On Thursday, Dec. 12, Revolution Sustainable Solutions, a company that provides sustainable materials and recycling solutions, announced the acquisition of Island Plastics, which produces 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) linear low-density and low-density polyethylene (LLDPE/LDPE) film grade resin.
According to Revolution’s press release, the company aims to boost its commitment to sustainable loop solutions and expand its recycling capabilities, particularly in the production of clear food-grade PCR for flexible food packaging and other applications.
“For over six years, Revolution has been dedicated to achieving true circularity in the U.S. stretch film industry,” said Scott Coleman, president and CEO of Revolution. “The acquisitions of Five Points Film in 2021 and Norflex in 2024 provided the company with stretch film manufacturing capabilities. To complete the circular loop, adding mechanical film recycling capabilities was a critical next step. Island Plastics was the perfect fit to fulfill this need,” said.
Island Plastics, based in Flint, MI, operates a state-of-the-art mechanical recycling facility dedicated to producing high-quality LLDPE/LDPE PCR. As the largest film recycling plant in Michigan, Island Plastics has helped forward plastic recycling technologies and maintain stringent quality standards. The press release notes that Island Plastics’ expertise aligns with Revolution’s mission to create and champion sustainable loop solutions that preserve the environment.
In October 2023, Revolution received a Letter of No Objection (“LNO”) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its proprietary mechanical recycling method to produce clear food-grade PCR-LLDPE resin from stretch film. This approval allows the use of up to 100% recycled content in food contact applications across a broad range of food types and conditions.
“The partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to redefine possible for sustainable plastic solutions,” Coleman said. “By integrating Island Plastics’ recycling capabilities and high-quality PCR products, we are poised to enhance our sustainable ecosystem and further contribute to a circular economy. We plan to leverage our recent FDA No Objection Letter to expand Island Plastics’ PCR offerings to include clear food-grade PCR.”
The company hopes that the acquisition will enhance its capacity to deliver sustainable products across various markets, including agriculture, facilities maintenance, and consumer goods. By incorporating Island Plastics’ capabilities, Revolution aims to increase the use of certified recycled content in its products, thereby reducing reliance on virgin, or primary, materials and minimizing environmental impact.
Revolution made five key acquisitions in 2024: PolyAg Recycling in January, Norflex in July, Island Plastics this month, and two others that remain undisclosed. PolyAg Recycling expanded the company’s reach into Canada’s agricultural film market. Norflex increased stretch film capacity while adding new products like shrink bundling film and agricultural bale wrap.
“As Revolution moves into 2025, its focus is on fully integrating these operations into its sustainable ecosystem while continuing to support and grow with its customer base,” Coleman said.
Photo: Postconsumer resin produced by Revolution Sustainable Solutions LLC. Image courtesy of Revolution Sustainable Solutions LLC
