US demand for post-consumer recycled plastics to grow by 2016

(plastemart) -- US demand for post-consumer recycled plastics is forecast to rise 5.9% pa to 3.4 bln lbs in 2016.

Continued support by federal, state, and local governments for recycling efforts will provide a significant boost to recycled plastic collection, processing, and demand. Besides, growing emphasis on sustainability among packaging and consumer product manufacturers, advancements in processing and sorting technologies, allowing a wider variety of plastic to be recycled, will also contribute greatly to the process, as per Reportlinker.

However, the overall rate of plastic recycling in the US will remain relatively low -- 6.5% of total plastic demand in 2016 -- as the industry faces a number of challenges. Recycling is minimal in several major plastic markets, including construction products, motor vehicles (other than batteries), and packaging film, due to a lack of collection capability or economical processing.

Bottles will remain the leading source of plastic for recycling, accounting for about half of all plastic collected in 2016. More rapid gains, however, are forecast for other sources, particularly rigid plastics, film, and carpet.

The recycling industry has put significant efforts into increasing the collection of rigid plastic, including thermoformed packaging and bulk containers, particularly at the commercial level. Bag and film recycling will also be bolstered by private industry collection initiatives, as these are a key source of raw materials for plastic bag and woodplastic composite producers.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) were the two leading resins used in recycled plastic products in 2011, accounting for over 70% of demand. While PET will see above average gains in demand, fueled by rising recycled content in beverage bottles and thermoformed containers, subpar increases in HDPE collection will limit demand for recycled resin. The most rapid growth is forecast for low density polyethylene, which will benefit from a rebound in the construction market, as well as smaller volume resins such as polypropylene and nylon. Packaging will continue to be the leading market for recycled plastic in 2016, with strongest gains expected for food and beverage bottles and clamshell containers, fueled by rising production of recycled resins suitable for food contact uses.

As it was reported earlier by MRC, Ukraine was also taking a step forward in boosting its plastic recycling industry. A state-owned plant "Ukrekoresyrsy" had launched a technological line for recycling PET-bottles. It will produce PET-flakes of "A" class in Khmelnitskaya region. Besides, the company has recently launched a new production line for recycling wastes from LDPE, HDPE and polypropylene (PP) into granules in Poltava, Ukraine.
MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Stirol Group, Gorlovka, Ukraine in November produced 1,450 tonnes of expandable polystyrene (EPS) and 670 tonnes of general purpose polystyrene (GPPS), , according to MRC ScanPlast.

In November 2012, the output of EPS in Gorlovka made 1,450 tonnes, up by 800 tonnes from October 2012.

Year-to-date Stirol’s production of EPS made 10,450 tonnes, down 19% from January-November, 2011.

Production of GPPS in November increased to 670 tonnes. Generally, over January-November, 2012 Stirol Group produced 7,000 tonnes of material, up 41% year on year.

MRC

(upstreamonline) -- Austria’s OMV has said it is in talks with Germany’s RWE Dea about buying the German explorer’s 16.7% stake in the Nabucco gas pipeline project.

Rumours of a possible deal have swirled in recent weeks, but Roiss’s remarks are the first to confirm that sale talks are underway.

“We are in talks with RWE about taking over their shares but not for the long term," Roiss told journalists in Vienna, Reuters reported.

RWE said in May it was reviewing strategic requirements regarding the Nabucco project. The other shareholders in the consortium - each with 16.7% - are Hungary’s MOL, Turkey’s Botas, BEH of Bulgaria and Transgaz of Romania.

The BP-led consortium developing Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz 2 is due to decide early next year whether Nabucco or the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) will carry its gas to Europe.

MRC

(wbbjtv) -- LyondellBassell Industries announced the expansion of its facility in Jackson at a news conference, Thursday. This is the second expansion for the company's Jackson site in the past six years.

The facility, which manufactures car parts and other products, is adding another production line to their automotive sector. The expansion of the facility means new jobs for Jackson.

Board Chairman of the Jackson Chamber said Lyondell Bassell expanding here in Jackson is a great sign for the community. "It means eight more jobs and a hope for more jobs in the future every job that's created has an economic trickle down effect so it means a lot for Jackson," he says.

Officials expect that the expansion will create eight permanent jobs in Jackson and thirty indirect jobs in surrounding areas.
MRC

(worldofchemicals) -- PPG Industries has entered into a technology license agreement with China-based Henan Billions Chemicals Joint Stock Co Ltd that will provide Henan Billions the right to use PPG’s technology for the manufacture of chloride-grade titanium dioxide (TiO2) on a worldwide basis.

This agreement completes the license of PPG technology previously announced by both companies. Terms of the license agreement were not disclosed.

“We are pleased to reach this worldwide technology license agreement with Henan Billions as it should expand the global supply of chloride-grade titanium dioxide, as well as provide a commercial opportunity for PPG technology. Henan Billions is currently a supplier of sulfate-grade TiO2 to PPG. In June 2012, both companies announced a memorandum of understanding regarding PPG’s licensing of certain chloride-based technologies to Henan Billions for use at Henan Billions’ titanium dioxide refinement facilities in China,” said Charles F Kahle II, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President, Coatings R&D, PPG.
MRC