Kathy Xuan, founder and president of Romeoville, Ill.-based plastics recycler Parc (USA) Corp., recently was honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the Illinois Small Business Exporter of the Year.

“Noted for its diverse customer network, tutelage in recycling methods, leadership in both market research and strategic planning, Kathy has guided her company to new heights in the industry,” SBA said in a release. “By the first half of 2011, Parc increased its export volume to $17.5 million, which included $15 million of exports to China, $1.5 million to Latin America and $1million to Canada.”

Parc is adding new technology for compounding recycled materials at its Qingdao, China, site and developing more applications in areas like construction, packaging and automotive. It also is emphasizing closed-loop recycling projects.

Asia, especially China, is the firm’s main export market but it also ships to Central and South America, and is working to develop its European market as well, Xuan said.