Plastainability 2025 - panel of discussion

Plastainability 2025: Europe’s Plastics Sector Confronts Strategic Challenges

Athens, November 3, 2025 – The European plastics industry gathered in Athens for Plastainability 2025, a high-level conference focused on the sector’s competitiveness, circularity and long-term sustainability. Organized under the theme of navigating change and industrial transformation, the event brought together leading representatives from European plastics and chemical associations, policymakers and experts in waste management…

ecolabel

Driving Greener Choices in Packaging Procurement with the EU Ecolabel

Sustainability is steadily transforming public procurement across Europe, and the packaging industry is no exception. The recent live broadcast organized by the European Commission on 10 October 2025 highlighted the role of the EU Ecolabel in helping public buyers select greener products more easily, efficiently, and cost-effectively. With over 110,000 certified goods now on the…

Turkey Allows Recycled Plastics in Food Contact Materials

Turkey Allows Recycled Plastics in Food Contact Materials

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.…

Research: Turning Food Waste into Future Packaging - Realistic Food Waste Composition

Research: Turning Food Waste into Future Packaging

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…

European Plastics Industry Near Breaking Point as Competitiveness Collapses

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…

European Reuse Sector Calls for Unified and Enforceable Reuse Symbol

European Reuse Sector Calls for Unified and Enforceable Reuse Symbol

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…

Packaging Regulations in Africa: 2025 Updates

Packaging Regulations in Africa: 2025 Updates

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…

ECHA Proposes Adding Three Substances to the SVHC Candidate List -

ECHA Proposes Adding Three Substances to the SVHC Candidate List

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

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…