A state-of-the-art facility specializing in the recycling of flexible film, a widely used material encompassing pallet wrap, shrink wrap, single-use shopping bags, and select food packaging, has officially commenced operations in Rogers, Minnesota. Myplas USA, a South Africa-based plastics recycler, inaugurated its mechanical recycling and pelletizing plant near Minneapolis, marking a significant achievement in the collaborative efforts of leading global businesses to drive a regional circular economy for flexible films and packaging materials in the Upper Midwest.
Myplas USA CEO, Andrew Pieterse, expressed enthusiasm about the U.S. headquarters' opening and the establishment of their first U.S. recycling facility. At full capacity, the facility is poised to recycle nearly 90 million pounds of plastic waste annually, equivalent to encircling the globe in pallet wrap more than 135 times, and is expected to provide employment for nearly 200 individuals.
This groundbreaking circular economy initiative, spearheaded by the GREATER MSP Partnership’s MBOLD coalition, underscores the power of collaboration across the value chain to foster innovation, reduce waste, and diminish the use of virgin plastic. The Myplas facility was made possible through a joint $13 million equity investment from lead investors General Mills, Schwan’s Company, and Midwest-based film manufacturer Charter Next Generation, along with supporting investors Target and Ecolab. Additional financial support was provided by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), Closed Loop Partners, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Dimitrios Smyrnios, CEO of Schwan’s Company and MBOLD’s chair, emphasized the importance of reducing the environmental impact of packaging, and the investment in Myplas as a catalyst for positive change in the industry. The facility is positioned to tackle the challenge of flexible film waste, a substantial but often overlooked part of the plastic value chain. JoAnne Berkenkamp, managing director of MBOLD, highlighted Myplas' role in providing regionally appropriate recycling solutions and driving innovation in incorporating recycled resin into new film products.
Nicholas Kolesch, vice president of projects at AEPW, acknowledged the effective cross-sector collaboration demonstrated by the MBOLD partnership, emphasizing the substantial opportunities for resource and value recovery in the plastic value chain. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz welcomed the Myplas facility to Rogers, emphasizing its positive impact on the local community, region, and the state's commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions.
