A revamped approach to recycling is taking root in Buckeye, Arizona, where Blue Polymers, LLC, in partnership with Republic Services and the support of local government, have initiated the construction of a new recycled plastics production facility. Planned to open its doors in the latter half of 2025, this 162,000-square-foot site is geared up to bolster the Western United States with its specialized recycled polyethylene and polypropylene offerings. In a recent announcement by the City of Buckeye, over 60 highly skilled permanent positions are expected to be created, injecting vigor into the local economy.
As the demand for sustainable packaging persists, the facility aims to process materials sourced from Republic’s Las Vegas Polymer Center. This initiative emerges as part of a broader strategy to develop a network of Polymer Centers producing high-grade, color-sorted recycled plastics directly from nationwide curbside collection operations. "Blue Polymers was created to meet the need for high-quality recycled plastics for use in consumer packaging and other applications," said Tim Oudman, senior vice president of sustainability innovation at Republic Services and a member of the Blue Polymers board, in a statement obtained by the City of Buckeye.
Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn lauded the groundbreaking ceremony, underscoring the project's alignment with the city’s quest for sustainable growth and quality job creation. With a keen eye towards innovative strategies for utilizing recycled plastics, Orsborn reaffirmed the city's commitment to maintaining Buckeye as a vibrant, sustainable community.
Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, echoed the positive sentiment by expressing excitement over the establishment of Blue Polymers' Buckeye plant. Through the addition of such facilities, Arizona cements its reputation as a frontrunner in sustainable technologies, while fostering job opportunities for its residents. This development arrives amid a climb in demand for domestic, top-tier recycled plastics, fueled by corporate sustainability pledges and legislative measures imposed by five states, mandating minimum recycled content for single-use packaging.
With an ambition to propel package-to-package circularity, Blue Polymers envisions an annual output excess of 300 million pounds of recycled resins. The Buckeye location is one among four regional facilities that outline Blue Polymers' expansive network, which includes a previously revealed site in Indianapolis, infiltrating and reshaping the sustainability landscape of the packaging industry.
