• Sustainability

      Battle of the Bottles: Plastic Beats Glass and Aluminum

      An estimated 651,800 Americans work in plastic bottles, laminated plastics plate, and sheet manufacturing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A plastic bottle ban would put all those jobs in jeopardy. Producing more glass and aluminum would also raise greenhouse gasses and global warming.
    • Sustainability

      World Oceans Day | June 8, 2020

      Today is World Oceans Day, which provides an annual forum to learn more about how we can work together to protect our oceans, which cover nearly 70% of the Earth’s surface. We must all continue to work together to understand the importance of the oceans, develop or increase the program designed to keep them clean, and to celebrate how people are already trying to #ProtectOurHome.
    • Sustainability

      An Earth Day Message From Our Member: Eric Roegner, Amcor

      Fast forward 50 years and the annual day is still important as a way to remember to reduce air and water pollution. This year, the world acknowledges Earth Day very differently as we all adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic. This “event” has increased awareness about how our day-to-day activities impact our planet. For example, we see images of blue skies where smog filled the air weeks before because there are fewer gas emissions related to transportation. That’s a monumental step! It’s a step that’s given us reason to pause and reflect about the greater purpose that connects us - the true spirit of Earth day – that we’re all in this together.
    • Sustainability

      Winners of the Second Annual Re|focus Sustainability Awards Announced

      In February 2020, the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) announced the winners of the second annual Re|focus Sustainability Innovation Awards.
    • Edmond Irizarry

      Sustainability

      What are the latest trends in post-consumer recycled products?

      Aveda was the first beauty company to use 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET, and today more than 85% of their packaging portfolio contains 100% PCR. To make this vision a reality, they adjusted the aesthetics of their packaging and successfully communicated those changes to their customers. Aveda has proven that using PCR does not mean compromising your brand or your customer's expectations. Join Edmond Irizarry, executive director of packaging development at Aveda, and hear their inspirational story at this year's Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit. See for yourself the new heights that can be achieved in sustainability when companies dare to think outside the box.
    • Sustainability

      PLASTICS Marine Debris Statement

      The health of our oceans and waterways is critically important to the well-being of the global community. The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) believes uncollected plastics do not belong in the marine environment.
    • Sustainability

      #BetterWorldOnEarthDay Twitter Chat

    • Sustainability

      Where to Use Recycled Plastics

      Over-specification and other issues have held back the use of recycled content in a number of products, manufactured by a number of different companies. Kevin Cronin, vice president of sustainability and R&D with Ultra-Poly, offers his thoughts on what consumer products aren’t made with recycled plastic, but maybe should be.
    • Sustainability

      The Quest to Increase Use of Recycled Plastics

      This is the first in a two-part blog series on over-specification in plastic product design and manufacturing. It’s part of what’s holding back the use of recycled content, and something Re|focus presenter Kevin Cronin, vice president of sustainability and R&D with Ultra-Poly, is working to change.