The project to build a mixed-waste processing facility in Rochester, Mass. has experienced a number of setbacks, including tough market conditions and a 2016 fire in the building set to house it.
The price for OCC declined by nearly 13% over the past month. Other fiber grades also fell.
Governments, MRF operators, reclaimers and end users are calling for government regulation that requires recycled content in plastic bags.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government will ban a number of single-use plastic products and will support establishing extended producer responsibility for plastic items.
Maine capitol building in Augusta.
The state of Maine has pledged to implement extended producer responsibility for packaging materials. Legislation will be proposed by the end of this year.
Recycling operators across the country two years ago were enjoying record high values for old corrugated containers. Now, they are either storing the material, unloading it at little profit or sending loads to disposal.
Nestlé Waters North America is betting that it can connect with consumers over the long term by using high levels of recovered material.