While plastic pollution poses a significant environmental challenge, a new OECD report suggests that comprehensive global policies can reduce plastic leakage into the environment by 96 %, by 2040. These policies address the entire lifecycle of plastics, including production, use, and disposal. This balanced approach not only improves waste management and recycling but also reduces…
The European plastics recycling industry is faced with a significant recession. Challenges such as declining demand for European recyclates, reduced domestic investments, and an influx of imports with questionable recycled content claims, have placed immense strain on the sector. These pressures have driven many recycling companies to shut down in 2023, with more closures anticipated…
In a bid to raise awareness about recycling on-the-go packaging, environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) has initiated an eight-week campaign aimed at encouraging people to dispose of their packaging waste in the correct recycling bins. Supported by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain (CCEP), the campaign seeks to reduce litter and improve recycling habits across…
Recent research by CCS McLays, a supplier of retail and catering consumables, highlights that a significant portion of British consumers are increasingly dissatisfied with the current standards of delivery packaging and are calling on food outlets to adopt tamper-proof and secure packaging. With nearly half of consumers specifically requesting tamper-evident bags, the message to food…
The 2024 BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) Summit in Berkeley, California, brought together over 200 composters, packaging manufacturers, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of compostable packaging. The event was hosted by BPI and highlighted the ongoing debate about compostable packaging’s role in organic recycling. With the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expected to make…
Starting January 1st, 2025, France will implement a significant environmental regulation under Article L-541-15-10 of the Environmental Code (CE), which introduces new restrictions on the use of plastic in food-related services in educational and childcare institutions. The ban will primarily affect collective catering in schools, universities, and facilities catering to children under six years old,…
As the world struggles with the growing crisis of plastic pollution, Earth Action released its annual report on this year’s Plastic Overshoot Day (POD), September 5, 2024. The findings shed light on the troubling state of global plastic waste management, revealing the 12 countries responsible for a staggering 60 % of the world’s mismanaged plastic…
On September 10, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that Keurig Dr. Pepper had been charged with a $ 1.5 million fine for making misleading statements regarding the recyclability of its widely used K-Cup coffee pods. K-Cup Testing and Environmental Claims Keurig had set a goal to make all its K-Cup…
In a significant change of policy, the United States has announced its support for a global treaty that aims to cap plastic production and restrict harmful chemicals, according to Reuters. This shift from the previous U.S. stance, which aligned with countries opposing such regulations, brings U.S. closer to other nations’ ambitions of advocating for international…
The demand for recycled polymers is experiencing significant growth in both the United States and the United Kingdom, driven by a combination of regulatory pressures and corporate sustainability commitments. A recent report by RaboResearch, the analysis and knowledge division of Rabobank, reveals that this trend is set to continue in the coming years, with Europe…
Ocado Retail, a prominent UK online supermarket, has partnered with the UK Refill Coalition to introduce a reusable packaging scheme for online shopping. This initiative aims to reduce the use of single-use plastics, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly shopping solutions. The Reusable Packaging Scheme The new scheme, which was launched in August…
UPM, a leading supplier of renewable biomaterials, has revealed insights from its recent survey, conducted in collaboration with the Pentawards. The survey, which targeted leading packaging designers globally, reveals significant insights on the sustainability challenges faced by the industry. Designers Seek More Guidance The survey indicates that while 47 % of designers feel very…