Recycling has become not just a catchword but also a true answer to saving the earth — everything from the rainforest to our natural resources can be preserved with some conscientious recycling.
The plastics industry has come under the gun by everyone who waves the flag of biodegradability. But recycling is a critical element to the industry and many have been conscious and conscientious about these concerns.
Any kind of plastic can be recycled. There are many companies and industries that welcome the chance to utilize these plastics, from scrap and regrind to reprocessed and reactor scrap. Worldwide, even contaminated plastics and product made from multiple different plastics or wet materials are seeing new life.
Polyurethane products are likely to see an increase in demand because of their availability in environmentally friendly mediums. Plus, PU is durable, highly functional and resistant to ultraviolet light.
Experimentation for recycling methodology is at a high. The Swiss are experimenting with recycling heavy metals by the method of fractionated condensation. Landfill bans have stimulated composting programs in Nova Scotia. Throughout Canada, recycling is part of the national mindset.
Here in the states, many companies comply with the moral mandate to think toward the future. As early as the 1800s, NVF found that recycling made economic sense. NVF Forbon begins its life as scrap cuttings from the garment industry destined for landfill. The very life of a pair of blue jeans that begins as 100 percent cotton rag paper is reinvented via vulcanization.
There are dozens, even hundreds of companies throughout America that hear the call to recycle. The White House conference on recycling gave goals, hints and education for recycling to become a way of life. Statistics show that recycling diverted 57 million tons of material away from landfills and incinerators in 1996, up from 34 million in 1990.
Doomsayer, take heart! People, businesses, companies and entire industries — including the plastics industry — are listening. Industries are realizing that they are getting bad press if they don´t recycle. They are getting fined, as well.
The result will only be for the better for everyone. It´s not an American concern, it´s a global concern.
Brenda Nestor
NVF Co.
Yorklyn, Del.
