Back to Top

Category: News

Resource Recycling keeps you on top of critical industry trends and brings unparalleled analysis of the evolving materials stream, market turbulence, policy trends and more.

Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletters to receive the latest news directly.

Paper and plastic exports decline again in 2024

Published: February 19, 2025
Updated:

by
Cargo ship on water.

The U.S. exported 13.3 million short tons of recovered fiber throughout the year, down from 14.8 million short tons in 2023. | Magnifier/Shutterstock

Recovered paper exports dropped 11% year-over-year in 2024, and scrap plastic exports fell by about 2%, according to new trade data from the U.S. Census Bureau.  Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , , |

Plant closures highlight larger migration

Published: February 19, 2025
Updated:

by

End users of recycled materials across several sectors have announced plans to shut down or relocate facilities of late.  | Worradirek/Shutterstock

The latest earnings calls for recycled paper, glass and plastic end users and processors have brought facility closure and layoff announcements, at times contrasting with recent expansion plans.  Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , , |

Swapping paper for plastics a rising trend

Published: February 11, 2025
Updated:

by

Brands including Nestle, parent company of Vital Proteins, are incorporating paper-based packaging to help reduce their use of plastics. | Courtesy of Nestlé

Faced with public scrutiny over the use of plastic packaging, a growing number of brand owners are touting their switch to paper-based alternatives, including recent moves by Driscoll’s, Nestlé, Mars and more. Continue Reading

Posted in News | Tagged , |

Some plastics could see recyclability label changes

Published: February 11, 2025
Updated:

by

Single-use PP beverage pods, such as those used for coffee and tea, may no longer qualify for the “check locally” label, according to the latest data. | Primestock Photography / Shutterstock

The How2Recycle labeling initiative is considering downgrading four types of plastic packaging in response to recent acceptance data, it announced last month. The program also downgraded aerosol cans, upgraded composite containers and determined cartons are still “widely recyclable.” Continue Reading

Posted in News, Top stories | Tagged , , |

Producers submit Colorado EPR plan draft

Published: February 11, 2025
Updated:

by

Colorado’s extended producer responsibility for packaging program is slated to fully roll out in 2026. | AustralianCamera/Shutterstock

Circular Action Alliance submitted its initial extended producer responsibility plan to Colorado’s advisory board, taking another step on the state’s path to implementation.  Continue Reading