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California data shows PCR backsliding among major brands

Published: October 5, 2021
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PET water bottle necks.

Data from California shows some major beverage producers used lower percentages of post-consumer resin in 2020 than they did in 2019. | tezzstock / Shutterstock

The clock is ticking on California’s law mandating recycled plastic in drink bottles, and some beverage producers still have a long way to go, newly released data reveals.

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Stakeholders talk recycling fixes before Congress

Published: September 28, 2021
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Elizabeth Biser, of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

Elizabeth Biser of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality described the importance of strong state support for materials recovery during a hearing last week.

U.S. senators last week heard about how stronger end-market demand, state support for materials recovery, technology advancements and more can strengthen the U.S. recycling system.

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Reusable packaging platform to roll out in US stores

Published: September 28, 2021
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Loop packaging for ice cream.

Before the end of 2021, Loop will move its reuse platform into U.S. grocery stores owned by Kroger. | Courtesy of Loop

Loop, a company providing reusable packaging and collection infrastructure for major consumer goods brand owners, will bring its concept into North American retail outlets this year.

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Judge ends Greenpeace’s labeling suit against Walmart

Published: September 28, 2021
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Walmart logo on shopping cart in store.

A U.S. District Court judge ruled that Greenpeace lacked standing to sue the world’s largest retailer over recyclability labeling in California. | Harun Ozmen / Shutterstock

A California court has dismissed a legal complaint Greenpeace brought against Walmart, ruling that the activist group itself was not deceived by labels indicating the corporation’s plastic packaging is recyclable.

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California is back at the center of plastics recycling debate

Published: September 14, 2021
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Calif. capitol building in Sacramento.

A bill approved by California legislators has substantial implications for how common plastic packaging items are labeled, and it could have significant recycling implications across the nation in the coming years. | Feoktistoff / Shutterstock

Producers would need to meet strict criteria to use the “chasing arrows” symbol on their plastic packaging in California under a bill approved by lawmakers last week. An industry group says the move will harm polypropylene recycling.

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Why UBC prices are up 70% year-over-year

Published: September 14, 2021
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baled aluminum

Several factors are contributing to price increases within the wider aluminum market. | Darrenp / Shutterstock

A year ago, some aluminum end markets were slowing purchases of the material. But demand has steadily increased throughout 2021, bringing welcome pricing for the municipal recycling sector.
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Editorial analysis: Population change will affect recycling

Published: September 8, 2021
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Recycling carts stored before use.

A longtime recycling expert analyzes census data to help predict future recycling industry trends. | Grzejnik / Shutterstock

The release of the U.S. census for the decade of 2010 to 2020 points to important ways municipal recycling initiatives will change in the coming years. An assessment points to five key trends that will affect materials recovery efforts.

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