Plastics

STILL DEPRESSED

The dour economy continues to affect generation and demand for secondary plastics. Generation of post-industrial plastics remains depressed in light of the slowdown in manufacturing; even post-consumer material appears to be declining because of decreased consumer consumption.

The decline in manufacturing translates to softened demand for secondary plastics. "Domestic demand for scrap plastic is so-so, depending on the grade," a Midwest-based recycler says.

Export demand has bounced back somewhat from its decline in the last quarter of 2008, though how long this will remain the case is in question. "Export demand has been strong thus far," the Midwestern recycler says, "but there are signs that it is weakening, especially for bottle-grade material." He says foreign demand for post-industrial material is strong.