Page 67 from: Recycling International November/December issue 2024
TRENDS & UPDATES
67recyclinginternational.com | November/December | 2024
PLASTICS MAJOR LAUNCHES RECYCLING TRAINING
CENTRE
Global plastics recycler and producer Alpla has invested EUR 15 million
in a learning and development hub in Iowa City, USA.
The facility will combine trainee programmes, technical training and profes-
sional development under one roof. Construction is underway with comple-
tion expected by mid 2025.
The hub marks the introduction of Alpla’s dual traineeship model ‘to blend
hands-on practical training with theoretical education’, to support a new
generation of skilled workers.
‘Innovative and well-trained specialists are the backbone of our success,’
says Alpla’s regional md for North America, Tasos Pourloukakis. ‘This initia-
tive provides young talent in the region with excellent opportunities and
supports the ongoing development of our existing staff.’
The programme was launched this year with 12 trainees starting a three-
year mechatronics training programme. A plastics technology traineeship is
set to follow in 2026. Alpla is working closely with local colleges to deliver
the training.
The Iowa City hub is the first of its kind in the US, underlining Alpla’s com-
mitment ‘to fostering local talent while supporting global best practices’.
The plastics recycler has implemented similar traineeship programmes in
China, Mexico, India, Poland and South Africa.
With 23 000 employees across 196 locations in 47 countries, Alpla produc-
es plastic packaging and operates recycling facilities worldwide.
‘NEW PROCESS’ FOR RECYCLING COPPER FROM NUCLEAR PLANTS
cut and packaged into drums for safe treatment using high tem-
perature incineration. The resultant exposed cores were tested for
radioactivity and found to be safe, producing four tonnes of cop-
per for recycling.
Nicola Henshaw, md, hazardous, at Veolia UK says the company’s
expertise helps the nuclear industry significantly reduce its waste
and save valuable materials. ‘As more end-of-life nuclear facilities
are decommissioned, this process represents a new way of captur-
ing valuable resources from this industry.’
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NZ DRIVES FIRST NATIONAL TYRE RECYCLING SCHEME
New Zealand has launched Tyrewise, the country’s first national
tyre recycling scheme.
Tyrewise, a regulated product stewardship scheme, is seen as a
solution to a long-standing issue. A fee to fund the scheme has
been built into the cost of imported tyres that have entered the
market since 1 March.
Businesses including tyre shops can now call on free collection ser-
vices which launched in September. Members of the public can
take up to five used tyres a day to public collection sites around
the country, also at no cost.
The scheme covers all pneumatic and solid tyres for use on cars,
trucks, buses, motorcycles, aircraft, trailers and off-road vehicles.
Tyres for most agricultural machinery are also included. Bicycle tyres,
tyres for non-motorised equipment such as prams, and pre-cured
rubber for retreads will be included in the scheme at a future date.
INCENTIVISE
Tyrewise uses the producer fees to incentivise the conversion of end-
of-life tyres into an intermediary product for the domestic market.
‘New Zealand doesn’t have a great record on recovering and recy-
cling tyres,’ says Adele Rose, of Tyrewise Scheme Managers 3R
Group. ‘Of the 6.5 million which reach the end of their life each
year, only about 40% are being recycled – that will change with
Tyrewise.’
The scheme has a target of 80% of tyres recovered, for recycling or
use in a new product, by its fourth year, and over 90% by its sixth year.
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