PHX Reporter

Leaders from Republic Services, Inc. and Blue Polymers, LLC have marked the opening of North America's first Polymer Center and Blue Polymers plastics recycling complex in Indianapolis. This development is expected to transform plastics circularity from curbside collection to consumer packaging.

"The opening of the first Polymer Center-Blue Polymers complex is a significant milestone in advancing circularity for plastic packaging in Indiana and across the region," stated Jon Vander Ark, Republic Services president and CEO. "As a leader in environmental services, Republic Services is uniquely positioned to help meet customers' demands for sustainable packaging and support Indianapolis' vision to create a more resilient future."

The facilities are designed to produce over 175 million pounds annually of recycled plastics for food-grade packaging and other uses. The Polymer Center processes recycled plastics collected from homes and businesses, including PET, HDPE, and polypropylene. PET will be turned into rPET flake for new beverage bottles. HDPE and polypropylene will be sorted by color and type before being sent to Blue Polymers for further processing.

Previously, recycled plastic bottles were often downcycled into materials like carpet or clothing with limited recycling options. The new facilities aim to extend the lifecycle of plastic packaging significantly. Republic Services estimates that most PET bottles can be recycled into new bottles six to seven times.

Republic Services and Blue Polymers are expanding their network of recycling facilities nationwide. A similar center opened in Las Vegas in late 2023, with another planned in Buckeye, Arizona later this year. Additionally, a new complex is being developed in the Northeastern U.S.

The Indianapolis site spans two buildings totaling approximately 300,000 square feet and is expected to create about 125 permanent local jobs.

Support for the project came through grants from various Indiana state departments and tax credits from local government bodies aimed at encouraging investment in smart manufacturing.

About Republic Services: The company provides a wide range of environmental services including recycling and waste management. More information can be found at RepublicServices.com.

About Blue Polymers: This joint venture focuses on transforming plastics circularity to support sustainable packaging solutions. Learn more at BluePolymers.com.

The press release includes forward-looking statements covered by safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations but are not guarantees of future performance.