This letter is in response to the Perspective [``New level awaits HDPE recycling,'' Page 6] and article [``HDPE suppliers not keen to join, but that's not stopping NAPCOR,'' Page 3] in the Aug. 7 issue. Research by myself and others (Decision Resources of Waltham, Mass.) shows that the chemicals obtained from cracking, or the energy obtained from oxidation of high density polyethylene, will be of far more value than the recycled resin.
Siting of chemical and energy conversion facilities is already taking place in Europe and will soon begin in North America. These facilities also offer the advantage of being able to convert commingled plastics wastes.
In contrast, similar research has shown that the value of recycled PET resin is greater than the worth of energy, or of chemicals that can be obtained from cracking or oxidative degradation of PET bottles.
HDPE recycling is at best a stopgap until chemical coversion facilities are in place.
Jeffrey R. Ellis
Newtown, Pa.
Big-salaried bosses vs. poorly paid peons
I read with interest your issue regarding the salaries of the top-ranking chief executive officers [July 24, Page 1].
It might also be of interest to learn how these companies compensate within their workplaces with salaries and bene-fits.
If, in fact, the success of a company is due in large part to the employees, are they faring proportionately as well as their very amply compensated bosses?
Margaret F. Sullivan
Polymer Color Inc.
McHenry, Ill.
