The Global Plastics Treaty’s negotiations under the 5th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) have halted. While the session marked significant progress, unresolved issues indicate that further negotiations will be needed to create a comprehensive solution to the global plastic crisis. Introduction to the UN Plastics Treaty The UN Plastics Treaty is an…
While plastic pollution poses a significant environmental challenge, a new OECD report suggests that comprehensive global policies can reduce plastic leakage into the environment by 96 %, by 2040. These policies address the entire lifecycle of plastics, including production, use, and disposal. This balanced approach not only improves waste management and recycling but also reduces…
In August 2024, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) announced significant updates to its recommendations for materials and articles that come into contact with food. These changes, which apply to silicones, paper and board, specialized baking papers, and temperature-resistant coatings, are already in effect. While all five revised guidelines introduce noteworthy updates, the…
The European plastics recycling industry is faced with a significant recession. Challenges such as declining demand for European recyclates, reduced domestic investments, and an influx of imports with questionable recycled content claims, have placed immense strain on the sector. These pressures have driven many recycling companies to shut down in 2023, with more closures anticipated…
The Bureau for International Recycling (BIR), representing over 30,000 companies across 73 nations, has raised concerns about the adverse effects of restrictive trade policies on recycled materials. A recent position paper, approved by the World Council of Recycling Associations in Singapore, highlights how these trade barriers undermine the recycling industry’s potential to drive sustainable practices…
On October 17, 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an updated scientific opinion on the safety of silicon dioxide (E 551) as a food additive. Commonly used as an anti-caking agent, E 551 prevents powdered foods from clumping together and is widely permitted in the EU for various food products, including those intended…
A global movement to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals known for their environmental persistence and health risks, is intensifying. Recently, the European Union, the State of California and Japan introduced new restrictions targeting various PFAS compounds. These include defluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and PFOS-related substances, focusing on…
The Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) has raised attention to ongoing issues with the UK’s single-use plastic ban (SUP), pointing out that some retailers and online sellers continue to sell items included in the prohibition. According to the FPA, certain sellers are using loopholes, such as labeling plastic cutlery as reusable, to avoid restrictions. The FPA…
In a bid to raise awareness about recycling on-the-go packaging, environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) has initiated an eight-week campaign aimed at encouraging people to dispose of their packaging waste in the correct recycling bins. Supported by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain (CCEP), the campaign seeks to reduce litter and improve recycling habits across…
Recent research by CCS McLays, a supplier of retail and catering consumables, highlights that a significant portion of British consumers are increasingly dissatisfied with the current standards of delivery packaging and are calling on food outlets to adopt tamper-proof and secure packaging. With nearly half of consumers specifically requesting tamper-evident bags, the message to food…
The UK non-profit organization, Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), is pressing the UK Government to enforce a ban on plastic packaging for uncut fresh fruits and vegetables in retail. This recommendation is part of WRAP’s broader strategy to cut down on food and plastic waste, aiming to reduce the UK’s overall environmental impact by…
The 2024 BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) Summit in Berkeley, California, brought together over 200 composters, packaging manufacturers, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of compostable packaging. The event was hosted by BPI and highlighted the ongoing debate about compostable packaging’s role in organic recycling. With the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expected to make…