Myplas Launches New Recycling Facility for Flexible Film

Myplas USA, the US subsidiary of the South African company Myplas, has inaugurated a cutting-edge facility in Rogers, Minnesota, dedicated to the recycling of flexible film. This facility represents a significant stride in sustainable practices, focusing on widely used materials such as pallet wrap, shrink wrap, single-use shopping bags, and specific types of food packaging. Spanning an impressive 170,000 square feet, this marks Myplas' maiden venture into the United States.

Upon reaching its full operational capacity, the facility is poised to recycle nearly 90 million pounds of end-of-life plastic annually and is expected to provide employment for nearly 200 individuals. Myplas envisions this mechanical recycling and pelletizing plant as a pivotal component of a collaborative effort involving prominent global businesses. Together, they aim to stimulate the establishment of a regional circular economy in the Upper Midwest, specifically targeting flexible film and packaging materials. Andrew Pieterse, CEO of Myplas USA, expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “This is a very exciting day for Myplas as we open our U.S. headquarters and our first U.S. recycling facility in Minnesota. It’s been a remarkable journey to help bring this vision to life, and we are proud to bring our expertise to this groundbreaking initiative.”

The initiative itself was spearheaded by the MBOLD coalition, an endeavor of the Greater MSP Partnership comprising Minnesota-based food and agriculture business leaders and innovators. MBOLD seeks collaboration across the value chain to foster innovation, reduce waste, and diminish the reliance on virgin plastic. The financing for this innovative facility amounted to a joint $13 million equity investment, with key contributions from lead investors General Mills, Schwan’s Co., and Charter Next Generation, a film manufacturer based in the Midwest. Additional support came from Target and Ecolab, acting as supporting investors. Notably, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), Closed Loop Partners, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development also provided crucial financial backing for the facility's development.

Nicholas Kolesch, Vice President of Projects at AEPW, underscores the significance of managing film and flexible plastic waste. He notes that this aspect presents a substantial opportunity for resource and value recovery within the plastic value chain. Myplas assumes a central role in the MBOLD partnership, showcasing effective cross-sector collaboration. This collaboration spans the collection of commercial and retail film waste, processing at converters, and, ultimately, providing a pathway for brands to incorporate Myplas recycled plastics into their products. The commitment and investment from various entities underscore the shared vision of creating a sustainable and circular economy for flexible film in the region.