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…
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…
Ocado Retail, a prominent UK online supermarket, has partnered with the UK Refill Coalition to introduce a reusable packaging scheme for online shopping. This initiative aims to reduce the use of single-use plastics, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly shopping solutions. The Reusable Packaging Scheme The new scheme, which was launched in August…
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…
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…
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has recently announced the launch of the “Flex Forward” project, which aims at ensuring the safety and efficiency of recycled polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) films used in food packaging. This collaborative effort involves WUR working alongside 11 industrial partners and focusing on improving the safety standards of these materials…
The European Union has officially signed the Bridge to Busan Declaration, marking a significant step towards creating an international and legally binding framework aimed at moderating the production of primary plastic polymers and addressing the important issue of plastic pollution. Urgency to Address Rising Plastic Production The Declaration comes in response to alarming predictions…
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…
The first European Flexpack Summit is scheduled to take place in early 2025. Organized by Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE), this event will bring together key players in the flexible packaging industry to discuss global market developments, trends, sustainability, and European legislation. Event and Activities The European Flexpack Summit will be hosted at the Torre…
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…
In conjunction with the recent World Environment Day, Eunomia Research Consulting published the Global Recycling League Table – Phase One Report, in collaboration with the Welsh Government, Reloop, Tomra and other companies. The report ranks the recycling of municipal waste from 48 countries, aiming to standardize recycling data reporting and provide a clear picture of…
The Highland Community Waste Partnership (HCWP) has launched an innovative pilot scheme in collaboration with Vytal, a German sustainable packaging company. This initiative aims to promote the use of returnable packaging across Scotland, encouraging businesses to reduce single-use packaging waste. The Returnable Packaging Scheme The pilot scheme seeks to enlist 20 businesses across both…