ECHA Publishes Updated EU PFAS Restriction Proposal

ECHA Publishes Updated EU PFAS Restriction Proposal

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has released its updated proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the EU’s chemicals regulation REACH (Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006). The update represents Europe’s ongoing efforts to curb PFAS emissions and strengthen controls across a wide range of applications, including those in the packaging and…

European Plastics Industry Near Breaking Point as Competitiveness Collapses

European Plastics Industry Near Breaking Point as Competitiveness Collapses

According to Plastics Europe’s latest press release, European plastics manufacturers are facing an unprecedented decline in global competitiveness, with new data revealing a shrinking market share, falling turnover and a stalled transition toward circular production.   EU Plastics Market Share Freefalling Despite Brief Stabilization After a record contraction in 2023 (-7.6%), Europe’s plastics production showed…

INDIA's RPET INDUSTRY

Policy Uncertainty Threatens India’s rPET Industry

India’s rPET industry (recycled PET) is facing turbulence after amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules created uncertainty around recycled content obligations. The Association of PET Recyclers (Bharat), which represents Indian recycling companies, has warned that brand owners are stalling procurement, undermining demand and threatening years of investment.   Brand Owners Delay Purchases Amid Rule…

UK Packaging Sustainability Regulations Risks of Falling Behind the EU

UK Packaging Sustainability Regulations: Risks of Falling Behind the EU

A joint analysis by The Guardian and the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) warns that the United Kingdom is falling behind the European Union on environmental protections in the wake of Brexit. Since leaving the EU, Britain has rolled back at least four significant safeguards covering habitats, air and water quality, and chemical safety.…

EU Rules for Chemically-Recycled PET in Plastic Bottles - Empty water bottles moving on conveyor belt in factory

EU Rules for Chemically-Recycled PET in Plastic Bottles

In the European Commission’s latest publication, new draft rules have been put forward to standardize how companies calculate, verify and report chemically-recycled content in single-use plastic beverage bottles. This initiative is part of the EU’s push to achieve strict recycled content targets under the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), which demands 25 % recycled PET in…

litter and plastic bottles on beach - Countries with DRS Linked to Major Drop in Beach Litter

Countries with DRS Linked to Major Drop in Beach Litter

A global review of waste and pollution data has revealed that countries with deposit return schemes (DRS) see significantly less drinks container litter on their beaches. According to circular economy organization Reloop, nations that have adopted these systems report, on average, a 54% reduction in beverage container waste in coastal areas.   Drastic Cut in…

Stalled-Momentum-in-Rigid-Polyolefins-Recycling-Across-Europe

Stalled Momentum in Rigid Polyolefins Recycling Across Europe

The once-promising expansion of rigid polyolefin recycling in Europe has reached an impasse, according to a recent joint analysis by Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) and ICIS. After years of steady growth, recycling capacities for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) plateaued in 2023, revealing a significant slowdown in progress within the European recycling sector.  …