Nonmetallics Department

Waxed Box Marking Program Announced

More non-waxed grocery cartons may be recycled as a result of new identifying language during the manufacture of wax corrugated boxes.

Corrugated box manufacturers taking part in a voluntary program will mark waxed boxes with the word "wax" in English, French and Spanish. It is anticipated that this effort will increase by 10 to 15 percent the quantity of used containers that can be recycled.

Identification of waxed boxes was requested by the grocery industry and the program resulted from a joint study by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, and the Food Marketing Institute, Washington. Member companies of the American and Canadian paper and box associations will participate.

Grocery workers traditionally have difficulty identifying waxed from non-waxed boxes and separating them. Consequently, many non-waxed cartons (10 to 15 percent) that could be recycled wind up in landfills. Wax is an effective moisture protector for many items, such as fish, poultry, meat and some vegetables, which are packaged in ice or require moisture to maintain freshness. But the wax used on the boxes is not recyclable in standard recycling processes, and therefore creates disposal problems for grocers.

James Keller, vice president and general manager of Weyerhaeuser Company’s Containerboard, Packaging and Recycling Businesses, and chairman of AF&PA’s Containerboard Executive Committee, described wax marking "as a first step to ensuring a long and prosperous relationship with shippers, growers and grocery retailers."

Plastics Products Used in HFHI Building Project

Scrap from vinyl siding will be ground for recycling at the upcoming Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) Jimmy Carter work project in Houston, according to the Vinyl Institute, Morristown, N.J. Partnership for Humanity, a coalition of vinyl industry trade associations and companies, is sponsoring the construction of homes and donating volunteer time, construction funds and/or vinyl building materials. The Jimmy Carter work project in Houston will take place in mid-June.

In other vinyl news, Nicos Polymers & Grinding, Easton, Pa., is using a proprietary separation technology to divert more than 25 million pounds of vinyl scrap from landfills each year. The company recycles a wide stream of vinyl waste, including vinyl-backed carpets and floor mats and reinforced vinyl garden hoses. The vinyl regrind Nicos sells to its customers is typically used to manufacture products with 25 to 75% recycled content. The company also recycles flooring, roofing membrane and blister pack.

Soy Flour Looked at as Polyurethane Ingredient

Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia are developing water-blown rigid polyurethane foams containing soy flour. In addition to improved physical properties, the cost of the foam formulation may be less than starch-based formulations.

"This could have a major impact on the way Americans use two different types of rigid plastics – high-density and low-density," says Fu-hung Hsieh, lead researcher on the project.

The researchers say the soy-based foam has outstanding insulation properties and, because it does not warp, it would have applications in picnic coolers, refrigerators, soda pop machines and building insulation.

"It is also environmentally correct because it may replace some petroleum-based chemicals currently being used in plastic manufacturing, and is good for the American farmer," says Hsieh.

Soybeans Researched for Plastic Bags

Soybeans are also being examined in another plastic research project. Biodegradable plastic film that uses soybean protein and oil is being developed for use in lawn, leaf, trash and carryout bags and agricultural mulch film. The research is being led by Ramani Narayan at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.

Bioplastics made of cornstarch polyester blends are already being commercialized. Narayan believes soy proteins offer functional and property enhancement that is even more beneficial than starch.

"Soy proteins are not as easy to work with," says Narayan. "If they are subjected to high temperatures, they break down and degrade. [But] we are modifying the soy protein so that instead of degrading, it will melt and flow."

Pennsylvania Looks to Boost Oil Recycling

Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection is attempting to work with several industry associations to increase awareness of oil recycling methods. The Pennsylvania EPA plans to work with the American Petroleum Industry, the National Oil Recyclers Association, the Steel Recycling Institute and several state organizations or national chapters to host workshops and produce brochures on used motor oil and oil filter recycling.

ITRA Adds Bounce to its Website

The International Tire and Rubber Association (ITRA), Louisville, Ky., has upgraded its website www.itra.com to offer more information and features. The new layout allows visitors to make "Retreaders Mart" transactions and register on-line for upcoming ITRA events.

In addition to the new registration capabilities, the site features articles from The Tire Retreading/Repair Journal and Commercial Tire Service Update; an industry events calendar; and access to the "Retreaders Mart," where casings and retread/repair equipment can be bought and sold.

Tire Recycler Sets Up Shop in Bay Area

Bay Area Tire Recycling LLC will soon be operating at the site of the Davis Street Transfer Station in San Leandro, Calif. The transfer station is operated by a subsidiary of Waste Management Inc., Oak Brook, Ill.

The new tire recycling system can process up to 3,000 pounds of whole tires or tire chips per hour. The system can create pieces as small as ¾" in size and separates out the steel contained within the tires in a single pass. A further step in the process can reduce the rubber to #40 mesh rubber powder. Bay Area Tire Recycling hopes to find markets for the recycled rubber as modified asphalt, playground safety surface material, and in running tracks and other sport playing surfaces.