FABRIC MAKER TURNS BOTTLES INTO CLOTH
Starensier Inc., a fabric manufacturer headquartered in Newbury Port, Mass., has developed NaturTex, a material made from 100-percent post-consumer recycled plastic soda bottles spun and woven into cloth. Starensier states that the material is a highly durable fabric that feels and performs to the same standards as virgin polyester of the same weight and construction. It currently is available in two weights and can be used in clothing apparel, shoe lining, luggage and recreational products such as backpacks.
CPC LAUNCHES PILOT IN RHODE ISLAND
Residents and businesses in North Kingstown, R.I., and the Corrugated Packaging Council recently completed a pilot program to recycle corrugated boxboard.
The program, dubbed "Boxing Days," was part of a CPC initiative to increase residential recycling of corrugated cardboard. North Kingstown was chosen as the site because of its successful curbside recycling program already in existence and residents’ positive environmental consciousness.
Richard Crenca, public works director for North Kingstown, reported that nearly four tons of corrugated material were recovered during the two-week pilot program.
The schools played an important role in the program, distributing informational literature and display posters. Each school received a corrugated castle, fort or barn big enough for the students to play or read in. The corrugated structures were created by CPC mem-
bers, Inland Container and Weyerhaeuser.
The Boxing Days model will be used to develop a template for other communities considering corrugated recycling programs. Next year, the CPC plans to encourage recovery events in several communities throughout North America.
Meanwhile, North Kingstown officials are considering installing a compactor to continue recycling corrugated cardboard. The initial expense will be recovered through the sale of OCC collected, so the ongoing program will support itself financially.
Income generated by the program will be used, with matching funds from the CPC, to purchase computer equipment for the town’s public schools.
ALLIEDSIGNAL HOLDS OIL PROGRAM
AlliedSignal Automotive Aftermarket, Costa Mesa, Calif., along with the California Integrated Waste Management Board, held a seminar last month to educate California customers and government officials about the proper disposal of used oil filters in California.
"California is a leader among states in educating its residents about proper used oil filter disposal," says Kevin Gill, manager of product marketing for filter products for AlliedSignal.
"It is through seminars like these that the infrastructure will develop to make oil filter recycling convenient and economical," he adds.
JAITIRE RECEIVES EXCELLENCE AWARD
JaiTire Industries, Denver, with Lancaster, Pa., has received the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence for its program, Environmental Quality Partnerships -- Tire Recycling Program -- Rebound.
Lancaster, working with JaiTire, used a $50,000 research grant to install Rebound Soil Amendment in new athletic fields in the fall of 1993. Composed of crumb rubber from recycled tires and compost, Rebound reduced water usage, created a softer playing surface and reduced overall field maintenance. More than 10,000 scrap tires were consumed in the project.
Correction
In the April 1995 issue of Recycling Today, it was incorrectly stated that 450 million pounds (or 450 pounds) of aluminum used beverage containers were recycled in 1994. Actually, 2.149 billion pounds were recycled.
Explore the June 1995 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
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