http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NHL-4/State-Policy/Headlines.aspx2008 myplasticsindustryen-ushttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/Skins/myplasticsindustry/365/logo.pnghttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/Default.aspxPlastics in the News - State PolicyTue, 13 May 2008 23:30:08 GMT60http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50031011/Effectiveness-of-plastic-bag-recycling-questioned.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedMon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50031011/Effectiveness-of-plastic-bag-recycling-questioned.aspxIn recent months, Suffolk, New York City and Westchester have all passed voluntary plastic bag recycling measures. One analysis found that in 2006 consumers recycled only about 2 percent of plastic grocery bags.Assemb. Pathmark and Waldbaum's offer rebates to shoppers who reuse plastic bags or bring their own totes. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50030113/Plastic-Bottle-Scare-Is-a-Boon-for-Some.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedFri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50030113/Plastic-Bottle-Scare-Is-a-Boon-for-Some.aspxEastman says it is the first plastic that has the advantages of polycarbonate but is not made using BPA. Schreitmueller began her hunt for polycarbonate alternatives back in 2001. But that plastic is not as transparent as polycarbonate, and it cracks when dropped on a hard surface. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50030293/Consumers-back-away-from-BPA-products-but-what-s-next-.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedFri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50030293/Consumers-back-away-from-BPA-products-but-what-s-next-.aspxThe former nurse and mother of three young children began researching plastics online. The company, along with many others, sells polycarbonate bottles containing BPA. Brown's bottles, recently started making BPA-free polypropylene plastic bottles in Missouri. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50029031/BPA-alternatives-Consumers-look-for-safer-choices.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedWed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50029031/BPA-alternatives-Consumers-look-for-safer-choices.aspxThe former nurse and mother of three young children began researching plastics online. The company, along with many others, sells polycarbonate bottles containing BPA. Brown's bottles, recently started making BPA-free polypropylene plastic bottles in Missouri. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50028656/Well-A-Hard-Plastic-Is-Raising-Hard-Questions.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedTue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50028656/Well-A-Hard-Plastic-Is-Raising-Hard-Questions.aspxTARA PARKER-POPE Are toxic plastics lurking in your kitchen? BPA migrates into food from polycarbonate plastic bottles or the epoxy resin coatings that line canned food. Although many plastic products claim to be microwave safe, some scientists warn against putting any plastic in the microwave. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50023945/Local-man-s-Web-site-helps-consumers-track-their-gift-cards.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedSat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50023945/Local-man-s-Web-site-helps-consumers-track-their-gift-cards.aspxThe pages include details such as whether any related chains accept the retailer's gift cards -- EB Games, for example, will take a GameStop card -- and shipping information for cards bought online. At his home office, he keeps a large binder with multiple gift cards inside each plastic page. The site noted, for example, when the bankrupt chain The Sharper Image (OOTC:SHRPQ) stopped accepting customers' gift cards and when it later resumed accepting them. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50013105/Fear-weans-parents-off-plastic-bottles.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedThu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50013105/Fear-weans-parents-off-plastic-bottles.aspxBisphenol A, or BPA, is a manmade chemical used in polycarbonate plastic, the material used to make most baby bottles and other shatterproof plastic food containers. The chemical, known as BPA, also has been used to make polycarbonate plastic baby bottles, the most common type, for about 30 years. The plastics industry and the Food and Drug Administration say the safety of BPA is well established. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50010516/The-flap-over-plastic-shopping-bags.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedMon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50010516/The-flap-over-plastic-shopping-bags.aspxRetailers favor plastic's low cost, durability and space savings. With a plastic bag, you can't do that."Most municipal recycling operations, including the Southeastern Public Service Authority, cannot accept plastic shopping bags. It purchases about 1.5 billion plastic bags each year. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50010028/Haute-Trash-trades-life-in-landfill-for-runway-splash.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedSun, 09 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50010028/Haute-Trash-trades-life-in-landfill-for-runway-splash.aspxTo help with that task, she recycles plastic grocery bags. Knitting with plastic isn’t for everyone. “Plastic is baby stuff,” she said. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50005825/Plastic-bags-are-losing-ground.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedMon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50005825/Plastic-bags-are-losing-ground.aspxDozens of North Shore restaurants, stores and others have joined the "Plastic Free Haleiwa" coalition, which aims to minimize the consumption of disposable plastics such as plastic bags and polystyrene foam food containers. Meanwhile, businesses on other parts of the island have also been moving away from plastics. The products cost "pennies" more compared to their plastic counterparts, a cost the company absorbs, Schneider said. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50010517/Volume-32-Number-31.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedMon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50010517/Volume-32-Number-31.aspxDistribution media includes, but is not limited to, drainfield rock, polystyrene beads, chambers, and gravelless pipe. Subp. 3. Authorization of training for continuing education credits. Nonaccredited training may qualify qualifies for continuing education credits only if authorized by the commissioner. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50001517/Plastic-bags-outlast-proposed-county-ban.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedThu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50001517/Plastic-bags-outlast-proposed-county-ban.aspxBins are provided to return plastic bags for recycling. No * Are the plastic bags biodegradable? Bins are provided to return plastic bags for recycling. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50001296/Retailers-join-the-plastic-bag-backlash-Some-stores-will-ban-them-others-will-recycle.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedWed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50001296/Retailers-join-the-plastic-bag-backlash-Some-stores-will-ban-them-others-will-recycle.aspxHowever, the agency provides no information about well-traveled venues, such as retail stores, that take plastic bags. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50001360/Retailers-join-the-plastic-bag-backlash.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedWed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50001360/Retailers-join-the-plastic-bag-backlash.aspxLEE BERGQUIST Did your newspaper come in a plastic bag this morning? Plastic uses less energy Despite their purported ecological baggage, the plastic industry claims its bags are greener than the paper bag. The DNR agrees that plastic bags require less energy to make than paper. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50001519/Plastic-a-problem-Del-could-solve.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedWed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-50001519/Plastic-a-problem-Del-could-solve.aspxPlastics make up about 11.1 percent of all waste landfilled and 11.4 percent of residential waste. But Canzano said the authority has no immediate plan to expand plastics recycling beyond narrow-neck bottles. Rigid plastics are banned from those curbside collections because they contaminate the recyclable plastics. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-4093/Santa-Monica-eateries-going-green.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedSun, 23 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-4093/Santa-Monica-eateries-going-green.aspxFor many, however, the switch has been a struggle, with some small-business owners saying they are still scrambling to find affordable material to replace cheap polystyrene, or plastic foam. Santa Monica is the only city in the state to ban both polystyrene and nonrecyclable plastic, Miller said. Tommy Makino, who owns and runs the small shop alone, said he recently spoke to a paper distributor about switching out the shop's plastic and polystyrene cups. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-4086/Gift-cards-in-real-gifts-out-In-an-impersonal-society-plastic-wins.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedSat, 22 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-4086/Gift-cards-in-real-gifts-out-In-an-impersonal-society-plastic-wins.aspxWhile many Americans, like Lowe, complain that gift cards are impersonal and a sign of a lazy gift-giver, they just can't resist all that plastic money cards have going for them. Experts attribute the decline in real gift giving and the rise in plastic card giving to numerous factors. Some say gift cards are a convenience in a time-starved society. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-4087/Gift-card-business-is-booming.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedSat, 22 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-4087/Gift-card-business-is-booming.aspxA customer can order a gift card that comes with a tree ornament. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-4088/As-gift-cards-gain-in-popularity-they-also-get-snazzier.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedFri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-4088/As-gift-cards-gain-in-popularity-they-also-get-snazzier.aspxAnd another: Gift cards keep getting spiffier. Retailers, too, are wild about gift cards. Personalizing gift cards, either the card itself, or the greeting card that accompanies the gift card, with family photos is a major industry trend, he noted. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3979/Sears-Kmart-to-remove-products-with-polyvinyl-chloride.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedThu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3979/Sears-Kmart-to-remove-products-with-polyvinyl-chloride.aspxSears has been feeling heat from environmental groups since March 2006, when more than 50 environmental organizations wrote the $50 billion retailer urging it to eliminate PVC. Vom Saal suggested that people avoid PVC by buying wooden toys or those labeled "PVC free" and that they install water filters on taps. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3972/Sears-Kmart-to-remove-products-with-polyvinyl-chloride-Retailer-promises-to-substitute-safer-alternatives-when-possible.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedThu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3972/Sears-Kmart-to-remove-products-with-polyvinyl-chloride-Retailer-promises-to-substitute-safer-alternatives-when-possible.aspxPVC, and PVC is the only plastic that uses phthalates as a softener, said Michael Schade, PVC campaign coordinator for the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, which has been pressing Sears and other companies to replace the substance."We're either at or approaching a tipping point for the use of PVC in packaging and products at major retailing chains in the U.S.," said Richard Liroff, executive director at the Investor Environmental Health Network. The nonprofit network is a...http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3976/Sears-Kmart-vow-to-cut-PVC-from-packaging-merchandise.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedWed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3976/Sears-Kmart-vow-to-cut-PVC-from-packaging-merchandise.aspx...with PVC, and PVC is the only plastic that uses phthalates as a softener, said Michael Schade, PVC campaign coordinator for the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, which has been pressing Sears other companies to replace the substance. "We're either at or approaching a tipping point for the use of PVC in packaging and products at major retailing chains in the U.S.," said Richard Liroff, executive director at the Investor Environmental Health Network. The non-profit network is a...http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3854/Hazardous-or-Not-Vinyl-Shares-Lead-s-Taint.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedTue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3854/Hazardous-or-Not-Vinyl-Shares-Lead-s-Taint.aspxHe said many toys made with PVC are free of phthalates and lead. Apple came into the PVC crosshairs in October when Greenpeace said it found phthalates in the soft plastic that coats headphone wires for the iPhone. Kristin Huguet, an Apple spokeswoman, said the company started phasing out PVCs 12 years ago and will be PVC-free by the end of next year. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3859/Retailers-offer-customization-options-for-once-impersonal-gift-cards.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedTue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3859/Retailers-offer-customization-options-for-once-impersonal-gift-cards.aspxThat's good for everyone."As further enticement, some companies are offering a little something extra for the gift-card giver this year. If the card has an expiration or fee commencement date, it is especially important to spend it promptly. Even if the card says that replacements are not provided, contact the company anyway if it is lost or stolen. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3829/Tyson-sees-future-in-renewable-fuels.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedSun, 02 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3829/Tyson-sees-future-in-renewable-fuels.aspxThe Teijin deal injected more capital into NatureWorks’ existing plant in Nebraska, which has produced starch-based polymers for use in plastics since 2003. Applications that would benefit from biodegradable plastics include single-use plant pots and plastic used in vegetable agriculture. But it takes a certain amount of energy to turn it into a polymer. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3830/Bag-makers-defend-plastic-In-fighting-bans-they-re-emphasizing-recycling-as-helping-to-solve-several-problems.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedSun, 02 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3830/Bag-makers-defend-plastic-In-fighting-bans-they-re-emphasizing-recycling-as-helping-to-solve-several-problems.aspx...plastic bags, and consumers could end up paying the bill.A conventional plastic bag costs about 2 cents to make, compared with 5 to 6 cents for a recycled paper sack and 6 cents or more for a bag made of compostable plastic, said Donna Dempsey, managing director of the Progressive Bag Alliance, a plastic bag industry lobbying group run out of Houston.Models for the nation?The plastic bag industry hopes that recycling programs, if passed in some major cities, could...http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3837/COVER-STORY-From-byproducts-to-bioproducts.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedSun, 02 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3837/COVER-STORY-From-byproducts-to-bioproducts.aspxApplications that would benefit from biodegradable plastics include single-use plant pots and plastic used in vegetable agriculture. The plant will use sugars derived from corn to produce Bio-PDO, an ingredient in a polymer called DuPont Sorona, which is used in clothing, carpeting and plastics. But it takes a certain amount of energy to turn it into a polymer. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3838/City-may-order-Styrofoam-to-go-RICHMOND-Material-is-cheap-for-businesses-and-easy-on-the-hands-but-not-healthy-for-the-environment.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedSun, 02 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3838/City-may-order-Styrofoam-to-go-RICHMOND-Material-is-cheap-for-businesses-and-easy-on-the-hands-but-not-healthy-for-the-environment.aspxBut other concerns, including the effect on marine life and people's health, have surfaced.Oakland's polystyrene ban took effect in January. No fines have been levied.In San Francisco, many businesses are giving up polystyrene for other materials, said Jack Macy, commercial recycling coordinator. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3833/Plastic-bag-industry-fights-back-against-critics.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedSat, 01 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3833/Plastic-bag-industry-fights-back-against-critics.aspxBRETT CLANTON The plastic bag industry is fighting back. Some cities, including Austin, that once considered plastic bag bans, like one approved by San Francisco this spring, have begun leaning toward a different option, heavily favored by plastic bag makers: recycling. Cofer has participated in meetings with city officials, environmental groups and the plastic bag industry since Austin's city council passed a resolution in April calling for a reduction in plastic bags. http://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3814/A-neat-gift-card-trick-Site-tracks-balances.aspx?utm_source=rssfeed&utm_medium=rssfeed&utm_campaign=rssfeedSat, 01 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.myplasticsindustry.com/NST-4-3814/A-neat-gift-card-trick-Site-tracks-balances.aspxSo he removed many of the gift cards and, before long, lost most of them. The two came up with the idea to enable users to purchase and register their gift cards, track their balances, swap cards of equal value and even earn interest. If a card is misplaced, a backup mechanism can retrieve lost card numbers.