Myplas has officially inaugurated its flexible film recycling plant in Rogers, Minnesota, marking a significant milestone for the South Africa-based recycler. Originally slated for a spring 2023 start-up, the plant's opening has come to fruition as part of a collaborative initiative between Myplas and MBOLD, a coalition comprising various Minnesota entities such as companies, researchers, and non-profit organizations.

The newly established mechanical recycling facility and pelletizing plant in Rogers incorporates two distinct lines designed to process both high density polyethylene (HDPE) films, suitable for food-grade applications, and low density polyethylene (LDPE) films, intended for non-food-grade purposes. Once operating at maximum capacity, the facility is projected to recycle nearly 90 million pounds of plastic waste annually and will eventually house between six to seven production lines. This ambitious endeavor is expected to generate employment opportunities for approximately 200 individuals.

The CEO of Myplas USA, Andrew Pieterse, conveyed his excitement during this momentous occasion by expressing that it was indeed a very exciting day for Myplas. He stated that the opening of their US headquarters and the inaugural US recycling facility in Minnesota marked a remarkable journey in bringing their vision to life. He further conveyed pride in contributing their expertise to this groundbreaking initiative. Pieterse acknowledged that the ongoing commitment of their partners had played a crucial role in reaching this significant point.

In the United States, an estimated 12 to 15 billion pounds of flexible packaging and films are utilized annually across diverse applications such as pallet wrap, e-commerce mailers, boat wrap, food packaging, shrink wrap, lawn and garden bags, and hay bale wrap. However, a mere 5% of flexible films undergo recycling each year, leaving the remaining percentage destined for landfill disposal, incineration, or release into the environment.

Nicholas Kolesch, Vice President of Projects at the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), emphasized the significant potential for resource and value recovery within the plastic value chain, particularly in the management of film and flexible plastic waste.

The opening of Myplas' flexible film recycling plant not only signifies a breakthrough in sustainable waste management but also aligns with broader industry efforts to address the environmental impact of plastic usage. By integrating cutting-edge recycling technologies and collaborative partnerships, the industry is taking significant strides towards reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy.

As Myplas establishes its presence in the United States, the newly operational plant in Minnesota serves as a testament to the company's commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of circular practices in the plastics industry. The initiative also underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders, researchers, and non-profit organizations in driving positive change and addressing the challenges associated with plastic waste.