According to a recent publication by Plastics Recyclers Europe, the European plastic recycling industry is facing an unprecedented crisis. Declining domestic production, increased reliance on imports, and mounting economic pressures have forced many companies to shut down. Despite repeated warnings from industry leaders, the situation has deteriorated, threatening the entire plastic recycling value chain. …
The European pulp and paper industry is rebounding, with both consumption and production rising in the past year. Recycling and packaging demand have driven growth, while exports remain strong. However, energy costs, economic stagnation, and shifting trade policies pose challenges. Recovery in Consumption and Production According to a recent industry report by the European…
The Dutch government is evaluating whether to remove its national single-use plastic surcharge on packaging, as concerns grow over its limited effectiveness in reducing plastic waste and promoting reusable alternatives. Policy Review and Its Impact Implemented in July 2023, the policy aimed to push both businesses and consumers toward more sustainable choices. However, an…
Recent research from GoUnpackaged highlights a significant shift in consumer attitude towards single-use plastic. A majority of shoppers in the UK want retailers to offer more reuse and refill options, with many customers even prioritizing shopping at supermarkets that implement such systems, signaling that sustainability is becoming a crucial factor in retail competitiveness. Research…
A coalition of European industry groups is urging EU policymakers to refine the Green Claims Directive by simplifying its substantiation and verification processes. Organizations from sectors including food, cosmetics, paper, and beverages, have signed a joint statement advocating for a more transparent framework that ensures businesses can meet environmental claim requirements without excessive burdens. …
A recent report from Metal Packaging Europe and European Aluminium highlights a record-breaking achievement in aluminium beverage can recycling across Europe. Despite a minor decline in the overall recycling rate of aluminium beverage cans due to increased consumption and unchanged recycling infrastructure, the total volume of recycled aluminium reached an unprecedented 580,000 tonnes. This marks…
India has introduced amendments to its Plastic Waste Management Rules, aiming to improve traceability and compliance in the packaging sector. The updated regulations, announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, require that plastic packaging include specific identification information such as barcodes, QR codes, or unique numbers. These updates are intended to increase…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…