Niagara Bottling Revives California Recycling Facility to Expand Bottle-to-Bottle Production
Niagara Bottling recycling facility
Niagara Bottling Expands Recycling Operations in California
Niagara Bottling has acquired a large recycling and packaging facility in Vernon, California, marking a major step in the company’s push toward full bottle-to-bottle manufacturing in the United States.
The 305,000-square-foot site, previously operated under the rPlanet Earth brand, will allow Niagara to process used PET plastics and convert them into recycled materials for new beverage bottles.
Facility Will Produce Recycled PET for New Bottles
The upgraded plant will sort, clean, and reprocess PET plastic collected from recycling systems across California. The recycled material, known as rPET, will then be used directly in Niagara packaging production.
By bringing recycling and manufacturing together, Niagara aims to reduce its dependence on virgin plastic while improving supply chain efficiency.
Company President Rali Sanderson said the investment will help create a true “bottle-to-bottle” system in California, allowing recyclable plastic containers to be transformed into new bottles locally. Niagara Bottling recycling facility
Advanced Recycling Technology Restored
The Vernon facility is designed to process mixed recycling materials known as B-bales, which are typically harder to recycle because they contain several types of materials collected from curbside bins.
This capability has become increasingly important as PET plastic continues to grow as one of California’s most recycled packaging materials.
Niagara said the facility had been inactive since September 2025 and will reopen gradually through a phased restoration process.
New Jobs and Manufacturing Growth
The company has already started hiring workers for the site and expects to create around 60 jobs. Some former employees of the previous operation are also expected to return.
Initially, the facility is projected to produce approximately 45 million pounds of recycled PET material annually for Niagara products.
Niagara Strengthens Circular Packaging Strategy
The acquisition supports Niagara Bottling’s broader sustainability strategy and vertical integration efforts. Over the past three decades, the company says it has reduced plastic use in its bottles, caps, and labels by around 70% through lightweight packaging innovations.
Environmental groups also welcomed the investment, highlighting its potential to improve recycling rates, reduce plastic waste, and support California’s circular economy.
Founded in 1963, Niagara Bottling operates facilities across the United States, Mexico, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
More…
