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,…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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. …
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…