South Africa-based plastics recycler Myplas has opened a new mechanical recycling and pelletising plant in Rogers, Minnesota, US.
The 170,000ft² plant is Myplas’ first recycling facility in the US.
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It has been opened to support the recycling of flexible film, including some food packaging solutions, shrink wrap, and single-use shopping bags.
When operating at its full production capacity, the new plant is said to be able to recycle nearly 90 million pounds of plastic waste every year.
Myplas said that this amount of plastic is enough to encircle the globe in a pallet wrap more than 135 times.
The site will support approximately 200 employees.
The opening of this factory marks a milestone for Myplas to support the circular economy of flexible films and packaging materials in the Upper Midwest region of the country.
Myplas USA CEO Andrew Pieterse said: “This is a very exciting day for Myplas as we open our US headquarters and our first US recycling facility in Minnesota.
“It’s been a remarkable journey to help bring this vision to life, and we are proud to bring our expertise to this groundbreaking initiative.”
Investment in the plant is a collaborative effort led by the MBOLD coalition.
A joint equity investment of $13m was also provided by lead investors General Mills, Schwan’s Company, and Charter Next Generation, a Midwest-based film manufacturer.
MBOLD managing director JoAnne Berkenkamp said: “Our region is leading the nation in tackling tough sustainability issues.
“Myplas now provides regionally appropriate recycling opportunities for this challenging material [flexible films], and we are driving innovation to incorporate recycled resin into new film products. Collaboration across the value chain is the secret sauce.”
