Page 26 - Plastics News Issue March 2024

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

Sunfeast YiPPee! Transforms Plastic Waste into Playground Magic
Sunfeast YiPPee, in collaboration with The Times of India, has launched the 'YiPPee!
Better World: Create Magic' initiative, revolutionizing plastic waste management
and park rejuvenation in Mumbai. Through community involvement and innovative
recycling, the project aims to refurbish parks with playground equipment made
from upcycled plastic.

Following an initial phase where citizens voted for park transformations and
participated in plastic waste collection drives, four parks in Mumbai—Dhote Udyan,
Swami Vivekanand Udyan, Balasaheb Thackeray Udyan, and Priyadarshini Park—
have been selected for revitalization in March. These parks will feature swings,
see-saws, jungle gyms, and benches crafted from 2,500kg of upcycled plastic.

Partnering with NGO Recycle India, Sunfeast YiPPee! demonstrates a commitment
to environmental sustainability and community engagement. By repurposing plastic
waste, the initiative not only addresses pollution but also promotes a circular
economy mindset. This innovative approach not only transforms urban spaces into
vibrant playgrounds but also fosters a sense of pride and responsibility among citizens towards their local environment.
Sunfeast YiPPee! sets a benchmark for corporate social responsibility, inspiring others to embrace similar initiatives for
a greener, cleaner future.

Source:-
(https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/park-equipment-made-of-upcycled-plastic-inaugurated-in-city-garden-
mumbai/articleshow/108338638.cms)

Plastics Recycling Markets Report

In the realm of plastics recycling markets, the trajectory continues upward for several key grades, reflecting ongoing
shifts in demand and supply dynamics. Post-consumer PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) beverage bottles and jars have
experienced another modest price hike, now averaging at 12.81 cents per pound nationally, with regional contracts
fetching even higher values. Similarly, post-consumer natural HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) from curbside
collections shows a slight increase, currently standing at 29.81 cents per pound on average. Notably, color HDPE has
seen a notable surge, reaching 19.69 cents per pound. In contrast, the price of post-consumer polypropylene (PP)
remains steady at 4.88 cents per pound. The film sector also displays slight fluctuations, with Grade A film nudging
upwards to 15.06 cents per pound, Grade B film showing a modest increase to 7.13 cents per pound, while Grade C film
remains negligibly priced at 0.13 cents per pound. These developments reflect ongoing shifts in the recycling landscape,
underlining the evolving dynamics of the industry.

Source:

(https://resource-recycling.com/plastics/2024/03/13/pet-and-hdpe-see-modest-price-increases/)
Chemical ‘barcodes’ tested to help sort plastics

In a bid to revolutionize plastic recycling, Security Matters (SMX) has embarked on a groundbreaking partnership with
the North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA) and the International Bromine Council (BSEF). Together, they
are leveraging digitization technology to enhance the identification of plastics with diverse additives or compositions.
At the forefront of this collaboration is SMX's pioneering scanning technology, employing a unique chemical-based
"hidden barcode" system. This innovation allows for precise tracking and sorting of plastics, ensuring they are directed
to appropriate destinations for recycling.

26 PLASTICS NEWS March 2024