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…
Until now, 13 states and over 500 cities across the United States have enacted bans on single-use plastic bags, with more potentially on their way. These measures aim to reduce plastic waste from single-use plastics and their negative impact on the environment. Despite the positive intentions behind these bans, however, data suggests that they may…
The United States is facing significant challenges in expanding its compostable packaging infrastructure due to contamination by look-alike single-use plastics. A recent report by Closed Loop Partners (CLP) has highlighted these issues, emphasizing that misidentification of compostable packaging is setting back the industry’s environmental goals. Environmental and Economic Potential The report, “Unleashing the Economic…
In conjunction with the recent World Environment Day, Eunomia Research Consulting published the Global Recycling League Table – Phase One Report, in collaboration with the Welsh Government, Reloop, Tomra and other companies. The report ranks the recycling of municipal waste from 48 countries, aiming to standardize recycling data reporting and provide a clear picture of…
Plastic Free July, an annual event dedicated to reducing plastic consumption by specifically targeting single-use plastics, is completing its 15th year of running. This key initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation takes place every July, encouraging individuals, communities, and businesses to rethink their reliance on plastic and adopt more sustainable practices. The Origins of…
Mislabelled or unclear food labels and packaging, pose a significant threat to consumers with food allergies, as highlighted by recent research from GS1 UK. The study found that 56 % of people that have experienced allergic reactions, was due to incorrect or confusing labels. To address this issue, GS1 is promoting the use of next-generation…
A significant majority of German and French adults are against using imported waste in recycled plastic products, according to a survey by Stagwell’s The Harris Poll, which was commissioned by Eastman, a global specialty materials company. The survey was conducted online, in February of 2024 and included over 1,000 participants from each country. Key…