five brands have partnered with a nonprofit and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to find a way to keep small plastic items in the recycling stream.
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The study looked at mechanical recycling and solvent-based dissolution of PE, PET and PP, as well as enzymatic hydrolysis, glycolysis and vapor methanolysis of PET. | tezzstock/Shutterstock
A study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory evaluated various PET recycling methods from technical, economic and environmental standpoints to provide a big-picture overview of today’s options. Continue Reading
About 2% of total energy consumption in the U.S. is used to make plastics, resins and synthetic rubber, and the production of fossil-fuel-based plastics generates about 3.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to a recent federal report. | JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
The federal government is eyeing plastics recycling to tackle energy, environmental and manufacturing goals and the Department of Energy recently released an updated Strategy for Plastics Innovation report. Continue Reading