New Equipment Increases Foam Polystyrene Recycling in Metro Albuquerque

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ABQ Foam Recycling/The Foam Recycler, a polystyrene foam recycling service in central New Mexico,
received a $38,800 grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC) to
fund the purchase and installation of a foam densifier.

Densifiers are used to compact #6 foam products, such as cups, plates, clamshells, egg cartons and block
packaging foam, into foam blocks or ingots. The facility sells the foam ingots to end markets in
California, New Jersey and Canada to be manufactured into picture frames, light switch covers, crown
molding and electronic cases.

ABQ Foam Recycling/The Foam Recycler services a population of almost 1 million people in metro
Albuquerque through a drop‐off location, community events and commercial pick‐up service.
“We are looking to not only lead in recycling polystyrene foam materials in New Mexico, but also serve
as educators on recycling these materials,” said Tom Spadafora of ABQ Foam Recycling/The Foam
Recycler. “Repurposing foam materials and keeping it out of landfills is our top priority.”

Residents and businesses in the metro Albuquerque area will see the service promoted via local
municipality partnerships, social media, local publications, neighborhood associations, and other local
and regional engagements.

“ABQ Foam Recycling/The Foam Recycler is extending polystyrene foam recycling to a significant
residential population and commercial sector in the metro Albuquerque area,” said Natha Dempsey,
president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “Supporting programs that provide access to additional
foam recycling and divert the material from landfills and into new products is at the heart of the Foam
Recycling Coalition.”

The grant is made possible through contributions to FRC, which focuses exclusively on increased
recycling of post‐consumer foam polystyrene. Its members include Americas Styrenics; Chick‐fil‐A; CKF
Inc.; Dart Container Corp.; Dyne‐A‐Pak; Genpak; INEOS Styrolution America LLC; Lifoam Industries, LLC;
Pactiv Evergreen; and Republic Plastics.

The Foam Recycler is the 32nd grant recipient to receive FRC funding since 2015. Over 12 million
additional residents in the U.S. and Canada can recycle foam polystyrene because of FRC grants. Visit www.RecycleFoam.org to learn more about foam recycling, read about previous recipients or apply for a
grant.

Foodservice Packaging Institute Reveals Results of Sanitation Study

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The Foodservice Packaging Institute commissioned an independent study to compare the sanitary quality of single-use foodservice packaging and reusable options. The results of the 2022 sanitation study show higher aerobic plate count microbial levels in reusable to-go foodservice items than in reusable dine-in and single-use items. Over 85% of the reusable to-go foodservice items tested had higher than acceptable microbial levels.

“The goal of this research was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the hygienic condition of foodservice serviceware items, particularly the reusable takeout and delivery containers, single-use items and dine-in reusable foodservice items,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “Our previous survey conducted in 2012 confirmed that disposable foodservice items were the most hygienic. However, considering the advancements in technology and shifting models by which consumers receive their foodservice (aka delivery), we felt that it was important to examine the sanitation of foodservice in the delivery and takeout space.”

Three types of foodservice items were tested: reusable dine-in, reusable to-go durables and single-use items. Sanitation levels were tested by conducting three microbiological analyses on each item. Along with aerobic plate count microbial levels, the study also compared levels of Coliform and Staphylococcus bacteria. The results show that there were no differences observed in Coliform counts and there were no significant differences between reusable dine-in and disposable items; findings which contrasted with the 2012 study. Staphylococcus was only found in very low levels across all types of foodservice items, which remains consistent with the 2012 study.

Overall, reusable to-go durable foodservice items had higher aerobic plate count microbiological levels than reusable dine-in and single-use items. Previous studies in other parts of the country have shown confirming results where reusable items had higher microbiological counts than single-use items. Variances could be attributed to any number of factors, including handling by foodservice employees or changes in dishwashing technology.

FPI members received complete survey results. A complimentary executive summary of the report is available at FPI.org/resource. For more information, contact FPI’s Ashley Elzinga at aelzinga@fpi.org.

New Equipment Improves Foam Polystyrene Recycling for North Carolina City

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The city of High Point, North Carolina, received a $50,000 grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC) that enables the city’s 117,000 residents to recycle materials such as foam polystyrene cups, plates, bowls, clamshells, egg cartons and meat trays, as well as block packaging foam.

The FRC grant assisted with funding the purchase and installation of a foam densifier at the High Point Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Densifiers are used to compact foam products into foam blocks or ingots. The city sells the foam ingots to end markets to be manufactured into thermal insulation panels for foundations, walls and roofs.

Residents of High Point, as well as the neighboring communities of Jamestown and Archdale, can take their polystyrene foam to drop-off locations that house drop-off trailers. The locations include Ingleside Compost Facility, High Point Public Library and High Point MRF.

“Residents have already shown a positive response to recycling polystyrene foam,” said Rebecca Coplin, beautification supervisor for the city of High Point. “The two trailers collecting foam with the Tiny House Community Development are replaced once per week, 10-20 drop-offs per week are received at the MRF, and an influx of foam from the High Point Furniture Market is seen twice per year. As we get the word out, we expect an increase in residential drop-off activity that will benefit the recycling of foam and other materials.”

High Point’s public information office will inform residents about the addition of foam polystyrene recycling via communications, including posters, printed materials and the city’s website and social media. The MRF offers tours, information booths and educational programming that will include messaging on recycling polystyrene foam.

“The Foam Recycling Coalition aims to support communities like High Point as they work to increase recycling for residents by adding more materials to the recycling program,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “We applaud High Point for taking action to divert valuable materials from the landfill that can be made into new products.”

The grant is made possible through contributions to FRC, which focuses exclusively on increased recycling of post-consumer foam polystyrene. Its members include Americas Styrenics; Chick-fil-A; CKF Inc.; Dart Container Corp.; Dyne-A-Pak; Genpak; INEOS Styrolution America LLC; Lifoam Industries, LLC; Pactiv Evergreen; and Republic Plastics.

High Point is the 31st grant recipient to receive FRC funding since 2015. Over 10 million additional residents in the U.S. and Canada can recycle foam polystyrene because of FRC grants. Visit
www.RecycleFoam.org to learn more about foam recycling, read about previous recipients or apply for a grant.

Foodservice Packaging Competition Now Accepting Nominations for Bi-Annual Awards

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Nominations are now being accepted for the bi-annual Foodservice Packaging Awards competition to honor excellence and innovation in foodservice packaging. The Foodservice Packaging Institute and QSR magazine kick off their 12th competition with multiple award categories to serve the industry.

Awards will be given in five categories. The top winners from each category will be eligible to win the coveted award of “2023 Foodservice Package of the Year.” The categories are:

  • Excellence in Brand Delivery: For excellence in the use of graphics or graphic design elements on packaging to promote brand recognition.
  • Excellence in New Menu Launch: For excellence in packaging that supports the launch of a new menu item.
  • Innovation in Convenience: For innovative features that make packaging easier to use and/or more convenient for the consumer and/or foodservice workers.
  • Innovation in Manufacturing: For raw material, machinery and/or converting innovations that enhance packaging.
  • The “Wow” Factor: For packaging with that extra “wow” effect when consumers or foodservice operators use or see this item.

“Year after year we’ve been impressed with the creativity and initiative shown in each submission and look forward to seeing how the nominations embody the spirit of this competition,” said Natha Dempsey, president of FPI. “We don’t expect this year to be any different and we’re excited to see the packaging innovations emerging during economic uncertainty and increased focus on sustainability.”

A panel of industry experts will judge the entries. FPI will honor the winners during the association’s Fall Conference, October 26–27 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. QSR will feature the results in its November 2023 issue.

Foodservice packaging manufacturers, their suppliers, foodservice operators, distributors, public relations firms and others are encouraged to enter the free competition by nominating themselves or others. For more information and to submit entries, please visit QSR’s website.

Cook County Expands Foam Recycling Access to Lower-income and Designated Environmental Justice Communities

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South Suburban College in partnership with Cook County Government, received a $50,000 grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC) that enables the Illinois county’s residents to recycle materials, such as foam polystyrene cups, plates, bowls, clamshells, egg cartons and meat trays, as well as block packaging foam, at its local drop-off center.

The FRC grant assisted with funding the purchase and installation of a foam densifier at the newly opened Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) Center in South Holland on the South Suburban College campus. Densifiers are used to compact foam products into foam blocks or ingots. Cook County sells the foam ingots to end markets to be manufactured into architectural moldings and picture frames, as well as thermal insulation panels for foundations, walls and roofs.

The CHaRM Center is centrally located near 53 communities with over 268,000 households in Cook County that have the lowest recycling and diversion rates, including 37 municipalities below the median income and 33 municipalities that are designated Environmental Justice areas.

“Cook County is proud to partner with South Suburban College to establish a permanent recycling facility for all Cook County residents,” said Anthony Tindall, solid waste coordinator for Cook County. “The County is grateful to the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition for this funding to further recycling efforts across the region. Expanding the types of foam polystyrene collected at the CHaRM Center to include food products will help keep even more waste out of landfills and ultimately create a healthier environment for all residents.”

The County will inform residents about the addition of foam polystyrene recycling via communications including mailers, flyers, community events, social media and on its website.

“Cook County serves as a testament to the power of community collaboration and proactive efforts. It shows the strong partnership between the Foam Recycling Coalition and communities, working together to empower residents in their efforts to minimize landfill waste, boost recycling, lower carbon emissions, and foster a local circular economy,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “Cook County is a great example of the impact that collective action can have on creating a sustainable future.”

The grant is made possible through contributions to FRC, which focuses exclusively on increased recycling of post-consumer foam polystyrene. Its members include Americas Styrenics; Chick-fil-A; CKF Inc.; Dart Container Corp.; Dyne-A-Pak; Genpak; INEOS Styrolution America LLC; Lifoam Industries, LLC; Pactiv Evergreen; and Republic Plastics.

Cook County is the 30th grant recipient to receive this funding since 2015. Over 10 million additional residents in the U.S. and Canada can recycle foam polystyrene because of FRC grants. Visit www.RecycleFoam.org to learn more about foam recycling, read about previous recipients or apply for a grant.

 

Memphis Introduces Curbside Paper Cup Recycling

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Curbside recycling carts across the city of Memphis will welcome even more recyclables beginning Thursday, June 1. Thanks to a partnership with the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI), over 182,000 households will be able to recycle clean and empty paper cups. With this move, Memphis joins a growing trend of communities adding paper cups to their residential recycling programs.

“It’s exciting to be a part of this incredible initiative aimed at expanding recycling programs and include paper cups in our list of acceptable materials. Through this partnership, we are now able to offer our community a valuable opportunity to conserve resources and reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills,” said Philip Davis, Solid Waste Director for the City of Memphis.

Memphis will launch an outreach campaign to inform residents of what is recyclable through the expanded program and remind them that all recyclables should be clean and empty when placed in their recycling carts. With support from a communications grant from FPI, the campaign will feature social media posts, print and digital advertisements, and an updated recycling flyer. Residents will learn about the wide range of take-out packaging they can place in their recycling carts including clean and empty pizza boxes, paper bags, plastic cups and containers, aluminum foil and cans, molded fiber containers and paper cups. To prepare products for recycling, residents are asked to empty any remaining liquid, toss the lid in the trash, and place their cups loose in recycling carts or drop-off bins.

The city will kick off the campaign on June 1 with a press conference at the Mud Island Recycling Drop-off Center at noon. Attendees will be treated to free coffee from Crazy Gander Coffee, served in paper cups that can be recycled. The first 35 attendees will also receive a gift card for Crazy Gander Coffee. The event will be a great opportunity to learn about sustainable practices and residents are encouraged to attend.

“We’re delighted to team up with the city of Memphis to ramp up its recycling efforts. By accepting paper cups into the residential recycling program and doing outreach to the community, we hope to communicate the importance of recycling foodservice packaging items,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “We actually started our very first community partnership in Tennessee back in 2017, so returning to the state to expand our efforts is especially meaningful to us.”

The city sends its collected recyclables to Republic’s materials recovery facility in Memphis, where the cups are recovered and baled with other paper to be converted into new products, diverting waste from landfills and advancing the circular economy.

To learn more about Memphis’ recycling initiative and see a list of all acceptable curbside recyclables, visit https://recycle.memphistn.gov/.

New Technology Enables Paper Cup Recycling and Improves Food and Beverage Carton Recycling in Dallas

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FCC Environmental Services, a leading waste management provider in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, has installed new robotic sorting technology at its materials recovery facility (MRF). This cutting-edge technology will enable the MRF to start accepting and sorting paper cups, and more efficiently capture food and beverage cartons from residents throughout the greater Dallas area. This will ensure the valuable fiber found in both types of containers can go on to make new paper-based products.

FCC joins a growing trend of MRFs and communities that are including paper cups and food and beverage cartons as part of their residential recycling programs. This initiative was made possible by a collaborative equipment grant from the Carton Council of North America (CCNA), the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI), and the NextGen Consortium.

“With the installation of this new robotic sorting technology, we are proud to expand and improve our recycling capabilities and offer our customers in the Dallas metropolitan area the opportunity to recycle paper cups and cartons,” said Bruce Magnuson, FCC’s senior general manager.

“This robotic sorting and AI is a great example of how technology can help improve recycling and ultimately contribute to our circular economy by capturing more recyclable materials,” said Larine Urbina, vice president of communications for the Carton Council. “We are proud to work with FCC to embrace innovation to expand recycling. Collaboration with others throughout the recycling value chain is a cornerstone of the Carton Council’s strategy.”

MRFs have multiple options for managing paper cups and cartons. While many MRFs include cups and cartons in mixed paper bales, FCC has opted to sort this material to a higher-value poly-grade bale. The new AMP robot plays a crucial role in the mechanical recovery and makes the sorting of these materials for the higher-value market possible.

“Strengthening recycling infrastructure is vital to creating a more circular future for packaging. The NextGen Consortium is thrilled to partner with FCC and other industry leaders to provide grant funding for new recycling technology that can help keep more valuable packaging, like cups and cartons, in circulation and reduce waste,” said Kate Daly, Head of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners––the managing partner of the NextGen Consortium.

“Our equipment grant program is designed to help organizations invest in new recycling infrastructure and drive innovation in waste management. We are excited to see the impact it is having in the Dallas metro area expanding recycling to nearly half a million households,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute.

Once paper cups and cartons enter the recycling system, they can be used by mills to make new paper products that consumers use every day, like paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, and even new cups. Follow FCC’s progress and other recycling efforts at https://fccenvironmental.com.

New Program Increases Tulsa Residents’ Ability to Recycle Paper Cups at Home

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More than 252,000 households in the Tulsa metropolitan area can now place clean and empty paper cups in recycling carts and drop-off bins for curbside collection. The region’s primary materials recovery facility, Mr. Murph 2.0, partnered with the Foodservice Packaging Institute on a communications grant to educate residents on the wide range of take-out packaging that can be placed in curbside recycling bins and drop-off recycling bins instead of trash cans.

“Amidst our continued acceptance of numerous take-out containers, we are excited to announce our efforts in educating residents about our recycling process and the best practices that support it. By doing so, we aim to tackle the issue of contamination and avoid sending valuable materials for incineration or disposal at landfills,” said Robert Pickens, Vice President of American Waste Control, Inc.

The Tulsa metropolitan area can recycle food packaging containers, including clean paper and plastic cups and containers, pizza and sandwich boxes, and paper bags, through community curbside and drop-off recycling program. To best prepare the items for processing, residents are asked to empty the recyclables of any liquid or food residue before placing them in their recycling cart or recycling drop-off bin.

“We are proud to partner with American Waste Control in their efforts to raise awareness and educate Tulsa residents on acceptable take-out containers that can be placed in recycling cart and bins. By empowering residents with knowledge and skills, we can divert valuable materials from being disposed as waste and advance Tulsa’s circular economy,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute.

The recycling program strengthens Oklahoma’s economy and generates employment opportunities within the state. Nearly 95% of recyclables delivered to Mr. Murph stay in the state. Mr. Murph will lead the charge to help encourage Tulsa area residents to recycle, by communicating messaging around recycling clean and empty take-out containers. American Waste Control’s outreach campaign kicks off on May 3rd and features an educational recycling video, social media, digital ads, an infographic on recycling take-out containers, and updates to their popular “Feed Mr. Murph” recycle right education game.

To learn more and see a list of all acceptable curbside recyclables, visit feedmrmurph.com.

Mount Prospect Starts Foam Recycling Program

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The Village of Mount Prospect, Illinois, received a $50,000 grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC) that enables residents to recycle materials, such as foam polystyrene cups, plates, bowls, clamshells, egg cartons and meat trays, as well as block packaging foam, at its local drop-off center.

The FRC grant assisted with funding the purchase and installation of a foam densifier at the Mount Prospect Public Works facility. Densifiers are used to compact foam products into foam blocks or ingots. Mount Prospect sells the foam ingots to local end markets to be manufactured into architectural moldings and picture frames.

Mount Prospect is a member of the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC), an intergovernmental agency comprised of 23 communities. The drop-off center is open to all communities within SWANCC.

“We are continually reflecting on our programs to ensure the residents of Mount Prospect are provided with the most economical and ecologically sound options,” said Sean P. Dorsey, director at Mount Prospect Public Works Department. “The inclusion of foam recycling to existing recycling programs will be extremely beneficial to the Mount Prospect and SWANCC member communities.”

The Village and SWANCC will inform residents via communications including Mount Prospect and SWANCC websites, Recycling Coach app, social media, newsletters and flyers.

“Mount Prospect is spearheading this effort that provides residents of the Village and surrounding communities the ability to recycle foam polystyrene that otherwise would have gone to the landfill,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “FPI and the Foam Recycling Coalition are excited to support communities like Mount Prospect that are shining examples of providing environmentally sound and resourceful options to its residents.”

FRC has opened the 2023 application period, now through April 25, 2023, for public and private entities seeking to start or improve foam polystyrene recovery in their recycling programs. Eligible entities must engage in operating a material recovery facility, manage residential curbside recycling programs, or manage a drop-off or convenience site recycling program.

The grant is made possible through contributions to FRC, which focuses exclusively on increased recycling of post-consumer foam polystyrene. Its members include Americas Styrenics; Chick-fil-A; CKF Inc.; Dart Container Corp.; Dyne-A-Pak; Genpak; INEOS Styrolution America LLC; Lifoam Industries, LLC; Pactiv Evergreen; and Republic Plastics.

Mount Prospect is the 29th grant recipient to receive this funding since 2015. Over 10 million additional residents in the U.S. and Canada can recycle foam polystyrene because of FRC grants. Visit www.RecycleFoam.org to learn more about foam recycling, read about previous recipients or apply for a grant.

24th Annual Industry Report Indicates Increased Optimism Amid Uncertainty

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The Foodservice Packaging Institute’s 2023 State of the Industry Report reveals that the industry is seeing a steady comeback since the slowdown of the pandemic, despite current economic uncertainty. Results show that 60% of foodservice packaging manufacturers and suppliers experienced growth in volume, which is down 20% compared with last year’s large increase coming out of the pandemic. In a large jump from 31% in 2021, 70% reported profit growth in 2022.

“Based on the feedback from nearly 50 organizations, the 2023 State of the Industry Report predicts an optimistic, yet still unpredictable, year for the foodservice packaging industry as we continue to climb back from the effects of the pandemic,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “On an encouraging note, foodservice operators who responded saw increased sales, and were overwhelmingly optimistic that this trend would continue in 2023.”

The 24th State of the Industry Report includes input from raw material and machinery suppliers, converters, and foodservice distributors and operators. The survey looks at industry issues, such as changes to volume and profits; expansion and purchasing plans; and opportunities and challenges facing the industry, including the COVID-19 pandemic’s ongoing effect.

Sending another signal that the outlook for 2023 is unclear, only 37% of the North American manufacturer respondents reported another year of corporate expansion plans primarily through expansion of current facilities compared with 50% in 2022. And, only a third plan to expand through building a new plant or merger/acquisition. In a slight decrease from previous years, 60% of North American converters plan to purchase machinery in 2023.

Respondents continue to view the fast casual segment as one of the greatest areas for market expansion, along with grocery stores. This is due in part to continued use of take-out post-pandemic, along with inflation. Convenience stores and chain quick-service restaurants are also noted as opportunities for market expansion because of increased foodservice solutions and the ability to eat foods on-the-go.

FPI members and contributing participants received complete survey results. A complimentary executive summary of the report is available at FPI.org/resource. For more information, contact FPI’s Ashley Elzinga at aelzinga@fpi.org.