From Big Sky Country to Big Innovation: Creating a Sustainable Future at Allyn’s Point
By Steven Lake, Plant Manager at Allyn's Point Facility
Growing up on a small farm/ranch in Lambert, Montana, I was raised to respect the land and to be efficient with the available resources. Food was not wasted and clothes were worn out. From an early age my parents taught us not to litter. These lessons have shaped me into the person I am today.
At the Allyn's Point Facility in Gales Ferry, Connecticut, almost everything is recycled. Cardboard, metal and plastic scrap are sent to the proper place to be recycled. I am proud of this fact.
Over a decade ago, AmSty invested in a production line to convert PCR into a product that our customers wanted. Allyn's Point began producing a product that contained a modest amount of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic around 2012. This marked the beginning of AmSty's circular recycling journey. After I was promoted to plant manager in 2014, I was part of the development of two additional products that contain 20% and 25% PCR.
Making the higher PCR containing products proved to be challenging. But an innovative and dedicated Allyn's Point team was up to the task, implementing two major changes that allowed for consistent and reliable operation. Since 2014, Allyn's Point has converted about 4 million pounds per year of PCR into food packaging, plastic cutlery and other consumer goods.
AmSty continues to invest in polystyrene recycling technologies and has set an ambitious goal that all products designed for foodservice and food packaging will contain 30% recycled content by 2030. When I talk to my friends and family, I am proud to tell them I work for a company that is concerned about the global plastic pollution issue.
Getting plastics recycling up to the level where it needs to be will require companies like AmSty to lead the way.
Thanks to AmSty's commitment to sustainable innovation, our plant in Allyn's Point continues to keep some PCR from going to a landfill. We're doing our part to make this world a little bit better.
Want to know more? Click here to be part of the movement...
