(VIDEO) Recycling is Real explores plastics circularity with Dow and Circulus
Dow and Circulus operate facilities in Alabama and Oklahoma, where plastics are processed and prepared for reuse across the supply chain
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) released a new video as part of its Recycling is Real advocacy initiative, spotlighting recycling operations at Dow and Circulus facilities in Arab, Alabama, and Ardmore, Oklahoma. The video highlights the work taking place inside these facilities — where used plastics are sorted, processed, and transformed into materials that can be used again in manufacturing.
PLASTICS' Recycling is Real campaign demystifies the recycling process
Since launching in 2023, PLASTICS' Recycling is Real campaign has produced 23 videos featuring both mechanical and advanced recycling facilities nationwide. Each video centres on the people behind the process — the dedicated employees whose work supports recycling systems in communities across the country.
"At companies like Dow and Circulus, you see circularity in action — from processing materials to preparing them for reuse across the supply chain," said Matt Seaholm, president and CEO of PLASTICS. "Recycling is Real brings that work to the forefront, showing how people, technology, and infrastructure come together to keep materials in use and support a more circular economy."
"We believe it takes a materials ecosystem to help reduce plastic waste and create a circular economy," said Ahmad Kawas, North America commercial vice president of Dow's Packaging and Specialty Plastics business. "Bringing together value chain partners from collection, design, manufacturing, and the end consumer allows us to unlock the value of plastic. And that is what we are doing by combining Dow's materials science expertise with Circulus' film recycling technology to expand the circular offerings we are generating for customers."
Past success with PLASTICS' video series
The Recycling is Real campaign provides educational content to help elected officials and policymakers better understand recycling's role as a critical link in the circular economy. By showcasing real facilities and the people behind them, the initiative offers a firsthand look at where and how recycling occurs across the country — highlighting the technologies, processes, and workforce driving progress, while underscoring the importance of continued investment in U.S. recycling infrastructure.
Previous featured locations include Atlanta, Georgia; Kingsport, Tennessee; Madison, Wisconsin; North Vernon, Indiana; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Portland, Pennsylvania; Eagle Rock and Wytheville, Virginia; Rialto and Chino, California; Piqua and Ironton, Ohio; Reidsville, North Carolina; Tampa, Florida; Houston, Texas; Farmingdale, New York; Hilliard, Ohio; Plymouth, Michigan; Reading, Pennsylvania; and Eugene, Oregon.
