FLINT, Michigan — In 2021, the United States generated 40 million tons of plastic waste, but only 5% - or two million tons - was recycled. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy estimate the state has reached a 19.3% recycling rate, an increase of 35% from prior to 2019.
The City of Flint has partnered with ACI Plastics to increase recycling locally and invest in a new facility, bringing several new job opportunities.
Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley, Genesee County state legislators, Michigan Department of EGLE, and business leaders unveiled a new $10 million recycling facility developed by ACI plastics in Flint.
In a recent news release, ACI Plastics announced it will create 25-30 new jobs to operate the plant with wages from $15-$20 per hour. The company is looking to hire new employees beginning in May 2023 and is committed to prioritizing applications from Flint residents.
"We are proud to welcome ACI Plastics’ new facility and congratulate their entire team on this milestone achievement," said Mayor Neeley. "I am very excited about these opportunities brought by ACI Plastics, and I want to thank them for their continued investment in our great city."
The Michigan Department of EGLE announced earlier this year a $300,000 grant was afforded to ACI Plastics for funding infrastructure as part of a $7 million statewide investment.
EGLE's financial supportive strategy is to improve the quality of recyclable materials, support infrastructure, and promote market development using the Renew Michigan Fund, a state legislature created in 2019. The Flint location was chosen for the project over a competing site in Ohio.
A recent press release from Neeley’s office states the company’s new state-of-the-art processing and cleaning technology will make ACI Plastics the largest processor of post-consumer recycled plastic film in Michigan.
The firm is partnering with Luxembourg-based Ravago – the world’s largest distributor of plastic resins serving more than 55 countries across the globe – to ship its recycled plastic pellets to business customers throughout the United States. The plastic film, such as shrink wrap and bags used in product packaging, comes from companies such as Meijer, Amazon, and Walmart.
The recycled pellets from ACI Plastics will be shipped and turned into new products by Michigan-based consumer goods and automotive companies, including Petoskey Plastics and Grand Rapids-based manufacturer Cascade Cart Solutions which makes plastic recycling carts and bins.
ACI Plastics is part of a growing segment of the Genesee County economy that is largely centered on recycling, noted Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance Executive Director Tyler Rossmaessler.
"Flint and Genesee County is a community of makers and doers – where manufacturing muscle, a culture of innovation, and strength of character intersect to create real, rare opportunity," said Rossmaessler. "ACI Plastics exemplifies our city’s hands-on work ethic and can-do spirit."
ACI Plastics' first location was founded in 1987 on 2945 Davison Road. The new facility is located at 2000 Bagwell St. between Lapeer Street and Lippincott Boulevard. The new facility is expected to double the processing of the 24 million pounds of local post-consumer plastic each year.
For more information about ACI Plastics, visit: aciplastics.com
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