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Hilex Poly Expands Plastic Bag Recycling Facility

HARTSVILLE, S.C., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilex Poly, operator of the world's largest plastic bag recycling facility, held a ribbon cutting ceremony today to celebrate the plant's expansion, adding 21 jobs to the North Vernon, IN economy.

Hilex originally broke ground for the recycling plant in the fourth quarter of 2004, and simultaneously launched a closed loop recycling program (Bag-2-Bag®). In partnership with retail and grocery stores, Hilex provided an avenue for consumers to return used plastic bags and other household film waste for recycling through at-store collection bins. Stores across the nation collect this valuable recyclable material, which is moved back to distribution centers, baled and then shipped back to Indiana for processing. Once the bales of plastic arrive, they are shredded, washed and compounded into recycled polyethylene pellets, which can then be used to make new bags.

Since Hilex Poly began this program, the Company has placed 30,000 recycling bins in grocery stores across the country, increasing recycling options for consumers and providing an increasing stream of raw materials for its factory. The expansion of the factory doubles Hilex Poly's capacity and will create 21 jobs.

"Prior to Bag-2-Bag® recycling and supermarket take back programs, plastic bag recycling was often viewed as cost prohibitive," said Stan Bikulege, CEO of Hilex Poly. "Now, through innovations in recovery technology and logistics, Hilex Poly has helped to transform this category of recycling into one of the most cost effective."

Expanding Hilex Poly's Bag-2-Bag® program has enabled consumers to return and recycle home items such as towel, tissue and bottle overwrap, newspaper bags, and dry cleaning bags in addition to carry-out bags. Hilex is actively researching adding new streams of recyclable plastics, such as industrial stretch film, into the bag manufacturing process in an effort to divert an even greater volume of plastic from the waste stream.

"The expansion of the recycling facility is a direct result of the tremendous growth of plastic bags and wraps being returned to participating retailers for recycling," commented Mark Daniels, VP of Marketing and Environmental Affairs. "We are extraordinarily proud of our environmental initiatives that enhance our sustainability efforts, while expanding jobs within our country."

About Hilex Poly Co.

Hilex Poly Co. (www.hilexpoly.com) is the leading manufacturer of plastic bag and film products whose products range from bagging systems to protective packaging films. As an industry leader, the company has introduced many new products and features including self opening designs and dispensing hardware. Hilex Poly has also developed a number of innovative environmental programs designed to support the growing need for a greener world. Based in Hartsville, SC, the company operates nine strategically located manufacturing facilities across the United States.

SOURCE Hilex Poly Co.