CARBIOS announces production of PET bottles from enzymatically recycled PET textile waste; ability to tap new previously disregarded sources of materials for recycling
Ellen MacArthur Foundation publishes new upstream innovation guide
New report on upstream innovation introduces mindset, gives guidance to implement elimination, reuse, and material recirculation; demonstrates successful implementation in several case studies; provides interactive resources to stakeholders
New Plastics Economy progress report 2020
Ellen MacArthur Foundation summarizes progress made by business and government signatories since 2019; identifies focus towards increase of recycled content, phasing out problematic items; sees little development in increasing plastic packaging recyclability, reducing single-use packaging
China works on strategy for recycled FCMs
National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) surveys industry on the use of recycled food contact materials and initiates ‘basic research’ to inform development of risk management strategy for recycled FCMs
Packaging sustainability during the pandemic
Consultancy McKinsey & Company publishes paper on consumers’ views towards sustainability in packaging, as influenced by COVID 19 pandemic; urges more focus on proactive communication with consumers and supply chain partners, holistic approach to sustainability and hygiene requirements
Circular economy
A circular economy seeks to maintain the value of products and close the material loops in industrial systems, while minimizing waste and reducing raw material and energy inputs. Sometimes also referred to as the ‘circularity’ of a product. Increased recycling of food packaging waste is seen as an important component enabling the transition to a circular economy, but it presents particular challenges, especially with regard to chemical safety.
UN urges removing hazardous additives in plastics
Report by United Nations’ regional center investigates presence of toxic substances added into plastics; identifies key chemical classes and product categories of concern; calls for redesigning materials, transparent ingredient labelling, increased producer responsibility
Update of circular packaging design guidelines
FH Campus Wien publishes third edition of its Circular Packaging Design Guideline; provides recommendations for designing recyclable packaging; updated to reflect new legal and structural framework conditions, country-specific details
Greenpeace report on reusables
Greenpeace launches report on reusables, argues that ‘reusables are doable’ also during the pandemic, which thus should not be used as an excuse to stick with throwaway plastics
US Plastics Pact launched
Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Plastics Pact network expands to include US Plastics Pact collaborative with over 60 signatories