Alliance of non-governmental organizations Global Initiative for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) publishes technical report and research briefing on chemical recycling technologies for plastic waste; identifies limitations related to environmental emissions, carbon footprint, scale-up, economic viability; argues chemical recycling does not fit within circular economy
March 20, 2020
South Korea amending food packaging standards
Notification submitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO); notes changes planned to common manufacturing standards, allowing use of additional recycled plastic resins; comment period open until May 30, 2020
March 12, 2020
Cefic paper advocates for chemical recycling
European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) article and position paper recognize chemical recycling as complementary solution to boost plastics recycling, support circular economy; call for greater supply chain collaboration, backing from policymakers
October 17, 2019
Recent conferences on plastics recycling
Series of recent conferences on both continents focus on discussing challenges and opportunities surrounding plastics recycling, increasing recycled content in products; group of NGOs criticize Circular Plastics Alliance for overlooking hazardous chemicals; predicted lower prices of virgin PET seen as future test of commitment to set sustainability targets
October 1, 2019
Zero Waste Europe webinar on chemical recycling
Webinar on November 12, 2019, to address techniques within chemical recycling, provide comparison with mechanical recycling, review current state of the technology and existing policies; includes speakers from Plastic Energy and DG Environment
September 20, 2019
EC’s meeting with European FCM industry
EU Commission presents ongoing work in FCM field to professional associations; amendments to recycling plastics regulation and specific measure on ‘glymo’ in preparation; authorization of recycling processes expected by Q3 2020; final publication of updated EFSA opinion on phthalates in FCMs expected soon
September 2, 2019
Study on chemical recycling in Europe
Zero Waste Europe publishes study on information availability and current state of chemical recycling implementation in Europe; sees chemical recycling as complementary to mechanical recycling but not as ‘real solution’
May 21, 2019
Tupperware to use chemically recycled plastic
Housewares manufacturer to produce new food contact products using chemically recycled mixed plastics; reusable straw and to-go coffee cup to be made beginning this summer
May 16, 2019
Webinar on chemical recycling
Webinar hosted by PAC Packaging Consortium to feature speakers from 3 companies involved in chemical recycling of plastics
May 6, 2019
Calls to upgrade U.S. recycling system
U.S. House Committee discusses needs for improving plastic recycling in U.S.; only 9% of all plastics currently being recycled, 92% of consumers unsure or misinformed about recyclability of plastic products
