By SCBIZ Staff

COLUMBIA -- The S. C. Department of Commerce’s Recycling Market Development program announced the formation of a Recycling Cluster Committee to promote the growth of the recycling industry in South Carolina. The committee formation follows a 2006 economic impact study released by the state Department of Commerce that shows the recycling sector is a major economic engine for the state. 

The study indicates that more than 300 recycling businesses contribute to more than 37,000 jobs and a $6.5 billion total economic impact to South Carolina’s economy. In addition, the recycling industry is anticipated to grow 12% annually over the next five years, leading to an $11 billion economic impact. 

“The economic impact of recycling is not the only benefit the Recycling Cluster Committee will bring to South Carolina,” said Gerry Fishbeck, chairman of the Recycling Market Development Advisory Council. “We will also see significant synergies with the state's energy initiatives and environmental needs as recycling positively impacts both energy and the environment through increased sustainability of resources.”

The mission of the Recycling Cluster Committee is to expand and strengthen South Carolina’s recycling industry. This involves establishing policy, building networks, promoting market development, and leveraging existing infrastructure. It will also bring together recycling businesses and industries that use recycled materials in manufacturing processes and help promote and position recycling markets and businesses as competitive, viable participants in the development and retention of jobs. Additionally, the industry will generate tax revenues and increase economic development opportunities. 

New Carolina, South Carolina’s Council on Competitiveness, is the steering group for cluster activities in the state. George Fletcher, executive director for New Carolina said, “We are pleased to work with the Recycling Market Development Advisory Council, as well as industry, government and academic personnel to grow the recycling cluster. Costs of energy and raw materials are spiraling upwards, and a strong recycling industry will help the state’s overall economic development efforts.”

Sonoco Products, a global packaging company that uses recycled content, is the anchor company involved in the recycling industry.

The Recycling Cluster efforts will be facilitated by the Department of Commerce’s Recycling Market Development staff and Gov. Mark Sanford’s appointed Recycling Market Development Advisory Council. A forum to advance the industry initiative is set for Oct. 5 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia.