APD distributor member Piedmont Plastics recognizes that plastics provide lightweight alternatives to glass, metal and wood across a variety of applications and industries, delivering solutions that are more viable while reducing environmental impact. Understanding the need for a more sustainable environment, Piedmont Plastics began offering customized recycling programs in 2014, which enabled them to continue the company’s long-term commitments to cost savings, sustainability and its customers.
The Knoxville, TN, USA branch office and warehouse facility is more than 36,000 square feet and employs 14 specialists to help customers in the marine, automotive, signage, medical, aerospace and more industries with their plastics needs. Along with its own scrap, this location accepts approved recyclable material and had been using a third-party recycle wholesaler for disposition. However, the continued challenge of keeping plastics out of landfills — exacerbated by global commerce changes such as the embargo on plastic scrap imports by China and Malaysia — sent branch manager Ryan Champy looking for alternatives.
The Knoxville branch implemented the Vycom PVC Recycling Program in early 2020, targeting one of its large marine manufacturing clients that also shares the company’s value of making strides in the field of sustainability. “This program is a great example of partnership with this particular client because they understand their role and they do a great job of sorting materials, which is an added step that some clients are reluctant to implement,” said Champy. “This manufacturer also promotes its participation in the program to endorse its commitment to our common goal of helping the environment.”

“We’ve been running recycling programs for about seven years now, and the Vycom PVC Recycling Program is by far the best I’ve ever seen,” said Champy. “This program helps us tie the knot with our client. We
provide the sheet product; our client doesn’t have to throw it in a landfill or pay dumpster cost and they, in turn, tell their customers that they’ll take the material back and return it to the manufacturer for recycling. They’re showing their commitment to sustainability to their customers through this program.”