NPE2024 successfully repurposes 100 percent of materials collected during the event
PLASTICS sets a new benchmark for sustainability by repurposing over 516,000 pounds of plastics and other materials
NPE2024: The Plastics Show has released final recycling data from the recycling efforts carried out at the trade show. In partnership with Commercial Plastics Recycling, Inc., Conair, and WEIMA, NPE successfully repurposed 100 percent of the materials collected during the event. This effort resulted in the recycling of 516,160 pounds of plastics, cardboard, and aluminum.
Additional NPE key recycling data includes:
- 118,565 pounds of plastic were recycled this year—representing a 29% increase compared to NPE2018.
- 105 exhibitors participated in the recycling program at NPE2024—a 12.9% increase from NPE2018.
- NPE2024 marked the first time the show recycled both film and attendee badges.
- 11,713 pounds of HD/LDPE film were collected and recycled offsite.
"Attaining our recycling goals at NPE2024 is an incredible achievement for PLASTICS and the industry at large," said Patrick Krieger, PLASTICS' vice president of sustainability. "This wouldn't have been possible without the support of our exhibitors and recycling partners. We want to thank everyone who participated in helping us ensure no plastic material was wasted and establish a new standard for future plastic trade shows."
From waste to art
In addition, 3,700 pounds of difficult-to-recycle plastic from NPE2024 were donated to Helpertunity, a non-profit that empowers elderly and disabled individuals. The organization repurposed the plastic scrap for senior citizens' art projects in local Orlando, FL, nursing homes.
These art pieces were crafted from a variety of resins and mixed unrecyclable plastics, including water bottles, food waste, used coffee cups, and cardboard. Some of the scrap materials were also used to create decorative lamps.
