#United States #Las Vegas #Sustainable Packaging #Republic Services #rPET

Revolutionizing Recycling with rPET at Republic Services

Republic Services, Inc., a frontrunner in the environmental services sector, has made strides in sustainable packaging by launching its recycled plastic flake at the Las Vegas Polymer Center. This initiative promises to drastically lower carbon emissions in packaging compared to traditional materials, making it a game-changer for businesses striving to reduce their environmental impact.

A Significant Decrease in Carbon Footprint

According to a recent cradle-to-gate product carbon footprint (PCF) study, the bottle-grade, clear recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) flake manufactured at the Las Vegas facility boasts a carbon footprint that is 54% lower than other alternative rPET options and an impressive 82% lower than virgin PET sourced from the U.S. This suggests that businesses utilizing Republic Services' rPET can significantly decarbonize their supply chains and face reduced Scope 3 emissions. This revelation highlights the potential of rPET to meet rising demands for sustainable materials without compromising quality.

Efficient Processing Techniques

Pete Keller, the vice president of recycling and sustainability at Republic Services, emphasizes the importance of the Polymer Centers designed for bottle-to-bottle circularity. The Las Vegas facility employs cutting-edge patented technology that uses less electricity and thermal energy per kilogram of flake than traditional mechanical recycling methods. This efficiency is attributed to sharing processing mechanisms with recovered key materials and the facility’s integration within a regional utility grid that has a lower carbon footprint than the national average.

Benefits Beyond Carbon Reduction

The advantages of the rPET produced extend beyond just a lower carbon footprint. A key feature of Republic Services’ offering is the ability to produce bottle-grade rPET, which supports a circular economy model by allowing for the recycling of materials back into new beverage bottles. This contrasts with most rPET made from mechanical recycling processes that often do not meet such standards.

Moreover, the company manages the post-consumer recycled materials from curbside collection all the way through to flake production, providing a more integrated supply chain compared to imported rPET materials.

Additionally, the Polymer Center’s operation recovers and recycles non-PET materials, drastically reducing landfill use and fostering a more sustainable environmental model. With more than 75 recycling facilities across North America, Republic Services processes an average of 5 million recycling pickups daily, contributing substantially to plastic waste reduction.

Expanding Capabilities

With existing Polymer Centers in Las Vegas and Indianapolis, and a third facility under development in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Republic Services aims to produce around 120 million pounds of bottle-grade recycled plastics each year. This expansion will further enhance their capabilities and position them as leaders in the recycled packaging market.

For more information on their sustainability initiatives and to learn about the PCF study's findings related to the Las Vegas Polymer Center, you can visit RepublicServices.com/Sustainability.

Conclusion

As consumer demand for sustainable products increases, Republic Services is setting a precedent within the recycling industry. By harnessing innovative technology and focusing on eco-friendly practices, the company not only aids businesses in achieving their sustainability goals but also champions environmental responsibility, making it a vital player in the shift towards a more sustainable future.