China Updates Food-Contact Standards: Silicone Rubber & Coatings
On September 25, 2025, China’s established 32 new national food-safety standards and issued two amendments (GB 4806.16-2025 and GB 4806.10-2025).
ECHA Publishes Updated EU PFAS Restriction Proposal
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has released its updated proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the EU’s chemicals regulation REACH (Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006). The update represents Europe’s ongoing efforts to curb PFAS emissions and strengthen controls across a wide range of applications, including those in the packaging and…
O.T.R. Analyzer: Our Latest Technological Upgrade
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…
European Plastics Industry Near Breaking Point as Competitiveness Collapses
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…
Policy Uncertainty Threatens India’s rPET Industry
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…
UK Packaging Sustainability Regulations: Risks of Falling Behind the EU
A joint analysis by The Guardian and the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) warns that the United Kingdom is falling behind the European Union on environmental protections in the wake of Brexit. Since leaving the EU, Britain has rolled back at least four significant safeguards covering habitats, air and water quality, and chemical safety.…
EU Rules for Chemically-Recycled PET in Plastic Bottles
In the European Commission’s latest publication, new draft rules have been put forward to standardize how companies calculate, verify and report chemically-recycled content in single-use plastic beverage bottles. This initiative is part of the EU’s push to achieve strict recycled content targets under the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), which demands 25 % recycled PET in…
Countries with DRS Linked to Major Drop in Beach Litter
A global review of waste and pollution data has revealed that countries with deposit return schemes (DRS) see significantly less drinks container litter on their beaches. According to circular economy organization Reloop, nations that have adopted these systems report, on average, a 54% reduction in beverage container waste in coastal areas. Drastic Cut in…
Stalled Momentum in Rigid Polyolefins Recycling Across Europe
The once-promising expansion of rigid polyolefin recycling in Europe has reached an impasse, according to a recent joint analysis by Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) and ICIS. After years of steady growth, recycling capacities for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) plateaued in 2023, revealing a significant slowdown in progress within the European recycling sector. …
KIDV Releases English Versions of 2025 Recycle Checks
A few days ago, the Netherlands Institute for Sustainable Packaging (KIDV) published the English translations of its 2025 Recycle Checks for various packaging materials, including rigid and flexible plastics, glass, metal, paper, cardboard, and beverage cartons. These tools help companies determine if their packaging designs meet recyclability standards. Unified Online Platform for All Materials…
India Enhances Plastic Waste Management Rules
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 Growing Challenge of Sustainable Packaging Data Compliance
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…