plastic containers for food - Regulation (EU) 2025/351: Stricter Measures on Food Contact Materials (FCMs)

Regulation (EU) 2025/351: Stricter Measures on Food Contact Materials (FCMs)

Regulations & Policy, Regulations & Policy, Όλα τα Νέα

The European Commission has introduced Regulation (EU) 2025/351, aimed at enhancing food safety through stricter controls on food contact materials (FCMs). This regulation amends existing frameworks on plastics, good manufacturing practices (GMPs), and recycling standards, ensuring consumer protection while promoting sustainability.   Clarification of Definitions One of the significant changes introduced by Regulation (EU) 2025/351…

worker unloading garbage - PackUK

PackUK: New Scheme Administrator for pEPR

Deposit Return & Waste Management Schemes, Όλα τα Νέα

The UK has launched PackUK, a scheme administrator dedicated to managing the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR). Officially introduced on January 21, 2025, this initiative aims to promote sustainability and shift the financial burden of packaging waste management from taxpayers and local authorities to the businesses that produce and distribute packaging materials.   Implementing…

European Commission Approves € 500 Million French Chemical Recycling Scheme

New Technologies, Όλα τα Νέα

The European Commission has approved a € 500 million initiative proposed by France for a chemical recycling scheme that supports certain types of plastic waste. This initiative aligns with EU circular economy goals outlined in the European Commission’s Political Guidelines for 2024-2029.   Materials and Funding of the Chemical Recycling Scheme The project targets various…

shipping boat with containers - Call for Extension of EU Waste Shipment Regulation Deadlines

Call for Extension of EU Waste Shipment Regulation Deadlines

Industry Advocacy & Standards Enforcement, Industry Advocacy & Standards Enforcement, Regulations & Policy, Όλα τα Νέα

The European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC) has raised urgent concerns about the EU Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) 1157/2024, warning that its implementation threatens to severely impact global recycling markets and place European recyclers at a competitive disadvantage. EuRIC is calling for an immediate extension of the regulation’s deadlines to allow non-OECD countries sufficient time to…

drs in england photo

New DRS in England and Northern Ireland

Deposit Return & Waste Management Schemes, Industry Advocacy & Standards Enforcement, Όλα τα Νέα

Following last year’s announcement of the UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) launch in October 2027, the UK Government has formally introduced new regulations for a DRS, aimed at improving recycling rates for single-use drink containers in England and Northern Ireland. While the initiative marks a significant step toward tackling waste, industry leaders have raised concerns…

gpap

GPAP Expands to 25 Nations in Global Plastic Battle

Corporate Updates, Corporate Updates, Industry Advocacy & Standards Enforcement, Όλα τα Νέα

The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) has reached a significant milestone, now involving 25 countries and impacting more than 1.5 billion people. With the recent inclusion of Angola, Bangladesh, Gabon, Guatemala, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania, GPAP has grown into the largest international program dedicated to addressing plastic pollution.   A Growing Global Effort Against Plastic…

The Growing Challenge of Sustainable Packaging Data Compliance - data collection depiction

The Growing Challenge of Sustainable Packaging Data Compliance

Industry Trends & Reports, Industry Trends & Reports, Όλα τα Νέα

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…

The Cost of Cleaning PFAS in Europe: A €2 Trillion Challenge

Industry Trends & Reports, Όλα τα Νέα

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…

Λεπτομέρειες για το Σύστημα Επιστροφής Εγγύησης στις Συσκευασίες Ποτών (DRS)

Deposit Return & Waste Management Schemes, Όλα τα Νέα

Με την εφαρμογή του συστήματος επιστροφής εγγύησης (ΣΕΕ) για συσκευασίες ποτών μιας χρήσης από πλαστικό και μέταλλο να πλησιάζει, αναλύουμε όλες τις λεπτομέρειες σχετικά με τις υποχρεώσεις καταναλωτών και προμηθευτών, καθώς και το εγγυοδοτικό αντίτιμο, αλλά και τα σημεία και τρόπους επιστροφής των συσκευασιών.   Τι είναι το Σύστημα Επιστροφής Εγγύησης; Το σύστημα επιστροφής εγγύησης…

Summary of European Regulations Relevant to Packaging during 2024

Summary of European Regulations Relevant to Packaging In 2024

National/Regional Packaging Legislation, Regulations & Policy, Regulations & Policy, Όλα τα Νέα

In 2024, European regulations made significant strides toward enhancing sustainability, promoting consumer protection, and addressing the environmental impacts of materials such as plastics and chemicals. These regulations, spanning various sectors from packaging waste to food contact materials, aim to establish a safer, greener future for the EU and its neighboring countries. This article highlights important…

Belgium Packaging Waste Regulations 2024, EPR framework in Belgium, Sustainable packaging laws

Belgium Strengthens Packaging Waste Regulations for Businesses

Deposit Return & Waste Management Schemes, Deposit Return & Waste Management Schemes, National/Regional Packaging Legislation, Regulations & Policy, Όλα τα Νέα

Belgium has introduced stricter national regulations regarding packaging waste management to promote sustainability and enhance recycling efforts. These updated laws require businesses to adhere more strictly to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, ensuring greater accountability in the lifecycle management of packaging materials.   The Evolution of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) The EPR system, originally…

hands holding packaging -Recyclability Assessment Framework in the UK, Defra recycling guidelines

Defra Introduces New Recyclability Assessment Framework to Enhance Packaging Sustainability

Corporate Updates, Industry Advocacy & Standards Enforcement, Industry Trends & Reports, Όλα τα Νέα

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…