Plastics recycler Revolution Sustainable Solutions LLC is adding an operation in Michigan through the acquisition of the state's largest film recycling plant.
Island Plastics LLC of Flint, which just opened in 2022, recycles liner low density polyethylene and low density PE films.
"By integrating Island Plastics' recycling capabilities and high-quality PCR [post-consumer recycled] products, we are poised to enhance our sustainable ecosystem and further contribute to a circular economy," Revolution said in a news release.
Revolution received a letter of no objection from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October 2023 for what the company says is a "proprietary mechanical recycling method" to make clear food-grade LLDPE resin from stretch film from post-consumer plastic. It plans to expand Island Plastics' PCR offerings to include clear food-grade PCR.
"As the largest film recycling plant in Michigan, Island Plastics has been instrumental in advancing plastic recycling technologies while maintaining stringent quality standards. Their expertise aligns seamlessly with Revolution's mission to create and champion sustainable loop solutions that preserve the environment," Revolution said Dec. 12 in announcing the deal.
Island Plastics is the third acquisition for Revolution in 2024. In July it purchased agricultural film company Norflex Inc. of Hudson, Wis., and in January it bought PolyAg Recycling Ltd. of Bashaw, Alberta.
Little Rock, Ark.-based Revolution said adding Island Plastics will allow the company to increase use of recycled content in its products that serve a variety of markets, including agriculture, facilities maintenance and consumer goods.
The company, with the new plant, will now be able to recover and recycle more than 300 million pounds of used plastics each year.
Island Plastics was founded in 2022 by Scott Melton, who is also president of ACI Plastics, a sister plastics recycling company also in Flint. ACI handles a wide variety of used resin, including ABS, polycarbonate, high density polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon.
The opening of Island Plastics was the end result of about 10 years of planning for Melton, he said in early 2023 when company and government officials gathered to unveil the project. The $10 million project, when first opened, had the capacity to process 24 million pounds of film annually. Revolution lists 11 other locations on the company's website.