US Supports Global Plastic Production Caps in Policy Shift - Grey Plastic pellets

US Supports Global Plastic Production Caps in Policy Shift

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…

Rising Demand for Recycled Polymers in US and UK

Rising Demand for Recycled Polymers in US and UK

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…

Launch Of Innovative Reusable Packaging Scheme in UK

Launch Of Innovative Reusable Packaging Scheme in UK

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…

Survey Reveals Cost as Major Barrier in Sustainable Packaging

Survey Reveals Cost as Major Barrier in Sustainable Packaging

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…

Contamination Hinders US Compostable Packaging Systems Growth

Contamination Hinders US Compostable Packaging Systems Growth

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…

Austria Leads Top Recycling Nations

Austria Leads Top Recycling Nations

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 A Global Movement Against Plastic Pollution

Plastic Free July: A Global Movement Against Pollution

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…

Woman holding garbage bags frustrated - French and German Consumers Against Imported Plastic Waste

French and German Consumers Against Imported Plastic Waste

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…