This article originally appeared in Plastics Machinery and Manufacturing on October 17, 2024.
As featured in an interview with Plastics Machinery and Manufacturing magazine on October 17, 2024, Alan says, “Plastic films are not accepted at many materials-recovery facilities (MRFs) due to their tendency to clog sorting machines. Some retailers sell their packaging films for repurposing and some films are recycled through specific programs, but the reality is that 80 percent of plastic films are going to landfills. Most films that are recycled are turned into different products, re-entering the market in applications with lower quality and purity standards. Although many plastic films are going to waste today, they represent a great opportunity for transitioning to a more circular economy. Back-of-house and distribution-center films, such as stretch film and shrink wrap, provide a clean, consistent and scalable feedstock for producing rPE.
NOVA Chemicals has a long history of product stewardship, applications development, technical service and working directly with converters. We know what converters need in a recycled material solution for processability on different types of packaging equipment. We understand the stringent performance requirements that the end product must meet to satisfy their customers.
The Connersville mechanical recycling facility creates opportunities for a closed-loop system. Plastic films can be recycled into high-performing applications like food-contact packaging with Syndigo rPE resins instead of repurposed into downgraded materials. Using our experience and expertise, we can help develop new products and applications using rPE based on the needs and goals of the company.”
Read the full article here on Plastics Machinery and Manufacturing.
Alan Schrob is the director of mechanical recycling at NOVA Chemicals. In this role, Alan explores innovation opportunities for downstream applications in plastics and plastics sustainability to improve plastic circularity.