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MOST-READ STORIES

NPE moving to Orlando for 2012 and 2015 November 17, 2009
Study claims prenatal exposure to certain phthalates affects boys' behavior November 16, 2009
Berry buying Md. plant from Superfos November 16, 2009
Medical-device tax would cost millions November 16, 2009
Coke rolling out bottles made from plant materials November 16, 2009

MOST E-MAILED STORIES

NPE moving to Orlando for 2012 and 2015 November 17, 2009
Polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC and PET resin prices rise in November November 19, 2009
Report: Onex planning IPO for Husky November 15, 2009
Berry buying Md. plant from Superfos November 16, 2009
Foodservice packaging firm announces new acquisition November 16, 2009

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Offering incentives will help curb litter

A partial solution to the problem of plastic bags and other plastic products floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is to put a recycling charge/refund on these products that is redeemable — much like the system that is currently in place [in some states] for items such as soda cans and plastic water bottles.

Reclassifying vinyl may aid sustainability

It certainly looks as though those groups doing battle with PVC are relentless and very likely misguided. Vinyl’s reputation, as well as the reputations of other polymer, is being maligned — all because dioxins are generated through combustion (a fact with considerable scientific discord on each side). The thinking is that all vinyl should be ranked with a failing grade.

Eco-profiles prove out claims

My colleagues and I agree that simply stating that a plastic is made from a renewable material does not go far enough.

Scorecard ‘hit list’ is gunning for PVC

My son is a good student, but if he ever got an “F” on a report card, his mother and I would talk it over with him and his teacher. We would determine what caused the grade and work on improving it. That’s not how it works with Clean Production Action. The group gave PVC an “F” on its “Scorecard” and indicated that’s as good a grade as it will ever get because PVC combustion forms dioxins.

A less cynical eye needed for recycling

An article in Plastics News caught my eye [Don Loepp’s Viewpoint, “Is plastics recycling a cynical strategy,” Sept. 21, Page 6]. My background of 20 years in Europe leads me to believe that [Plastic Pollution Coalition co-founder] Lisa Kaas Boyle has a bit to learn on world economics and the necessity of recycling.

Resolve bioplastics issues before launch

Terrence Blake wrote recently [“Bioproducts need tough, but fair look,” Sept. 21, Page 7] with a caution about recyclers’ objections to polylactic acid being used in bottles until concerns over its impact on recycling systems are resolved.

Support bottle fees — plastic or otherwise

Carlos Petzold’s letter [“Plastics should take lead in bottle debate,” Sept. 21, Page 7] makes an excellent point. We in our industry need to work toward a joint solution in dealing with human nature — if we don’t help construct the rules, we may not like the results.

Firm irked at NPE show

This year’s NPE [held June 22-26 in Chicago] was the fifth consecutive show for Pipe Coil Technology Ltd. and considered [by the firm] to be a success. Unfortunately, NPE2009 was marred and frustrated by the positioning of a competitor’s booth no more than 15 feet from our booth.

Bans not the answer

Don Loepp’s Viewpoint [“Is plastic’s image root of bag bans?” June 15, Page 6] was well crafted and presented. While it did not directly answer the question, the [headline] was the “lead-in” to the real topic, anyway.

Industry supportive, even in bleak times

No question, these are challenging times for the plastics industry. As part of the leadership of Milacron LLC, I’m well aware of this reality. At the same time, I’m also upbeat about our industry and our company. Here’s why.

Plastics should take lead in bottle debate

We have all read many times in Plastics News the industry’s view that manufacturers of plastics are not to blame for litter and all of the negative things that environmentalists hate about plastics. In my opinion, the plastics industry should stop fighting legislation against plastics that address environmental responsibility.

Bio-products need tough, but fair look

I do not disagree in concept with Peter Anderson’s letter to the editor [“PLA will negatively impact recycling,” Aug. 17, Page 7]. Polylactic acid would potentially be damaging to the recycling stream and the costs could be prohibitive. I do have a concern that the whole story is not being told here

PLA will be key part of sustainability

I applaud the balanced view Frank Esposito brought with his Aug. 3, Page 6 Viewpoint, “Best of bioplastics, worst of bioplastics.” Peter Anderson’s response [“PLA will negatively impact recycling,” Aug. 17, Page 7] requires clarification.

Perception is reality in marketing efforts

In his Perspective column [“Marketing shares some blame,” July 6, Page 6], Rance Crain calls attention to the role of marketing in the current economic slump. I’d like to zero in on the summary paragraph at the end, particularly this part: “A company should stick to its core mission.”

The late Steven Ross was inspired leader

We have lost a plastics pioneer, a teacher of life, and mentor to all who met him. On May 16, Steven Ross, the founder and visionary behind one of the most successful companies in our industry passed away with his family at his side.

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