The two organizations maintain the industry standard for acceptable materials, which have been updated for PE packaging as well as for paper cups. | Andy Shell/Shutterstock
The Association of Plastic Recyclers and the Recycled Materials Association have updated specifications for post-consumer plastic bales, following a collaborative development process between the two organizations. Continue Reading
Five publicly traded North American waste haulers decreased expectations for full-year commodity pricing, and gave insights into new and upgraded capacity. | Photo Courtesy of Republic Services
The state’s recycling and waste management agency revised its final findings for SB 343 to reflect data submitted by the Carton Council. | SunnyToys/Shutterstock
California’s recycling and waste management office has updated its report on accurate recycling labels to show an increase in counties served by food and beverage carton recycling and sortation programs, reflecting data provided by the Carton Council of North America. Continue Reading
The sustainability report for the nation’s largest hauler shows WM has increased recovered materials tonnage by only 5% since 2021, but has a 2025 goal of a 25% increase. | Ken Wolter/Shutterstock
Hauler WM appears unlikely to reach its 2025 interim goal for materials recovered for recycling, despite an increase from the baseline level, according to data from its latest sustainability report. Continue Reading
Analysis from a Closed Loop consortium studied numerous state-level methods for reducing bag waste and informed considerations for policymakers. | The Image Party/Shutterstock
A new report on state-level single-use bag laws indicates that New Jersey’s ban has had numerous effects, both positive and negative. Continue Reading
In its 2024 report, the major paper fiber consumer also noted that purchases of recovered fiber edged higher from 2023 but still were below 2022 levels. | Worradirek/Shutterstock
Atlanta-based Graphic Packaging recently released its 2024 Impact Report, in which the company showed mixed results surrounding its sustainability targets. Continue Reading
The deal will increase PCA’s ability to produce items using higher recycled content, and further Greif’s goal of focusing on its polymer offerings. | Max Zvonarev/Shutterstock
Packaging Corporation of America will buy Greif’s containerboard business, with the $1.8 billion all-cash deal expected by the end of PCA’s third quarter, in the latest development for an industry experiencing tumult. Continue Reading
With Ontario two years into its 2023-2025 transition to a producer responsibility model for paper and packaging recycling, stakeholders have asked for more time and lower costs. | Maxim Studio/Shutterstock
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is looking to make adjustments to its signature law for extended producer responsibility in packaging, in response to producer feedback about costs and other program concerns. Continue Reading
The Biodegradable Products Institute had previously appealed to CalRecycle for a five-year extension to give the market more time to adapt. | Black Salmon/Shutterstock
The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery has pushed back the effective date for a state law on labeling compostable packaging materials to mid-2027. Continue Reading
Material acceptance at MRFs varies widely by locality, but several stakeholders explained the factors behind such wide-reaching decisions. | StoyanYotov/Shutterstock
Several MRF operators recently provided insight into how their facilities decide what materials to accept, during a discussion on bridging the disconnect between brand owners and MRFs. Continue Reading