MBOLD is pleased to share the good news that the flexible film recycling plant in Rogers, MN, is relaunching operations. The plant has been purchased by GDB International, a leading global recycling company with proven success operating U.S. facilities. GDB is the lead investor, with General Mills, Schwan’s Co. and others also investing in the revamped operation.

Expanding flexible film recycling infrastructure is essential for creating a circular economy for these useful but hard-to-recycle materials. As conveyed in GDB’s press release below, MBOLD is excited to welcome GDB to the community. We look forward to working with stakeholders across our region to fuel a thriving circular economy for flexible films. Learn more.

Plastics Recycling Facility in Rogers, MN Reopens Under New Ownership of GDB Circular (MN), Inc.

The facility is supported by continued commitments to strengthen plastics circularity in the U.S.

Rogers, Minnesota. — September 4, 2024 — GDB International, Inc. through its subsidiary GDB Circular (MN), Inc. is reopening a state-of-the-art plastics recycling plant located in Rogers, Minnesota under its new ownership. Backed by continued commitments across multiple stakeholders to strengthen plastics recycling infrastructure in the U.S., the facility is revitalized with strong business and financial support, an experienced management team with a deep understanding of recycling technology, and new technology to increase the efficiency of materials recovery.

GDB International, Inc. is a pioneering force in the global plastics recycling industry and is a renowned family-owned sustainable solutions firm established in 1993. Headquartered in New Jersey, GDB International, Inc. operates a robust network of world-class mechanical plastic recycling facilities across Wisconsin, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida. The Rogers, MN facility will become the latest addition to this network.

In addition to plastics recycling, the GDB group includes GDB Paints & Coatings, which is recognized as the largest recycler of used latex-based paints worldwide, and a comprehensive commodity trading division specializing in non-ferrous metal scrap, recovered fiber, and paper roll-stock. Through these diverse operations, GDB International, Inc. remains at the forefront of environmental stewardship and resource optimization.

The existing facility will now be owned by GDB Circular (MN), Inc. GDB Circular serves as the lead investor, with General Mills, Schwan’s Company, amongst others, investing in the revamped operation. These partnerships continue the shared commitment of this facility to pioneering a regional circular economy for flexible films, originally catalyzed by the MBOLD coalition. Additionally, Myplas SA continues its support of the operations.

"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, GDB Circular (MN), Inc.

"We are proud to support GDB Circular (MN), Inc. to help create a sustainable solution for plastic film recycling in the Midwest,” said Mary Jane Melendez, Chief Sustainability and Global Impact Officer, General Mills. “This initiative boasts benefits to the environment, promotes economic development within our hometown community, while showcasing what’s possible through collaboration.”

"Schwan’s is committed to GDB Circular (MN), Inc. because we believe it can make a meaningful impact on reducing the environmental impact of our packaging,” said Mark Mikol, Senior Director for Packaging Engineering, Schwan’s. “It’s the right thing to do for our environment, our business and our region.”

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. These advancements position the Rogers facility to be a state-of-the-art hub for plastics recycling in the region.

The reopening is expected to create job opportunities for professionals in engineering and sustainability, significantly boosting the local economy and driving community development.

“MBOLD welcomes GDB to the community as we continue to champion the creation of a circular economy for flexible film in the Upper Midwest,” said JoAnne Berkenkamp, Managing Director of MBOLD, an initiative of the GREATER MSP Partnership. “The continued commitment of all the major stakeholders is a testament to the strength of this vision.”

Additionally, it has the continuing support from existing creditors including the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and Closed Loop Partners, underscoring their shared commitment to advancing circular economy initiatives and reducing plastic waste.