Reading, Pa. — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released a new series of videos as part of the Recycling Is Real advocacy initiative, celebrating two years since the launch of the campaign in September of 2023. The videos showcase the recycling work taking place at Alpek Polyester in Reading, Pennsylvania, where used plastic bottles are transformed into new products again and again through the recycling process.
In just two years, PLASTICS’ Recycling Is Real campaign has released 22 videos highlighting both mechanical and advanced recycling facilities throughout the United States. Employees featured in each video represent the recycling workforce in communities nationwide. Previous locations include: Atlanta, GA; Kingsport, TN; Madison, WI; North Vernon, IN; Baton Rouge, LA; Portland, PA; Eagle Rock, VA; Rialto, CA; Wytheville, VA; Piqua, OH; Reidsville, NC; Tampa, FL; Chino, CA; Ironton, OH; Houston, TX; Farmingdale, NY; Hilliard, OH; and Plymouth, MI.
“In Pennsylvania and at facilities around the world, Alpek Polyester is giving used plastic a second life through recycling,” said Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association. “Their work is a powerful example of how our industry is turning sustainability goals into tangible impact—reducing waste, creating jobs, and building a more resilient, circular economy from the ground up. As we mark the two-year anniversary of the Recycling is Real campaign, we’re not only proud to give a voice to plastics recyclers around the country, but also to continue educating policymakers and communities in an effort to improve recycling rates nationwide.”
“Every day, our Reading, Pennsylvania employees demonstrate what recycling looks like in action—transforming PET plastic bottles into new, useful products,” said Zach DeWaters, Head of Government Affairs at Alpek Polyester. “Their dedication reflects both the strength of our workforce and Alpek Polyester’s commitment to advancing real, measurable sustainability. By investing in recycling and showcasing its impact, we’re proud to help showcase that PET recycling works and that it plays an essential role in the circular economy.”
Click here to watch Recycling Is Real featuring Alpek Polyester.
The Recycling Is Real campaign provides content to help elected officials and policymakers understand that recycling is a vital link in the sustainability and circularity chain, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about recycling infrastructure and support.
Launched in 2023, thecampaign was created to combat false narratives suggesting that recycling is not happening or that it’s a “myth.” With some seeking to reduce or eliminate plastic production altogether, Recycling Is Real demonstrates where and how recycling occurs—and introduces the people making it happen.
Alpek Polyester is a global leader in the production of PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid), PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) resins, PET recycling (rPET), specialty polymers, and polyester fibers. Founded in 1975, the company serves customers worldwide through a network of manufacturing entities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. Committed to sustainability and innovation, Alpek Polyester focuses on delivering responsible solutions that enhance everyday life. As a division of Alpek, a leading petrochemical company, Alpek Polyester continues to strengthen its market leadership by exceeding the evolving needs of its customers.
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $551 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.
