The U.S. Secretary of State has indicated U.S. support for a global plastics pollution treaty. | Gerain0812/Shutterstock
The U.S. has signaled support for a worldwide agreement to reduce marine plastic pollution. Meanwhile, the EU is drafting stricter export rules, a watchdog group is mapping plastic dump sites, and researchers shared findings on the greenhouse gas impacts of virgin plastic shipments.
Data shows that in 2020 PET bottles notched a 26.6% collection rate in the U.S., down from 27.9% in 2019. | Torychemistry/Shutterstock
Demand for RPET increased 10% in 2020, but it was accompanied by a decrease in PET bottle collection, according to an annual report from the National Association for PET Container Resources.
The report comes as governments around the world move toward requiring the use of recycled plastic in certain products. | Picsfive / Shutterstock
Over a dozen different recycled-content standards and certifications are used around the world. A new report commissioned by Canadian leaders compares and contrasts them.
A new report shows the bulk of recyclables collected in Texas are processed at 31 MRFs. | RYosha / Shutterstock
A comprehensive look at the Lone Star State’s recycling system identified several strategies governments can use to bolster recycling market development in their jurisdictions, including recycled-content mandates and public procurement policies.
PE film and flexible packaging is a fast-growing packaging type. | Iramenko Sergii – Shutterstock
Film packaging manufacturers have shown greater interest in ensuring the recyclability of their products in recent years. Newly released guidance is intended to help them.
Plastics testing equipment at PFE’s new facility in Merrimack, N.H. | Courtesy of PFE
Plastics Forming Enterprises may have only moved about seven miles away, but the larger new space enables significant growth in service capabilities and capacity, company leaders said in an interview.
Extruded opaque sheet of thermoplastic from printed film scrap (left) and translucent sheet produced through a supercritical CO2 extrusion process. | Courtesy of AIMPLAS
A form of pressurized carbon dioxide can be used to remove contaminants from post-consumer plastic melt, improving the quality of the final pellets, according to a research organization.
Plastic bale wrap used to store livestock feed, such as silage, is now being collected for recycling through a Cleanfarms pilot program. | Photo courtesy of Cleanfarms
An analysis of agricultural plastic recycling in Canada found that there’s plenty of room for growth.
Under the review program, products will be analyzed for their technical compatibility with current recycling processes. | ShutterOK / Shutterstock
The Association of Plastic Recyclers is launching an initiative to further recognize brands and others that are innovating in line with current plastics recycling capabilities.
Google’s report noted headwinds to plastics recovery including unfavorable economics for recycled resins compared with virgin resins. | maciej nicgorski / Shutterstock
A report from Google lays out how mechanical and chemical recycling, a virgin plastic production tax, consumer incentives and more can increase plastics recovery over the next two decades.