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Recent research from GoUnpackaged highlights a significant shift in consumer attitude towards single-use plastic. A majority of shoppers in the UK want retailers to offer more reuse and refill options, with many customers even prioritizing shopping at supermarkets that implement such systems, signaling that sustainability is becoming a crucial factor in retail competitiveness.   Research…

A coalition of European industry groups is urging EU policymakers to refine the Green Claims Directive by simplifying its substantiation and verification processes. Organizations from sectors including food, cosmetics, paper, and beverages, have signed a joint statement advocating for a more transparent framework that ensures businesses can meet environmental claim requirements without excessive burdens.  …

A recent report from Metal Packaging Europe and European Aluminium highlights a record-breaking achievement in aluminium beverage can recycling across Europe. Despite a minor decline in the overall recycling rate of aluminium beverage cans due to increased consumption and unchanged recycling infrastructure, the total volume of recycled aluminium reached an unprecedented 580,000 tonnes. This marks…

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 European Commission has introduced Regulation (EU) 2025/351, aimed at enhancing food safety through stricter controls on food contact materials (FCMs). This regulation amends existing frameworks on plastics, good manufacturing practices (GMPs), and recycling standards, ensuring consumer protection while promoting sustainability.   Clarification of Definitions One of the significant changes introduced by Regulation (EU) 2025/351…

The UK has launched PackUK, a scheme administrator dedicated to managing the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR). Officially introduced on January 21, 2025, this initiative aims to promote sustainability and shift the financial burden of packaging waste management from taxpayers and local authorities to the businesses that produce and distribute packaging materials.   Implementing…

The European Commission has approved a € 500 million initiative proposed by France for a chemical recycling scheme that supports certain types of plastic waste. This initiative aligns with EU circular economy goals outlined in the European Commission’s Political Guidelines for 2024-2029.   Materials and Funding of the Chemical Recycling Scheme The project targets various…

The European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC) has raised urgent concerns about the EU Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) 1157/2024, warning that its implementation threatens to severely impact global recycling markets and place European recyclers at a competitive disadvantage. EuRIC is calling for an immediate extension of the regulation’s deadlines to allow non-OECD countries sufficient time to…

Following last year’s announcement of the UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) launch in October 2027, the UK Government has formally introduced new regulations for a DRS, aimed at improving recycling rates for single-use drink containers in England and Northern Ireland. While the initiative marks a significant step toward tackling waste, industry leaders have raised concerns…

The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) has reached a significant milestone, now involving 25 countries and impacting more than 1.5 billion people. With the recent inclusion of Angola, Bangladesh, Gabon, Guatemala, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania, GPAP has grown into the largest international program dedicated to addressing plastic pollution.   A Growing Global Effort Against Plastic…

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…

A recent investigation by the Forever Lobbying Project has revealed that addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination across Europe could cost over € 2 trillion over the next two decades. This equates to an annual expense of approximately € 100 billion, highlighting the immense financial strain required to tackle the widespread pollution caused by…

Με την εφαρμογή του συστήματος επιστροφής εγγύησης (ΣΕΕ) για συσκευασίες ποτών μιας χρήσης από πλαστικό και μέταλλο να πλησιάζει, αναλύουμε όλες τις λεπτομέρειες σχετικά με τις υποχρεώσεις καταναλωτών και προμηθευτών, καθώς και το εγγυοδοτικό αντίτιμο, αλλά και τα σημεία και τρόπους επιστροφής των συσκευασιών.   Τι είναι το Σύστημα Επιστροφής Εγγύησης; Το σύστημα επιστροφής εγγύησης…

In 2024, European regulations made significant strides toward enhancing sustainability, promoting consumer protection, and addressing the environmental impacts of materials such as plastics and chemicals. These regulations, spanning various sectors from packaging waste to food contact materials, aim to establish a safer, greener future for the EU and its neighboring countries. This article highlights important…

Belgium has introduced stricter national regulations regarding packaging waste management to promote sustainability and enhance recycling efforts. These updated laws require businesses to adhere more strictly to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, ensuring greater accountability in the lifecycle management of packaging materials.   The Evolution of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) The EPR system, originally…

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) of the UK has recently introduced a framework to evaluate and categorize the recyclability of various packaging materials, under the Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) initiative. This system aims to help businesses understand how their packaging impacts recycling processes and associated costs.   Recyclability Assessment Framework…

A recent survey by Recoup, a UK plastics charity, reveals that local councils are struggling to prepare for upcoming waste management reforms, with many still unaware of the looming requirements for kerbside plastic collections. Additionally, inconsistent recycling instructions are causing public confusion, potentially hindering progress toward sustainability goals.   Fragmented Communication on Plastic Recycling Recoup’s…

Switzerland has revised its regulations on food contact materials, specifically targeting plastics and packaging inks. These changes, published in Official Collection 2024 755, have come into force from January 1, 2025. The amendments focus on enhancing consumer safety by tightening restrictions on certain chemical substances used in the production of these materials.   Key Amendments…

Japan has been making significant changes to its regulatory framework for food contact materials (FCMs), set to take effect on June 1, 2025. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has finalized the structure of the Positive List (PL) system for synthetic resin materials, marking a major shift in how chemicals used in food-related utensils,…

In December 19, 2024, the European Commission (EC) introduced Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, enforcing a strict ban on bisphenol A (BPA) and other hazardous bisphenols in food-contact materials. This measure aims to enhance consumer safety by eliminating harmful chemicals from products like plastics, coatings, adhesives, and printing inks.   The Ban This regulation enforces a broad…

A comprehensive study published in Environmental Science & Technology evaluates the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of plastic products versus their alternatives across 16 applications. These include key sectors such as packaging, construction, automotive, textiles, and consumer goods, which together account for 90 % of global plastic use. The findings reveal a counterintuitive reality: replacing plastics…

On 16th of December, the EU Council formally adopted the Package and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), aimed at reducing packaging waste and promoting sustainability. The rules set binding targets for re-use, restrict specific single-use packaging types, and require businesses to minimize packaging across its entire life cycle.   Safe, Sustainable, and Recyclable Packaging The regulation…

Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have achieved a breakthrough in developing eco-friendly alternatives to PET (polyethylene terephthalate) for packaging. By employing advanced metabolic engineering techniques, the team created a microbial strain capable of producing pseudoaromatic polyester monomers. These materials offer improved biodegradability and physical properties, presenting a promising solution…

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…

Germany’s aluminium industry has been seeing significant strides in both growth and innovation, with a new initiative aiming to take it even further. Aluminium Deutschland, IG Metall, and IGBCE, along with five German federal states and various social partners, have launched the German Aluminium Alliance. This alliance focuses on advancing the country’s aluminium sector towards…

The UK government has postponed the planned implementation of a £ 1.7 billion plastic packaging tax, originally scheduled for October 2024. The delay follows heavy lobbying from major industry groups, particularly in the food and beverage sector. The proposed tax, which was intended to charge up to £ 605 per tonne of plastic packaging, has…

A groundbreaking solution to the global issue of plastic pollution has emerged from the University of Edinburgh. E.V.A. Biosystems, a university startup, has developed a pioneering plastic that promises to help solve one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, by breaking itself down when entering water, without producing harmful microplastics.   Tackling Pollution with…

The European Commission has recently announced new regulations to limit the use of undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and its related substances, a sub-group of the widely scrutinized per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The decision is part of the EU’s broader efforts to protect both human health and the environment, under the REACH Regulation (1907/2006) which governs…

Starting January 1st, 2025, France will implement a significant environmental regulation under Article L-541-15-10 of the Environmental Code (CE), which introduces new restrictions on the use of plastic in food-related services in educational and childcare institutions. The ban will primarily affect collective catering in schools, universities, and facilities catering to children under six years old,…

The US Plastics Pact recently published an updated report emphasizing the urgent need to eliminate problematic and unnecessary materials from the plastics value chain. The document proposes new strategies for tackling circular design challenges, particularly the issue of contamination in recycling streams, and suggests a series of material bans, including those on oxo-degradable products.  …

As the world struggles with the growing crisis of plastic pollution, Earth Action released its annual report on this year’s Plastic Overshoot Day (POD), September 5, 2024. The findings shed light on the troubling state of global plastic waste management, revealing the 12 countries responsible for a staggering 60 % of the world’s mismanaged plastic…

On September 10, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that Keurig Dr. Pepper had been charged with a $ 1.5 million fine for making misleading statements regarding the recyclability of its widely used K-Cup coffee pods.   K-Cup Testing and Environmental Claims Keurig had set a goal to make all its K-Cup…

Tris(4-nonylphenyl) Phosphite (TNPP), commonly used as an antioxidant in plastics and rubber, has been proposed for classification as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) by French authorities. This is due to its degradation into 4-nonylphenol, a known endocrine disruptor.   What is Tris(4-nonylphenyl) Phosphite (TNPP)? Tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite (TNPP) is an industrial…

In a significant change of policy, the United States has announced its support for a global treaty that aims to cap plastic production and restrict harmful chemicals, according to Reuters. This shift from the previous U.S. stance, which aligned with countries opposing such regulations, brings U.S. closer to other nations’ ambitions of advocating for international…

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…

Regulation (EU) 1781/2024 was published in the Official Journal of the European Union during last June. Known as the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), it sets forth comprehensive ecodesign requirements aiming at enhancing the sustainability of products available in the EU market.   Framework for Sustainable Product Design Regulation (EU) 1781/2024 introduces a robust…

Plastic Free July, an annual event dedicated to reducing plastic consumption by specifically targeting single-use plastics, is completing its 14th year of running. This key initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation takes place every July, encouraging individuals, communities, and businesses to rethink their reliance on plastic and adopt more sustainable practices.   The Origins of…

In a bold move aimed at tackling Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) has called upon the European Commission (EC) to integrate waste incineration into the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The advocacy group argues that such a step would effectively penalize the incineration of fossil-based materials like plastics and synthetic textiles,…

Mislabelled or unclear food labels and packaging, pose a significant threat to consumers with food allergies, as highlighted by recent research from GS1 UK. The study found that 56 % of people that have experienced allergic reactions, was due to incorrect or confusing labels. To address this issue, GS1 is promoting the use of next-generation…

In a groundbreaking collaboration, industry giants BASF, UBE, Envalior, DOMO Chemicals, and Grupa Azoty ATT Polymers have established the non-profit Advanced Packaging Association (APA). Launched in 2023, the APA aims to advance the use of polyamide-based packaging, showcasing its high-performance capabilities and promoting fact-based sustainability assessments for flexible materials.   Highlighting Polyamide’s Sustainable Benefits The…

International organizations are urging the European Commission (EC) to extend the current ban on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) beyond food packaging, and include medical applications. This initiative, led by the environmental law organization Client Earth, aims to address the health risks associated with PVC in a wider range of packaging applications.   ECHA Report Highlights PVC…

Τις τελευταίες ημέρες κυκλοφόρησαν διάφορες ψευδείς ειδήσεις σχετικά με την έναρξη του Συστήματος Επιστροφής Εγγυοδοσίας (Deposit Return System – DRS) στην Ελλάδα από την 1η Ιουλίου 2024, καθώς και για σχετικές ανατιμήσεις σε προϊόντα. Το Υπουργείο Περιβάλλοντος και Ενέργειας διέψευσε τις εν λόγω φήμες σχετικά με το DRS σε επίσημη ανακοίνωση. Οι ανατιμήσεις, παρόλα αυτά,…

In 2023, the production value of food processing and packaging machinery hit a record-high of € 16.5 billion, marking a 5 % increase from the previous year. This notable achievement was highlighted in a press release by the VDMA (Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association), establishing the sector as the fifth-largest in the mechanical engineering…

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are set to make history, not just in athletic performance but in environmental sustainability. Organizers are taking significant steps to reduce the event’s environmental footprint, including the innovative use of recycled materials, making this year’s games to be the greenest ones yet.   Recycled Plastic Seats The standout feature…

A recent study conducted by CleanHub, an ocean plastics campaign group, has shed light on the alarming trend of plastic waste exportation revealing that Germany, Japan, and the UK are the leading contributors to this global issue.   Alarming Statistics CleanHub’s report reveals the concerning scale of plastic waste exportation, with an estimated 5 million…

Με αφορμή τις αρκετές περιπτώσεις τοποθέτησης επαναχρησιμοποιούμενων προϊόντων στην ελληνική αγορά, την Τρίτη 11 Ιουνίου το Υπουργείο Περιβάλλοντος και Ενέργειας εξέδωσε νέα εγκύκλιο με ορισμένες διευκρινίσεις σχετικά με τον χαρακτηρισμό προϊόντων, όπως τα καλαμάκια, ως επαναχρησιμοποιούμενων…

A groundbreaking technique for recycling polystyrene (PS) was developed by a team of chemical engineers from the University of Bath in the UK and Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, USA. Their method could make recycling PS both economically viable and energy efficient, revolutionizing the way this polymer is handled.   Research Details In a recent…

A significant majority of German and French adults are against using imported waste in recycled plastic products, according to a survey by Stagwell’s The Harris Poll, which was commissioned by Eastman, a global specialty materials company. The survey was conducted online, in February of 2024 and included over 1,000 participants from each country.   Key…

Italy has announced the seventh postponement of the nation’s Plastic Tax, now set to take effect in July 2026. This tax, which imposes a fixed levy of € 0,45 per kilogram of plastic products sold or purchased, affects producers, importers, and consumers alike.   The Origins of the Italian Plastic Tax The Plastic Tax was…

On the 27th of September, 2023, the European Union’s Official Journal (OJEU) published Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, introducing a group of restrictions on microplastics, under Annex XVII to the REACH regulation. This regulation marks a significant step in the EU’s commitment against microplastic pollution, aligning with the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan.…

Findings of a recent survey conducted by Aura, a packaging consultancy organization in the UK, provide significant insights into the current state of sustainability efforts among packaging professionals and their overall understanding of current packaging regulations.   The Survey The survey, which was conducted at the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) Impact 2024 conference in New…

In response to the growing demand for incorporating recycled materials in packaging, ELIPSO and FEBEA have collaborated to develop a guidance document, aimed at helping integrate the use of post-consumer recycled plastics (PCR) in cosmetics packaging.   The Guidance Document: Recycled Plastics in Cosmetics Packaging This Guidance Document, published on March 8, 2024, offers a…

As of February 1st, 2024, Switzerland has implemented Official Collection 2023 836, a list of significant revisions to the Swiss Ordinance that governs materials and articles in contact with food (Materials and Articles Ordinance, 817.023.21). These changes, mark a collective effort to align Swiss regulations with those of the European Union.   Scope of the…

During the first quarter of 2024, Europe has witnessed a notable surge in the prices of flexible packaging materials, due to significant disruptions in supply chain, and particularly on the case of shipping security in Red Sea. According to a recent press release by Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE), these disruptions have led to increased prices…

In a recent press release, Finnish producer Neste, a leader in renewable solutions, has announced its partnership with Lotte Chemical, a prominent South Korean chemical company. Together, they aim at revolutionizing the manufacturing market by replacing conventional fossil resources with renewable raw materials, for the production of chemicals and plastics.   The Partnership This collaborative…

E-commerce has revolutionized the way we buy our products, offering convenience and accessibility with a few clicks. However, behind this seamless experience, exists a significant environmental cost, particularly when it comes to the return of e-commerce products. A recent report from CleanHub sheds light on the alarming environmental impact of online shopping returns, revealing staggering…

On March 26th, 2024, the European Union, in its effort to empower consumers for a greener transition, implemented Directive (EU) 2024/825, also known as the Empowering Consumers Directive (ECD). This directive aims at fostering sustainable consumption patterns and tackles various misleading commercial practices, like greenwashing, that hinder consumers’ ability to make informed choices regarding the…

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been extensively utilized across various industrial and consumer sectors since the 1950s, due to their useful properties, including low surface energy and durable water- and oil-repellency, and finding application in a number of products, ranging from food packaging to firefighting foams. By taking into account a recent study, published…

Reverse vending pioneer, TOMRA Collection, has recently introduced its new Basic Line of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), tailored for retailers that enter Deposit Return Systems (DRSs). This initiative aims to simplify the collection of empty beverage containers for recycling, offering an easy and affordable solution to consumers and retailers, while conserving space and resources.   Basic…

Α few weeks ago, European Union took a significant step towards addressing the ongoing challenge of packaging waste with the provisional political agreement reached between the Council presidency and the European Parliament’s representatives on a proposal for the regulation on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR). The agreement was made in EU’s efforts to reduce the…

In an effort to reduce plastic waste pollution, Aldi UK has recently unveiled a traceability scheme, aimed at managing the 300 tonnes of post-consumer flexible plastic packaging collecting annually. This initiative marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing commitment to the environment and underlines the organization’s determination to address the escalating issue of plastic…

Τον Μάιο του 2023 εκδόθηκε ο νέος κανονισμός  2023/1115, για τη διαθεσιμότητα στην αγορά της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης και την εξαγωγή από την Ένωση ορισμένων βασικών και παράγωγων προϊόντων, που συνδέονται με την αποψίλωση και την υποβάθμιση των δασών, από το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο. Με τον κανονισμό να τίθεται σε ισχύ τον Ιούνιο του 2024, αναφέρουμε λεπτομέρειες…

In alignment with global efforts to reduce plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability, Germany has recently joined the countries implementing a plastic tax. Following the footsteps of Spain and UK, Germany introduced its plastic tax through the “Single-Use Plastic Fund Act” of May 11, 2023, (EWKFondsG in German) for short. Having taken effect on January…

Ireland has recently introduced its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), as part of its commitment to enhance the recycling efforts of the country. A survey conducted by Every Can Counts sheds light on consumer perceptions of the system and the challenges faced with this new initiative. While exploring the statistics of this survey, we hereby compare…

The latest figures of PRE’s report reveal that Europe’s plastics recycling capacity reached 12.5 million tonnes in 2022, marking a significant milestone in EU’s commitment to sustainability. However, the recycling growth rate of plastics took a relative dive, dropping year-on-year due to market disruptions and raising concerns about the future of the plastics recycling industry.…

In recent years, the issue of plastic waste exports has gained increasing attention, creating the demand for a re-evaluation of policies surrounding the export of plastic waste to non-Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (non-OECD) countries. Plastic recycling charity RECOUP has presented compelling arguments against a sudden ban on such exports, highlighting the need for…

Hubbub has recently released a comprehensive report that details the outcomes and insights gained from six reuse system projects, funded by the Bring It Back Fund. These projects explored diverse approaches, from reuse tracking software to loyalty programs and doorstep packaging collection, and Hubbub reveals the key ingredients of their successful approaches.   The Bring…

We are excited to announce the deployment of a new Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) instrument from Agilent Technologies, which will actively contribute our team’s endeavor to offer high-quality analysis services to all our customers.     ICP instruments allow the reliable and accurate measurement of metals in liquid or solid products (such…

According to a recent report, Plastics Europe has shared some interesting facts about recyclability and circularity of plastics in both European and global scale. More specifically, the production growth of circular plastics worldwide is studied and also the challenges that European plastic producers face, as well as the consequences these might have on the future…

During the last few years, there has been a significant change in the use of packaging products, as more individuals and businesses start replacing conventional products with reusable ones. With the finalization of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) on the way, we are examining a successful example of the reusable packaging movement in…

The Packaging Innovations event is vital for a large range of industries, including pharma, beverage, food service, FMCG, food, and beauty and personal care.

A new EU Implementing Decision for the application of Directive (EC) 2019/904, regarding single-use plastic bottles, has been announced. This Decision introduces important notes on plastic bottles which consist of recycled plastic deriving from countries outside of Europe, along with new definitions for the recycling of plastics.   EU Commission Implementing Decision for Plastic Bottles…

Despite several studies on PA/PE films, recycling guidelines of various organizations still classify polyamide (PA)-containing packaging as non-recyclable. The independent institute “Cyclos-HTP”, along with “BASF”, have conducted further extensive research into recyclability of multilayer films that contain polyamide 6 (PA6) and ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer, with promising results in a standard polyethylene (PE) stream.…

A common question among food and cosmetic producers is whether recyclability assessment on flexible packaging is feasible or not. Apart from Legislation EU 1616/2020 on recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foods and Directive EU 62/1994 which mainly focuses on some essential requirements on packaging volume and weight, there is…

On the 21st of October 2023, the International Thessaloniki Night Halfmarathon was held at the center of Thessaloniki, marking the 11th year of the annual event. Pack-Lab’s team was among the 18,000 runners that participated in the marathon, making it the biggest Night Halfmarathon yet and consisting participations from 61 countries. The event was divided…

  We are pleased to announce that our laboratory has recently made a significant investment in a state-of-the-art laboratory dynamometer aiming to expand its range of testing services and serve even the most urgent needs. Thanks to this newly acquired equipment, Pack-Lab is able to conduct, in-house, the following testing procedures: Tensile properties of films…

For a large percentage of industries worldwide, flexible packaging is considered to be one of the most common ways to store and sell products to consumers, due to its many advantages. However, it is the challenge of treatment of these plastics, which calls for better and more efficient ways to recycle this kind of multilayer…

Chemical Recycling is the process of alternating the chemical structure of polymeric waste and transforming them into materials that can be used for the manufacture of plastics and other products. While it is considered to be an effective way to recycle plastic polymers, it is still a form of recycling that needs further research and…

On the 3rd of July 2021, the European Union decided to act against the pollution caused by all the different kinds of plastic waste that are slowly but steadily increasing every day in beaches, seas and oceans alike. Thus, the ban of single-use plastic products was first introduced in Europe. More than two years later…

Optimization of packaging converting companies is a key element for their sucess in today’s competitive market. If optimization is performed properly: Decreases non-conformities Reduces production costs Enhances and stabilizes final product’s quality We are happy to announce that Pack-Lab recently completed a rigorous consulting project on behalf of a flexible packaging converting company in the…

Εντός του 2023 αναμένεται η ολοκλήρωση του κανονισμού σχετικά με τα απορρίμματα συσκευασίας, ο οποίος θα αντικαταστήσει την παλαιότερη οδηγία ΕΕ / 62/1994. Η πρόταση για την ανανέωση έχει κατατεθεί στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση λίγο πριν το τέλος του 2022. Ο νέος κανονισμός έχει ως στόχο τη μείωση των απορριμμάτων συσκευασιών, την προώθηση χρήσης ανακυκλωμένου υλικού καθώς και την ενίσχυση…