Plastic recycling company plans $1 billion investment in Georgia
Summary
A recent study by researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found production of the main types of plastic is responsible for around 5% of heat-trapping emissions worldwide.Most plastics end up in landfills, waterways and the worlds oceans, where they break down into smaller and smaller particles, with dire impacts on wildlife, ecosystems and even human health.Powell, a Georgia native, founded the company in 2016. The company will also spend $20 million on infrastructure projects to improve road, rail and utility services to the project site near the Thomaston-Upson County Airport.The plant, Powell said, will be considered a synthetic minor emitter, and the company said it will use the best available technologies to reduce emissions and will apply for required environmental permits from state and federal agencies.Powell said his company has been working with Thomaston and Upson officials for nearly two years to build the Circularity Center.Upson County has historically been a textile manufacturing hub, best known for linen maker Thomaston Mills, which still operates a facility in the area but is based in Pennsylvania. If successful, the plant will nearly double the property tax base.Local leaders were aware of the pushback Brightmark faced in Macon, and Allen said local officials worked with the company to address environmental concerns. Were taking something of little value in plastic waste and turning it into something of value.Allen also said he hopes the project will help attract other industry.Turning dirt gets attention, he said.The company will be eligible for various state and local incentives, but figures were not released Tuesday.Powell, a Georgia Tech graduate, said jobs at the plant will include advanced manufacturing, maintenance and white-collar roles.This investment in Georgia represents a commitment to supporting economic longevity and playing an integral role in building a sustainable future together in my home state, he said in a news release. Were thrilled to be able to offer a circular solution that will make a positive environmental and economic impact on a region so near and dear to my heart.This coverage is supported by a partnership with Green South Foundation and Journalism Funding Partners.