Novolex expands Indiana recycling facility

Novolex, headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina, says it is investing $10 million to expand capacity at its recycling facility in North Vernon, Indiana. The expansion will allow the company to recycle more plastic bags and other polyethylene (PE) film, enabling the production of up to 28 million pounds of recycled content per year.

Novolex, a manufacturer of packaging products for the food service, delivery and carryout, food processing and industrial markets, operates a second recycling facility in Shawano, Wisconsin.

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“Our added recycling capacity in Indiana reflects the Novolex commitment to support the circular economy,” says Stan Bikulege, Novolex chairman and CEO, in a news release about the announcement. “The technology will reduce waste and provide much-needed recycled content that we will be able to use in our products. The expansion will create jobs for the community and enable us to develop innovative packaging solutions for our customers—a win for everyone.” 

Novolex says its expanded operations will start to come online in the fourth quarter this year and reach full capacity by the end of 2023 as new equipment is installed in phases. When fully operational, the project is expected to provide 14 additional jobs for the community and to use up to 40 million pounds of PE scrap.   

The expansion will include the installation of equipment chosen that can identify and sort a wide range of incoming materials, such as plastic bags, pallet wrap, agricultural film and more, providing flexibility in the range of potential incoming feedstocks, Novolex says.

Novolex employs more than 10,000 employees and operates 57 manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe, including its recycling centers.

In early 2022, the Apollo Funds affiliate of New York-based Apollo Global Management Inc. bought a majority stake in Novolex from Carlyle, a Washington-based fund that acquired its stake in Novolex in 2016. Carlyle has retained a minority stake in Novolex.

Novolex brands include Hilex, Duro, Bagcraft, De Luxe, Polar Pak, Shields, Waddington, Burrows, Eco-Products and Heritage Bag.