A high-profile film recycling facility in Minnesota that failed and closed after just weeks of operation is getting a second chance under new ownership.
GDB International Inc., which already operates plastic recycling facilities in four other states, is the new owner of the former Myplas USA Inc. film recycling site in Rogers, Minn., the company said Sept. 4.
GDB, through subsidiary GDB Circular (MN) Inc., said the plant is reopening with the support of "multiple stakeholders," an approach Myplas also took when planning and originally opening the location.
The Rogers facility, which attracted investment and support from companies along the plastics film recycling value chain, touted this collective approach as a model to overcome the economic difficulties facing film recycling.
GDB takes over the location as lead investor seven months after Myplas surprisingly closed in February after only opening in December. The short operational stint came after nearly two years of planning and promotion of the project as a game-changer in the film recycling business due to a collaborative approach.
"We are thrilled to continue building on the original vision of creating a circular economy for flexibles and rigid polyolefins in the upper Midwest. Together with ongoing support from our dedicated partners, GDB Circular (MN) Inc. is committed to growing a world-class plastics recycling facility that delivers sustainable solutions for businesses and communities across the region," said Raj Bagaria, managing director at GDB Circular, in a statement.
Bagaria talks about both flexible rigid plastic recycling at the location, but Myplas only concentrated of flexibles.
Consumer packaged goods companies General Mills Inc. and Schwan's Co. "amongst others" are investing in what is begin described as "the revamped operations." Myplas also "continues its support of the operations," GDB said in the announcement, but did not provide further detail.
"This initiative boasts benefits to the environment, promotes economic development within our hometown community, while showcasing what's possible through collaboration," said Mary Jane Melendez, chief sustainability and global impact officer at General Mills, in a statement.
GDB, in the announcement, said "significant new investments have been made to upgrade the facility and its operations, incorporating cutting-edge technologies that enhance efficiency and reduce adverse environmental impact."
MBOLD, which is an arm of the Minneapolis St. Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership, was a key in bringing together companies to support the original Myplas project. MBOLD is a coalition of Minnesota companies, researchers and nonprofit groups.