Sustainability in packaging has become a central issue for businesses worldwide, yet many companies are struggling to meet the data requirements necessary for compliance. A global survey conducted by packaging consultancy Aura highlights a significant gap in how businesses track their sustainable packaging data, with many still relying on outdated manual methods. As regulatory frameworks…
A recent investigation by the Forever Lobbying Project has revealed that addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination across Europe could cost over € 2 trillion over the next two decades. This equates to an annual expense of approximately € 100 billion, highlighting the immense financial strain required to tackle the widespread pollution caused by…
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) of the UK has recently introduced a framework to evaluate and categorize the recyclability of various packaging materials, under the Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) initiative. This system aims to help businesses understand how their packaging impacts recycling processes and associated costs. Recyclability Assessment Framework…
A comprehensive study published in Environmental Science & Technology evaluates the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of plastic products versus their alternatives across 16 applications. These include key sectors such as packaging, construction, automotive, textiles, and consumer goods, which together account for 90 % of global plastic use. The findings reveal a counterintuitive reality: replacing plastics…
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…
On October 17, 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an updated scientific opinion on the safety of silicon dioxide (E 551) as a food additive. Commonly used as an anti-caking agent, E 551 prevents powdered foods from clumping together and is widely permitted in the EU for various food products, including those intended…
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 US Plastics Pact recently published an updated report emphasizing the urgent need to eliminate problematic and unnecessary materials from the plastics value chain. The document proposes new strategies for tackling circular design challenges, particularly the issue of contamination in recycling streams, and suggests a series of material bans, including those on oxo-degradable products. …
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…
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…
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…
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…