Turkey has officially amended its Food Codex Regulation to allow the use of recycled plastics in materials intended to come into contact with food. This regulatory development, which entered into force on September 15, 2025, marks a significant shift in national policy toward circularity and sustainability in packaging, while emphasizing safety and strict quality control.…
We are excited to announce the acquisition of a new Oxygen Transmission Rate (O.T.R.) Analyzer, which will further enhance our laboratory’s capabilities and support our commitment to providing precise and reliable testing services to our customers. The O.T.R. Analyzer allows for accurate measurement of oxygen permeability in packaging materials, helping our clients ensure…
Monash University of Australia has announced a breakthrough in its research on biodegradable plastics technology, by converting food waste sugars into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) biopolymers. This innovation could redefine sustainable packaging by replacing petroleum-based plastics with compostable, renewable alternatives. From Food Waste to Functional Film The Monash researchers developed natural plastic films derived from sugars…
India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has issued a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, proposing a complete ban on the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials. The move, released through a draft notification on October 6, 2025, marks a…
Μετά από καθυστερήσεις ετών, το Σύστημα Επιστροφής Εγγύησης (Deposit Return System – DRS) παίρνει επιτέλους μορφή και στην Ελλάδα με την ίδρυση της DRS Hellas A.E.. Ο νέος φορέας θα αναλάβει τη λειτουργία του πανελλαδικού συστήματος επιστροφής πλαστικών και μεταλλικών συσκευασιών ποτών, ενθαρρύνοντας τους καταναλωτές να επιστρέφουν τις άδειες συσκευασίες τους και να λαμβάνουν πίσω…
According to Plastics Europe’s latest press release, European plastics manufacturers are facing an unprecedented decline in global competitiveness, with new data revealing a shrinking market share, falling turnover and a stalled transition toward circular production. EU Plastics Market Share Freefalling Despite Brief Stabilization After a record contraction in 2023 (-7.6%), Europe’s plastics production showed…
A coalition of 78 organizations from the European reusable packaging sector has jointly called on the European Commission to establish a clear and enforceable symbol that distinguishes reusable packaging from single-use alternatives. Industry Unites for Clarity in Reuse Labelling Led by the New European Reuse Alliance and Reusable Packaging Europe, the statement expresses support…
Denmark has completed a public consultation on its proposed draft governing food contact materials (FCMs) and articles, a move that could reshape the nation’s packaging standards. We outline the main points of the proposed Executive Order, its scope and the implications for businesses. If approved, the new rules will come into effect on January 1,…
Governments across Africa have introduced a wave of new packaging regulations in 2025, focusing on extended producer responsibility (EPR), bans on single-use plastics, and harmonization of technical standards. These measures aim to reduce waste, encourage recycling, and align national policies with international trade requirements. This article highlights the most recent developments, from Kenya’s EPR rollout…
On September 1st 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced a proposal to add three substances to the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). A public consultation on the proposal is now open and will run until October 16, 2025. Substances Under Review The substances under review are: 4,4′-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol and its…
India’s rPET industry (recycled PET) is facing turbulence after amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules created uncertainty around recycled content obligations. The Association of PET Recyclers (Bharat), which represents Indian recycling companies, has warned that brand owners are stalling procurement, undermining demand and threatening years of investment. Brand Owners Delay Purchases Amid Rule…
The European Commission has proposed raising the EU-wide levy on non-recycled plastic packaging waste, in order to account for inflation, which has eroded the real value of the current charge. Introduced in 2021 as part of measures to balance the budget after Brexit, the levy has already generated an estimated € 7.2 billion in revenue.…