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…
In a recently published article by Sustainable Packaging Europe, Josh Pitman, Managing Director of Priory Direct calls out UK retailers and suppliers that label soft plastic packaging as “recyclable” for greenwashing, due to the country’s limited recycling infrastructure. He argues that these labels are misleading and contribute to environmental harm, as the UK’s infrastructure can…
British Glass, the trade association representing the UK glass manufacturing industry, is voicing significant concerns following the recent announcement of base fees for the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. While the association supports the overarching goals of the EPR, which aims to make producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, they are deeply…
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…
In a bold move aimed at tackling Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) has called upon the European Commission (EC) to integrate waste incineration into the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The advocacy group argues that such a step would effectively penalize the incineration of fossil-based materials like plastics and synthetic textiles,…
International organizations are urging the European Commission (EC) to extend the current ban on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) beyond food packaging, and include medical applications. This initiative, led by the environmental law organization Client Earth, aims to address the health risks associated with PVC in a wider range of packaging applications. ECHA Report Highlights PVC…
In response to the growing demand for incorporating recycled materials in packaging, ELIPSO and FEBEA have collaborated to develop a guidance document, aimed at helping integrate the use of post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR) in cosmetics packaging. The Guidance Document: Recycled Plastics in Cosmetics Packaging This Guidance Document, published on March 8, 2024, offers a…
In recent years, the issue of plastic waste exports has gained increasing attention, creating the demand for a re-evaluation of policies surrounding the export of plastic waste to non-Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (non-OECD) countries. Plastic recycling charity RECOUP has presented compelling arguments against a sudden ban on such exports, highlighting the need for…