In 2017, China announced a new policy to restrict the import of various solid waste and raw materials, including plastics such as PET, PE, PVC, and PS. Since the implementation of material restriction, much of the U.S. has been at a standstill with PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic processing. The need for domestic PET processing plants has skyrocketed since cities and state governments have created laws to fix the plastic waste issue.
Much of the PET that once went to China is now stagnant in our waste stream or shipped to the few Southeast Asian countries still accepting plastic for incineration. With the production of PET plastic now at 3.1 million tons in the U.S., companies like CarbonLITE are expanding PET plastic processing facilities to help handle some of these recyclables domestically.
CarbonLITE, a Riverside, California facility founded by Leon Farahnik, is now expanding to Berks County, PA. The organization is one of the few plastic processing plants in the U.S. to make food-grade PET plastic so that it can be reincorporated into the system again. The final location was based on proximity to major customers.
CarbonLITE converts used plastic bottles made of PET into a resin. The resin is then used to create new PET bottles. It's CarbonLITE's 6-step recovery process that makes it possible for food grade PET to be turned into new bottles. Most PET plastic is typically downcycled into fabric fibers, carpets, and polyester.
The new facility will be investing in combined heat and power (“CHP”) to power the energy-intensive plastic processing at the plant.
A1 Energy and Cleveland Brothers have partnered to manage and execute the addition of 4MW of cogeneration power to the new facility. The new facility will use a combination of local utility power and power generated from the new CHP system. Blue Rock Construction, Inc. (based in Allentown, PA), in partnership with Brasler Properties and Endurance Real Estate Group, is the general contractor responsible for the new facility's build-out. Kupper Engineering, of Ambler, PA is providing electrical, mechanical, and plumbing engineering services. In addition, Kupper Engineering is providing interconnection application services to Met-Ed for the use of three 1,475kW natural gas gensets in CHP mode rated to operate in parallel with Met-Ed's system, as well as engineering services for a new 15kV service and distribution line.
What is CHP?
Combined Heat & Power (CHP) systems are an efficient solution for meeting facility energy needs. CHP systems achieve over 80% fuel efficiency compared to traditional methods of buying grid supplied electricity and generating steam or hot water in boilers. The higher fuel efficiency leads to both energy savings and reduced environmental footprint for the CHP adoptee. And for energy users concerned about reliability, CHP can be configured for black start/island mode operation for increased reliability during utility outages. With both turnkey and third-party Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”) solutions now available, and the increased awareness of its many benefits, industrial adoption of CHP is on the rise.
About A1 Energy
A1 Energy is a leader in energy consulting services committed to developing and delivering creative solutions to optimize energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability for our clients. We combine our in-depth industry knowledge and financial expertise to dramatically lower energy costs and meet sustainability measures for our clients. We support government agencies, industrial, and commercial clients in achieving energy efficiency through reduced demand, strategic procurement, and renewable energy sources. Stay informed on new energy projects on Linkedin and Twitter.
About Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc.
Founded in 1948, Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc. is the exclusive Cat® dealer of western and central Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia and western Maryland, providing new, used and rental equipment and machinery, parts and service. Cleveland Brothers supplies a vast variety of solutions and products, including industrial diesel and gas engines and generators, air compressors and boosters, oil and gas machinery, construction equipment and much more, in addition to full truck service for all makes and models. With 26 locations, customers have access to all of the parts and equipment needed to get the job done, backed by industry-leading technicians and staff. For more information, please visit www.ClevelandBrothers.com.