Can plastic recycling be fixed?

December 5, 2019 | 156 views

The problem was massive in scale, but Matanya Horowitz, then a graduate student at the California Institute of Technology, thought he might have a fix. The year was 2012. Plastic recycling facilities were not only expensive, but also horribly inefficient as most of the waste ended up in landfills. But as he watched artificial intelligence advance autonomous vehicles and facial recognition, Horowitz wondered if AI-powered robots could do the job of human pickers to lower costs and reduce contamination — the bane of recycling. “If you are reducing the cost and can show customers the quality of what they’re buying, you can create a liquid commodity market where right now there’s a guy running around with a clipboard,” said Horowitz, CEO of the Colorado startup AMP Robotics, which has robots at two dozen recycling facilities around the country, including one in Austin. “It’s a green war.”

Spotlight

Ceres, Inc.

Ceres is an non-profit organization advocating for sustainability leadership. Ceres mobilizes a powerful network of investors, companies and public interest groups to accelerate and expand the adoption of sustainable business practices and solutions to build a healthy global economy. Our Mission: Mobilizing investor and business leadership to build a thriving, sustainable global economy.

OTHER ARTICLES
CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY

Transporting biological and chemical materials - what you need to know

Article | July 14, 2022

The landscape of biological and chemical logistics has changed rapidly - as have the regulatory frameworks around it. What has not necessarily kept pace is the end-user understanding of the nature of these logistical processes, their opportunities and their constraints. Twenty years ago, the transmission of biological and chemical materials was limited to a small range of organisations: usually national and international research companies, hospitals, major university departments, police and military departments with forensic responsibilities.

Read More
CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY

Setting record straight on testing harm in chemicals

Article | June 6, 2022

The modern world is built on chemicals, be it the medicines we use, or cleaning fluids, crop protection products, or the raw materials for everything from laptops and mobile phones to clothes and furniture. Across all, we have created an entire modern society with chemicals, and, as a result, constantly stretched the size of the world population we can feed, clothe and shelter. Yet, balancing all the gains from the modern chemistry around us against any negative environmental and human impact has been a rising concern, making for ever greater focus on testing and on risk assessment.

Read More
CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY

Why chemical characterization is the best way to assess patient risk

Article | July 20, 2022

Everyone is very familiar with the phrase when buying a house: All that really matters are three things - location, location, and location. This same principle applies to extractables and leachables chemistry analysis – the three things that truly matter are identification, identification, and identification. The greatest growth in the past ten years in demonstrating the safety of medical devices and container closure systems for drugs has been using analytical chemistry to determine what chemicals can leach from the device and what the patient is exposed to during its intended use.

Read More

How Chemical Companies Benefit from the Experience Economy

Article | February 10, 2020

To feel or experience from a business engagement started with customer experience mainly in the consumer products business. Today it has extended to even knowledge industries like the chemical industry where experiencing or feeling can be leveraged to include all stake holders from customers primarily to employees to supply chain people & suppliers and all else. With digital technologies this has become easier than before. The benefits from promoting the ‘feel’ or ‘experience’ emotion could be multifarious for the chemical industry as described in this article.

Read More

Spotlight

Ceres, Inc.

Ceres is an non-profit organization advocating for sustainability leadership. Ceres mobilizes a powerful network of investors, companies and public interest groups to accelerate and expand the adoption of sustainable business practices and solutions to build a healthy global economy. Our Mission: Mobilizing investor and business leadership to build a thriving, sustainable global economy.

Related News

PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES, RAW MATERIALS

DayGlo Announces Introduction of Elara Luxe Cosmetic Colorants

DayGlo | March 16, 2023

DayGlo Color Corp., one of the world's leaders in manufacturing daylight fluorescent pigments, has recently announced the introduction of Elara Luxe, its latest innovation in fluorescent color technology for the personal care and cosmetics industries. The Elara Luxe product range, which includes seven new plant-based fluorescent pigments, was created with the notion that clean beauty should never have to sacrifice brilliance. It empowers formulators and transforms the conventional way of thinking about color in the sector. For the very first time, clean beauty products can have the robust and rich palette that clients demand. Elara Luxe pigments provide new opportunities for creating vibrant colors with unprecedented color breadth and intensity. Customers are driving demand for environmentally friendly products that are free of toxic substances. The new product range has no microplastics, which benefits both consumers and the environment. Elara Luxe exemplifies clean beauty standards and establishes a new class of cosmetic colorants derived from all-natural rice protein, a potent union of nature and technology. All pigments are plant-based, naturally biodegradable, vegan, kosher, non-GMO, and halal-approved. Elara Luxe colorants are compatible with oil-based, solvent-based, and water-based formulations. This makes them suitable for a wide variety of applications when utilized in compliance with the usage and restrictions specified in 21 CFR Part 82 Subparts B and 21 CFR Part 74 Subpart C, C, and D. These include cosmetics, temporary hair color, lotions and soaps, lip gloss and lipsticks, face paint, and nail polish or nail lacquer. Will Wooten, VP of Global Sales and Marketing at DayGlo, said, "The Elara Luxe range is a key element of DayGlo's growth strategy." He added, "As America's leading fluorescent pigment manufacturer, we are ecstatic about our latest innovation. Here is a product with the power to revolutionize the palette available to formulators." (Source – Business Wire) About DayGlo DayGlo, founded in 1946, is the world's leading manufacturer of daylight fluorescent pigments, and it creates technology to improve and enhance colors. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company manufactures pigments, inks, toners, coatings, and fluorescent dispersions for a range of applications, including food and beverage, plastics, safety equipment, and consumer goods. Moreover, DayGlo markets the Radiant, Swada, and Sterling fluorescent colorant brands in Europe and other regions.

Read More

CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

Zenni Introduces ReMakes a Sustainable Eyewear Collection Made With Recycled Plastic

Zenni | August 29, 2022

Online eyewear retail leader Zenni announced today the launch of ReMakes™, a new sustainable eyewear collection made with 100% certified recycled post-consumer plastic. ReMakes™ by Zenni are created by collecting post-consumer plastic and repurposing it to produce high quality, stylish frames. Every pair purchased supports the Wyland Foundation and its mission to promote, protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waterways and marine life. “Plastic waste is entering the ocean at unprecedented levels, which comes with devastating impacts to marine life. At Zenni, we’re committed to reducing plastic waste entering our natural environment, and taking steps to be part of the solution. We’re proud to release ReMakes™, our first collection of sustainable glasses upcycled from common consumer goods. We’re also excited to begin our partnership with the incredible Wyland Foundation, and work closely with them to bring people together for clean water and a healthy ocean.” Michelle Ticknor, head of social impact and lifestyle partnerships with Zenni Approximately three plastic water bottles are recycled to create one ReMakes™ frame. The on-trend collection includes eight unique, lightweight frame styles named after seas around the world, including six adult styles and two kids styles. The collection is available with the full range of Zenni’s optical and sunglass lenses including its suite of Blokz™ blue light blocking lenses with prices starting at $39.95 for adults and $35.95 for kids. Zenni is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, an international organization whose members contribute at least 1% of profits from specific collections or entire organizations to support environmental causes. One percent of ReMakes™ proceeds will directly support environmental nonprofit Wyland Foundation to help advance its mission to promote, protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waterways and marine life. Beyond the launch of ReMakes™, Zenni is partnering with Wyland Foundation to encourage environmental awareness through education programs, public arts projects and community events. “We strive to educate people everywhere about clean water and healthy oceans, and are thrilled to work with Zenni to continue that mission,” Wyland said. “Every choice is important – from the glasses you buy to the waste you throw out. ReMakes™ by Zenni give you one more simple choice to help protect and preserve our world’s waterways.” The ReMakes™ by Zenni collection is manufactured with Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification. GRS promotes sustainability and social responsibility on all levels of production. In addition to providing customers a more sustainable way to wear fashionable customizable eyewear, Zenni is also committed to delivering these glasses in a more sustainable way. ReMakes™ by Zenni are shipped in a cylindrical tube made of recyclable paper and include a pouch and lens cloth made from 80% recycled PET fabric (RPET) extracted from plastic bottles. About Zenni Zenni pioneered the online eyewear industry in 2003 with a mission to make prescription eyewear affordable and accessible to everyone. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Zenni offers men, women, and children the freedom to express their personal style through high-quality prescription and protective eyewear curated with a sense for fashion and incredible selection. With complete prescription pairs starting at just $6.95, and averaging just over $40, the company has brought massive price disruption to the traditional retail model. With over 45 million frames sold worldwide, a pair of Zennis is owned in every country across the globe. Zenni is proud to be the Official Eyewear of the San Francisco 49ers, Boston Red Sox, Call of Duty League and the Chicago Bulls. Zenni has worked with designers and tastemakers on curations and collections, including Iris Apfel, Rashida Jones, Cynthia Rowley, Coco + Breezy and George and Claire Kittle.

Read More

CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

New Association of Plastic Recyclers State-of-the-Industry Report Shows Strength of US Plastic Recycling

Association of Plastic Recyclers | August 12, 2022

The Association of Plastic Recyclers The Voice of Plastic Recycling®, issued a report that provides a data-driven update on the progress of plastic recycling in the United States showing that it is a viable, accessible and scalable solution for reducing plastic waste. The report compiles research and analysis from across the $236 billion recycling industry which includes over 9,000 community recycling programs across the country and more than 100 post-consumer recyclers. The report finds that plastic recycling alone is responsible for over 200,000 U.S. jobs. “APR’s state-of-the-industry report tells the true story of plastic recycling in the United States. This is an industry that processed almost five billion pounds of post-consumer plastic material in 2020 despite a pandemic and related lockdown, and we have every expectation that number will continue to grow.” Steve Alexander, President and CEO of the Association of Plastic Recyclers The report presents an important clarification on data provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the discussion on US recycling rates. The report explains that 80% of rigid plastic packaging is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP). These are the types of plastic packaging (such as soda bottles, laundry detergent jugs, and yogurt tubs) that are most used by businesses and available to consumers to put in their blue bins. The report found that 21% of these types of plastic, the type that U.S. consumers touch every day, are recycled based on EPA data. The report also includes the latest data for PET and HDPE bottles alone - a current recycling rate of 28%. With more supply of recyclable plastic material from consumers, U.S. plastic recyclers could boost PET and HDPE bottle recycling rate – raising the rate to over 40% – with minimal additional investment and using existing processing infrastructure in the U.S. “Increasing the recycling rate is important because demand for recycled material, a key driver of the recycling chain, is stronger than ever, spurred by a variety of factors including brand sustainability commitments and legislative activity,” added Alexander. The report concludes that meeting that high demand and continuing to sustain and grow recycling will require three steps: (1) companies to manufacture plastic products and packaging that are compatible with recycling, (2) consumers to put recyclable material in the bin and (3) a robust recycling infrastructure to collect, sort and process that material. The report provides policy recommendations including: ensure that all new products and packaging are made to be compatible with recycling; increase and strengthen community recycling programs and create harmonization among the types of plastic that are collected in those programs; and encourage the consideration of the true cost of disposal and the low costs to landfill. “This report shows that, while there is still work to be done, plastic recycling can succeed,” Alexander added. “Consumers want recycling to work, and recyclers are ready to process more material. Our industry is innovative and resilient. It is time to recommit to plastic recycling for our communities, for our environment, and for our future.” As the international trade association representing the plastics recycling industry, APR membership includes independent recycling companies of all sizes, processing numerous resins, as well as consumer product companies, equipment manufacturers, testing laboratories, organizations, and others committed to the success of plastics recycling. APR advocates the recycling of all plastics. Visit www.PlasticsRecyling.org for more information.

Read More

PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES, RAW MATERIALS

DayGlo Announces Introduction of Elara Luxe Cosmetic Colorants

DayGlo | March 16, 2023

DayGlo Color Corp., one of the world's leaders in manufacturing daylight fluorescent pigments, has recently announced the introduction of Elara Luxe, its latest innovation in fluorescent color technology for the personal care and cosmetics industries. The Elara Luxe product range, which includes seven new plant-based fluorescent pigments, was created with the notion that clean beauty should never have to sacrifice brilliance. It empowers formulators and transforms the conventional way of thinking about color in the sector. For the very first time, clean beauty products can have the robust and rich palette that clients demand. Elara Luxe pigments provide new opportunities for creating vibrant colors with unprecedented color breadth and intensity. Customers are driving demand for environmentally friendly products that are free of toxic substances. The new product range has no microplastics, which benefits both consumers and the environment. Elara Luxe exemplifies clean beauty standards and establishes a new class of cosmetic colorants derived from all-natural rice protein, a potent union of nature and technology. All pigments are plant-based, naturally biodegradable, vegan, kosher, non-GMO, and halal-approved. Elara Luxe colorants are compatible with oil-based, solvent-based, and water-based formulations. This makes them suitable for a wide variety of applications when utilized in compliance with the usage and restrictions specified in 21 CFR Part 82 Subparts B and 21 CFR Part 74 Subpart C, C, and D. These include cosmetics, temporary hair color, lotions and soaps, lip gloss and lipsticks, face paint, and nail polish or nail lacquer. Will Wooten, VP of Global Sales and Marketing at DayGlo, said, "The Elara Luxe range is a key element of DayGlo's growth strategy." He added, "As America's leading fluorescent pigment manufacturer, we are ecstatic about our latest innovation. Here is a product with the power to revolutionize the palette available to formulators." (Source – Business Wire) About DayGlo DayGlo, founded in 1946, is the world's leading manufacturer of daylight fluorescent pigments, and it creates technology to improve and enhance colors. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company manufactures pigments, inks, toners, coatings, and fluorescent dispersions for a range of applications, including food and beverage, plastics, safety equipment, and consumer goods. Moreover, DayGlo markets the Radiant, Swada, and Sterling fluorescent colorant brands in Europe and other regions.

Read More

CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

Zenni Introduces ReMakes a Sustainable Eyewear Collection Made With Recycled Plastic

Zenni | August 29, 2022

Online eyewear retail leader Zenni announced today the launch of ReMakes™, a new sustainable eyewear collection made with 100% certified recycled post-consumer plastic. ReMakes™ by Zenni are created by collecting post-consumer plastic and repurposing it to produce high quality, stylish frames. Every pair purchased supports the Wyland Foundation and its mission to promote, protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waterways and marine life. “Plastic waste is entering the ocean at unprecedented levels, which comes with devastating impacts to marine life. At Zenni, we’re committed to reducing plastic waste entering our natural environment, and taking steps to be part of the solution. We’re proud to release ReMakes™, our first collection of sustainable glasses upcycled from common consumer goods. We’re also excited to begin our partnership with the incredible Wyland Foundation, and work closely with them to bring people together for clean water and a healthy ocean.” Michelle Ticknor, head of social impact and lifestyle partnerships with Zenni Approximately three plastic water bottles are recycled to create one ReMakes™ frame. The on-trend collection includes eight unique, lightweight frame styles named after seas around the world, including six adult styles and two kids styles. The collection is available with the full range of Zenni’s optical and sunglass lenses including its suite of Blokz™ blue light blocking lenses with prices starting at $39.95 for adults and $35.95 for kids. Zenni is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, an international organization whose members contribute at least 1% of profits from specific collections or entire organizations to support environmental causes. One percent of ReMakes™ proceeds will directly support environmental nonprofit Wyland Foundation to help advance its mission to promote, protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waterways and marine life. Beyond the launch of ReMakes™, Zenni is partnering with Wyland Foundation to encourage environmental awareness through education programs, public arts projects and community events. “We strive to educate people everywhere about clean water and healthy oceans, and are thrilled to work with Zenni to continue that mission,” Wyland said. “Every choice is important – from the glasses you buy to the waste you throw out. ReMakes™ by Zenni give you one more simple choice to help protect and preserve our world’s waterways.” The ReMakes™ by Zenni collection is manufactured with Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification. GRS promotes sustainability and social responsibility on all levels of production. In addition to providing customers a more sustainable way to wear fashionable customizable eyewear, Zenni is also committed to delivering these glasses in a more sustainable way. ReMakes™ by Zenni are shipped in a cylindrical tube made of recyclable paper and include a pouch and lens cloth made from 80% recycled PET fabric (RPET) extracted from plastic bottles. About Zenni Zenni pioneered the online eyewear industry in 2003 with a mission to make prescription eyewear affordable and accessible to everyone. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Zenni offers men, women, and children the freedom to express their personal style through high-quality prescription and protective eyewear curated with a sense for fashion and incredible selection. With complete prescription pairs starting at just $6.95, and averaging just over $40, the company has brought massive price disruption to the traditional retail model. With over 45 million frames sold worldwide, a pair of Zennis is owned in every country across the globe. Zenni is proud to be the Official Eyewear of the San Francisco 49ers, Boston Red Sox, Call of Duty League and the Chicago Bulls. Zenni has worked with designers and tastemakers on curations and collections, including Iris Apfel, Rashida Jones, Cynthia Rowley, Coco + Breezy and George and Claire Kittle.

Read More

CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT

New Association of Plastic Recyclers State-of-the-Industry Report Shows Strength of US Plastic Recycling

Association of Plastic Recyclers | August 12, 2022

The Association of Plastic Recyclers The Voice of Plastic Recycling®, issued a report that provides a data-driven update on the progress of plastic recycling in the United States showing that it is a viable, accessible and scalable solution for reducing plastic waste. The report compiles research and analysis from across the $236 billion recycling industry which includes over 9,000 community recycling programs across the country and more than 100 post-consumer recyclers. The report finds that plastic recycling alone is responsible for over 200,000 U.S. jobs. “APR’s state-of-the-industry report tells the true story of plastic recycling in the United States. This is an industry that processed almost five billion pounds of post-consumer plastic material in 2020 despite a pandemic and related lockdown, and we have every expectation that number will continue to grow.” Steve Alexander, President and CEO of the Association of Plastic Recyclers The report presents an important clarification on data provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the discussion on US recycling rates. The report explains that 80% of rigid plastic packaging is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP). These are the types of plastic packaging (such as soda bottles, laundry detergent jugs, and yogurt tubs) that are most used by businesses and available to consumers to put in their blue bins. The report found that 21% of these types of plastic, the type that U.S. consumers touch every day, are recycled based on EPA data. The report also includes the latest data for PET and HDPE bottles alone - a current recycling rate of 28%. With more supply of recyclable plastic material from consumers, U.S. plastic recyclers could boost PET and HDPE bottle recycling rate – raising the rate to over 40% – with minimal additional investment and using existing processing infrastructure in the U.S. “Increasing the recycling rate is important because demand for recycled material, a key driver of the recycling chain, is stronger than ever, spurred by a variety of factors including brand sustainability commitments and legislative activity,” added Alexander. The report concludes that meeting that high demand and continuing to sustain and grow recycling will require three steps: (1) companies to manufacture plastic products and packaging that are compatible with recycling, (2) consumers to put recyclable material in the bin and (3) a robust recycling infrastructure to collect, sort and process that material. The report provides policy recommendations including: ensure that all new products and packaging are made to be compatible with recycling; increase and strengthen community recycling programs and create harmonization among the types of plastic that are collected in those programs; and encourage the consideration of the true cost of disposal and the low costs to landfill. “This report shows that, while there is still work to be done, plastic recycling can succeed,” Alexander added. “Consumers want recycling to work, and recyclers are ready to process more material. Our industry is innovative and resilient. It is time to recommit to plastic recycling for our communities, for our environment, and for our future.” As the international trade association representing the plastics recycling industry, APR membership includes independent recycling companies of all sizes, processing numerous resins, as well as consumer product companies, equipment manufacturers, testing laboratories, organizations, and others committed to the success of plastics recycling. APR advocates the recycling of all plastics. Visit www.PlasticsRecyling.org for more information.

Read More

Events