Nonmetallics

TIRES

WRAP TIRE PROGRAM PUBLISHES NEW INFORMATION

A number of reports commissioned by the UK’s Waste & Resources Action Programme to collate information and guidance on the state of the tire recycling industry have now reached completion and have been published on the organization’s Web site at www.wrap.org.uk.

The new information includes a number of case studies highlighting innovative examples of companies that have been successful in using tire-derived rubber in a variety of products and applications and a set of good practice guidelines that provide examples of good practices for tire reprocessing around the world.

The organization has also published a set of independent market analysis reports that it commissioned to examine the detail behind statistics for tire disposal and reuse in the UK. A UK tire stockpiles review, which provides information and guidance on the current status of tires stockpiles in the UK, completes the list of new publications.

ISRI CONVENES TIRE RECYCLING SUMMIT

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc. (ISRI) holds its third-annual Tire Recycling Business Summit Sept. 12-13 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in suburban Chicago.

According to ISRI, the program focuses on important business topics and includes presentations on trends in the scrap tire market, workers’ compensation, tire safety, preventing fires in scrap tire facilities, illegal immigration, Design for Recycling and consumer markets. ISRI Chair Frank Cozzi and Troy Hess of Mahantango Enterprises address the closing luncheon Wednesday, Sept. 13.

Networking opportunities include a luncheon, refreshment breaks and an exhibit-area reception.

The registration fees are $245 for ISRI members and $345 for nonmembers until Aug. 22, when they increase by $30. Nonmembers who join ISRI within 30 days of the summit will receive a credit of $50 on their annual dues. Those interested in attending can visit www.isri.org. Hotel reservations should be made with the Hyatt Regency O’Hare by calling (847) 696-1234.

WISCONSIN TIRE RECYCLER TO PAY SETTLEMENT

The state of Wisconsin’s Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager has announced that her office has filed a complaint and settlement in an environmental protection enforcement lawsuit against Watertown Tire Recyclers LLC for violations of the state’s solid waste management laws.

The company will pay $320,000 in penalties and costs for violations at its now closed tire recycling facility in Shields, Wis.

The settlement is a global agreement that resolves claims by the state as well as those by Citizens for a Safe Environment, the town of Shields, the city of Watertown, Dodge County and 94 other local entities that responded to a fire at the Watertown Tire Recyclers facility last July. The settlement provides for payment of approximately $268,000 to local responders, $31,000 to the Department of Natural Resources for its fire response costs and $21,100 to the state in forfeitures and surcharges.

Watertown Tire Recyclers and owner Thomas Springer have agreed to remove all contaminated soil remaining on the site and to dispose of it at an area landfill. According to Lautenschlager, the proper disposal of that soil will cost $75,000.

According to the Department of Justice, the facility is currently in compliance with DNR requirements.

PLASTICS

PLASTICS RECYCLER RECEIVES HONOR

Adirondack Plastic & Recycling in Argyle, N.Y., has received an Excellence Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the New York Business Development Corp.

Glens Falls National Bank nominated the company, which was among 26 small businesses honored at a ceremony near Albany, N.Y.

Adirondack Plastics, owned by John D. Aspland, was established in 1991. It brokers, processes and sells post-industrial plastic and paper to customers worldwide.


COMPANY ACQUIRES US PLASTIC LUMBER

American Pacific Financial Corp. (AMPAC), based in San Bernardino, Calif., has acquired the assets of US Plastic Lumber Inc., Chicago, forming Trimax Building Products.

According to a press release from Trimax, the acquisition makes the company one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of high density polyethylene building materials for structural lumber, transportation, marina and residential decking products.

Trimax Building Products Inc. was founded by American Pacific Financial Corp. to ensure "the cohesive branding and management of its current, expanded and anticipated new product lines," according to the release.

"Our interest in plastic lumber and related products stems from its unique patented approach to manufacturing quality, maintenance-free ‘green built’ products for residential, commercial or industrial applications," Larry Polhill, chairman of the board and CEO of AMPAC, says. "Our products are made primarily from recycled plastics and are environmentally safe and chemical free, contributing to a positive environment, which is so important today."

"This new company and identity will allow us to expand into defined niche markets where we have expertise and expand our national and international network of building material distributors and dealers," Shaun Webb, president and CEO of Trimax, says.

AMPAC is a private equity firm with interests in real estate, food processing, publishing, hospitality, health, entertainment and manufacturing.

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