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RECYCLING June 2005
ADVOCATES
Involving people in creating a sustainable future through local efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle
A Prolonged PET Bottle Shortage Calling All Citizen Leaders
Recovery drops, demand rises in Recycling!
According to a recent article in Waste News, the shortage of material recovered from RA Board elections in July
PET bottles continues. PET, short for polyethylene terephthalate, is a commonly Now is your opportunity as a member to
recycled plastic used to bottle soda, juice, water and other household products. The take part in developing the leadership of
demand for the material is outpacing supply and is driven by carpet makers, beverage Oregon’s leading citizen advocacy
companies, other manufacturers and overseas buyers. group for recycling and waste preven-
PET commands a premium on the scrap materials market, about 25 cents per pound, tion.
according to the article. Still, recovery remains low. Please take a moment to consider
The recovery rate for PET bottles has been dropping for several years. The article individuals you know who have leader-
notes that the US recovered 39.7% of PET bottles in 1995. In 2003 the recovery rate ship qualities or potential and who may
was a mere 19.6%. According to Phil Cavin, the national procurement director for have an interest in serving RA members
Mohawk Industries, there would be plenty of bottles to satisfy demand, but they are not and all Oregonians as an RA board
being collected. member. The Board election will take
The Waste News article notes that U.S. recyclers produced 667 million pounds of place at the annual member meeting on
clean flake from recovered post-consumer PET bottles in 2003. Processors exported July 20 (location and time to be an-
255 million pounds of that. US manufacturers used 552 million pounds of recovered nounced).
PET in a variety of manufactured products. The current situation
The piece cites Pat Franklin of the Container Recycling Institute in Arlington, VA. The board seeks to add up to two board
According to Franklin, bottle bills that include deposits on PET bottles are effective in members to the current group of
recovering PET bottles. She adds that non-bottle bill states have lower PET recovery directors.
rates. The current Board consists of Rob
Source: Plastics News, accessed at http://plasticsnews.com/subscriber/ Guttridge (President), Wayne Rifer
printer.html?id=1114634068 on May 22, 2005. (Secretary), Rick Paul (Treasurer), Lori
Stole (Vice-President), Rhett Lawrence
and Betty Patton (at-large).
Aseptic Container Recycling Update
Alcoa announces new plasma technology while ZERI works on fermentation Rob and Wayne, whose terms are up,
process. are both stepping down from their
current positions but running for re-
Alcoa announced last month that its Brazilian affiliate, Alcoa Aluminio, has joined
election as at-large board members. This
Tetra Pak, Klabin and TSL Ambiental to inaugurate its complete aseptic carton
leaves the positions of President and
packaging recycling facility located in Piracicaba, Brazil. Aseptic containers are those
Secretary open.
box-like containers that are often used for soup, soy or rice milk. The plant uses a
plasma technology, which enables the total separation of aluminum and plastic Lori, Rick, Rhett, and Betty are finish-
components from the cartons. This process constitutes, according to the company, a ing the first year of two-year terms.
significant enhancement to the current recycling process for carton packaging, which Betty has agreed to step up and run for
up until now, separated paper, but kept plastic and aluminum together. The plasma President of RA.
process provides another option for recycling, allowing for the return of all three Rhett has offered to run for Secretary.
components of the package to the productive chain as raw material.
Nomination guidelines
Alcoa, which supplies thin-gauge aluminum foil to Tetra Pak for aseptic packaging,
Nomination forms are available online
uses the recycled aluminum to manufacture new foils.
at www.recyclingadvocates.org (after
The new plasma facility has the capacity to process 8 thousand tons per year of plastic June 10) or on request by calling RA at
and aluminum, corresponding to recycling approximately 32 thousand tons of aseptic (503) 777-0909.
packaging. According to Alcoa, the emission of pollutants during the recovery of the
Nominees do not have to be members of
materials is minimal, as the process takes place in the absence of oxygen, without
RA, but they will need to agree to
combustion, yielding an energy efficiency rate close to 90%.
- Continued on page 2, column 1 - Continued on page 3, column 1
2 RECYCLING ADVOCATES NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2005
Alcoa, continued papers, cardboards for packaging, Getting to the Bottom of
“This project synthesizes the best that corrugated cardboard boxes, industrial the Long Running Diaper
sustainability can offer, in the form of bags and timber. Additional information
is available at www.klabin.com.br. Dispute
partnering, technological innovation,
British study addresses the
environmental enhancement and social Tetra Pak is an organization that disposable vs. cloth diaper issue
development. Alcoa is proud to partici- operates in over 165 countries, produc-
pate in the roll-out of this pioneering ing integrated systems for processing, Most parents of babies and toddlers use
technology,” stated Franklin Feder, bottling, distribution and cardboard disposable diapers. Some opt for cloth
president of Alcoa Latin America. packaging for food such as milk and diapers that they wash at home or which
“Brazil already possesses an exemplary dairy products, juices, coconut water, are laundered by a commercial diaper
record of recycling aluminum and, teas, tomato by-products, creams, service. In some new parent circles and
consequently, the country now has the sauces and others. The company started on the Internet a bitter moral battle
potential to become a global paradigm in Brazil in 1957. It has 53 packaging rages on about which is better for
as well in the recovery and reuse of plants around the world and 16 packag- children and the environment.
aseptic carton packages,” Feder said. ing machinery plants. In 2004, over 60 Britain’s Environment Agency spon-
How Plasma Technology Works billion liters of products were bottled sored a study to compare the environ-
around the world in Tetra Pak packaging mental impacts of both kinds of diapers.
The application of plasma technology
and 110 billion packaging units were For some, the question of disposable or
for the recycling of aseptic carton
delivered. For additional information go cloth is now settled. The study con-
packaging employs electrical energy to
to www.tetrapak.com.br. cluded that the diapers have roughly an
produce a jet of plasma at 15 thousand
TSL Engenharia Ambiental is an equal impact on the environment. While
degrees Celsius to heat the plastic and
engineering company that focuses on disposable diapers are only used once
aluminum mixture. With this process,
sustainable and development activities. and fill up landfill space, the study notes
plastic is transformed into paraffin and
The company, headquartered in Sao that cloth diapers expend energy to
the aluminum is recovered in the form
Paulo, has an international presence. For transport, wash, and dry. All types of
of high-purity ingot. Alcoa will then use
additional information, visit diapers use up resources in their
the recycled aluminum to manufacture
www.tslambiental.com.br. manufacture.
new foil. Paraffin is sold to the Brazilian
petrochemical industry. The paper, ZERI: A better way? The survey of 2000 families suggests
extracted during the first phase of the that both parents and manufacturers can
Alcoa’s process is obviously energy
recycling process is transformed into do more to reduce the ecological impact
intensive. The company’s press release
cardboard by Klabin. TSL Ambiental, of diapers. For example, those who use
generated some responses on the list
responsible for the technology develop- cloth diapers could wash them at a
serve of the Container Recycling
ment of thermal plasma, is responsible lower temperature and in bigger loads.
Institute, including from Gary Liss.
for operating this new facility. According to Liss, a solid waste Is the question settled? Hardly. Accord-
About the partnering companies consultant, scientists working with ing to the Times of London, the
ZERI, Zero Emissions Research & Women’s Environmental Network
Klabin is the biggest paper manufacturer
Initiatives, have developed a bio- condemned the study, while representa-
and exporter in Brazil. The company
chemical process that can separate the tives of the disposable diaper manufac-
was founded 106 years ago, and has 18
materials in aseptic containers through turers expressed satisfaction.
plants (17 in Brazil and 1 in Argentina)
and it is the leader in the production of fermentation. The process, catalyzed by For more on the story, go to
enzymes, produces the separation and www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-
does not require the high temperature 1618300,00.html. Britain’s Environment
used in Alcoa’s plasma technology. Agency’s press release is available at
RECYCLING ADVOCATES According to Liss, the process occurs in www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/
PO Box 6736 two steps at between 32 and 38 degrees 1072187?version=1%26lang=_e.
Portland, OR 97228-6736 Fahrenheit and around 80 degrees
(503) 777-0909
To sidestep the diaper issue all together,
Fahrenheit. The separation process is in check out diaperless child rearing at
info@recyclingadvocates.org
testing in Bogota, Colombia and www.grist.org/advice/ask/2004/02/12/
www.recyclingadvocates.org
Curitiba, Brazil. umbra-diaperless/
Rob Guttridge, President Source: Alcoa press release from May index.html?source=daily.
Lori Stole, Vice President 13, 2005 and Container Recycling
Wayne Rifer, Secretary Institute BBAN list serve discussion
from May 23, 2005.
Rick Paul, Treasurer
Betty Patton, At Large
Rhett Lawrence, At Large
Jeffrey White, Newsletter Editor
RECYCLING ADVOCATES NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2005 3
RA Board, continued Bring Earth Share into Your Workplace
become members in order to be consid- …and help protect the environment
ered for election. Oregonians care. They care about forests and fish, about clean water and air, about
Please speak with your potential taking care of their communities. Every year, more working people in Oregon have
nominees about your intentions to chosen to show this commitment by donating to Earth Share of Oregon’s 68 local and
nominate them to the RA board. national member groups through workplace giving campaigns.
When making a nomination, please note Here’s how it happens: Earth Share works with employers to offer a payroll deduction
that the board seeks individuals with program through which employees can either donate to Earth Share of Oregon (ESOR)
leadership skills, a passion for our as a whole or to designate a gift for one or more ESOR members.
issues, and the ability to serve. In campaigns at 80+ businesses and public agencies, ESOR annually generates almost
Self-nominations are welcome. $700,000 to support environmental nonprofits that work to protect human health,
The nomination committee will deter- preserve wildlife habitat and reduce the causes and effects of global warming.
mine the slate for election based on Recycling Advocates is a member of ESOR and it receives a steady source of income
nominations received. from Earth Share, as well as designated gifts from donors that support RA’s mission.
Nomination deadline: June 25, 2005. ESOR’s campaign also offers a great opportunity for RA to reach out to new audiences
and potential supporters.
Send nominations to: PO Box 6736,
Portland, OR 97228 or Is there an Earth Share campaign where you work?
info@recyclingadvocates.org. First, find out if your workplace allows employees to donate to Earth Share of Oregon.
Thank you for taking time to participate If you aren’t sure, check the list of Earth Share’s Workplace Partners at
in this year’s nomination process. www.earthshare-oregon.org.
Next, if you don’t have an Earth Share campaign, ask your company president or other
top leaders if they would consider starting one. Ron Shoals, Earth Share of Oregon’s
RA Film Screening and business development manager, can help you approach your company’s leaders and
Panel Presentation in the provide materials for them to review. If you are an owner or leader in your company, it
Works makes adding an Earth Share campaign that much easier!
Focus on local recycling and where To learn more about bringing Earth Share to your workplace, call Ron at (503)223-
materials go 9015 or e-mail him at ron@earthshare-oregon.org.
Recycling Advocates is planning
another film screening for this July that Junk Mail Update
will feature the short documentary on Opt out online
recycling called Point of Return. The Equifax, Experian, Innovis and TransUnion, the four major consumer credit reporting
film was produced recently by the companies, now offer a new Web site that lets individuals opt out of receiving those
Northern California Recycling Associa- unwanted credit card offers. If you have yet to permanently remove yourself from the
tion. The evening will also include a credit card marketing database, go to www.optoutprescreen.com and complete the
panel presentation from a variety of process. The service was formerly available only by calling toll-free (888) 567-8688.
recycling stakeholders.
This event will provide basic informa-
tion on how commingled recyclables are RECYCLING ADVOCATES
processed, where they go as commodi- Membership Application
ties and delve into our members’
questions about recycling in the Port- $25 Advocate $50 Friend $100 Sustainer $10-24 Living Lightly
land Metro area. Pencil in the date of I’m giving a gift membership to the recipient below.*
July 20 and watch for more details in Contact me about volunteering for RA Don’t sign me up for Action Alerts
the July newsletter and other announce- Please enclose a check and mail to: PO Box 6736, Portland, OR 97228-6736
ments.
Name _______________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________
Recycling Advocates is Phone Day _______________ Evening ____________________________
proud to be...
E-mail ____________________________ Send my newsletter by e-mail
*Your name, if this is a gift membership: ____________________________
¡
Your membership contribution to RA is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Inform a Dad...Try giving an RA membership for Father’s Day!
RECYCLING ADVOCATES NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2005 4
Upcoming Events and Redmond,Oregon this year. Annual AOR Recycling Conference,
Education Conference on Thursday, Friday June 24 through June 25
Workshops
June 23 The keynote speaker for the Recycling
ReBuilding Center Grand The Education Conference includes Conference will be David Sarasohn of
ReOpening several breakout sessions and special the Oregonian. Bill Lunch of OPB and
Date: June 4, 2005. workshops for all participants. The OSU will give a local and national
Time 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. session and workshop titles include: legislative overview. The event features
Location: 3625 North Mississippi (at breakout sessions and an electronics
• Compost Facility 101
North Fremont). recycling workshop. There will be the
The ReBuilding Center is now the • A New Brand of Business Recy- trade show, Junk Art Challenge and
biggest center for reusable building cling annual awards banquet as in past years.
materials in the country. Come cel- • Commingling Outreach Strategies: For more information, go to
ebrate its seventh year with live music, www.aorr.org or call (503) 233-3056.
Messages that Make it at the Curb
a raffle, recycled art show, munchies,
and a huge sale. See how over 28,500 • Creative Communication for Recycling Advocates Board
sq. ft. were built with donated, used Specialized Recycling Programs Meeting
building materials. For more informa- • Developing Your Own Creative Date: June 27, 2005.
tion, go to www.rebuildingcenter.org or Time: 7:30 p.m.
Outreach Materials and Getting the
call (503) 331-1877. For location and information.
Results You Want
Association of Oregon Recyclers • School Recycling Roundtable
Conference
“Recycle — Brand Oregon” this month
• Green Schools Coordinator
Training
in Redmond
The event ends with a “Recycle Chat &
AOR’s Education and Recycling
Chew Reception.”
Conferences are being held back-to-
back at Eagle Crest Resort in
Copied on 100% post-consumer content recycled paper.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Portland, OR 97228-6736
PO Box 6736
RECYCLING ADVOCATES
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