Recycling

Aluminum may have a higher recycling rate than plastic, but expect tradeoffs in transportation emissions. The real breakthrough comes with reuse.

Roads in which waste plastic is melted down and mixed with paving materials are becoming more common around the world. Although for now they remain a niche technology, experts say the roads could become one of a diverse array of uses for discarded plastic.

Sponsored: It’s time for big bets in the fight against climate change. Here are ways companies can rise to the challenge to create business and societal value.

Numerous companies have set recycling 100 percent recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging goals. But how are they getting there and is it enough?

The industry is pushing for more ‘sustainable’ materials and pushing collection efforts, but recycled rubber is still more likely to find a home outside of new tires.

The companies have already installed 20 machines operational in offices and community spaces in Shanghai and Hangzhou, with 500 more set to be installed through 2021.

Two percent of global emissions from this sector adds up.

If the historic influx of recycling legislation in Congress over the past few years tells us anything, it’s that recycling and materials management are on the national agenda.

With social license at risk, demand for recycled plastic is becoming inelastic and those able to supply to exacting standards will emerge and prosper.

Sponsored: Circular economy principles must be built into processes from the start to effect change.