EU elections: NGOs call for action on chemicals

European NGOs publish manifestos ahead of EU parliamentary elections calling for action on a range of issues including exposure to hazardous chemicals, EDCs, and a clean circular economy

ERM seminar on food contact materials

Consultancy firm ERM holds seminar focusing on current developments in regulatory compliance; discuss non-intentionally added substances, recycling, circular economy

Ecodesign of plastics

NGO ECOS launches study on ecodesign of plastics; anticipated report seeks to assess available policy tools, identify development needs

Tesco trials packaging-free produce

UK retailer launches trial at two stores to sell 45 produce products without packaging for one month; aims to keep reducing amount of packaging and ensure recyclability

New Plastics Economy: Global commitment report

New Plastics Economy initiative of Ellen MacArthur Foundation launches its first Global Commitment report detailing industry and government progress on tackling plastic pollution

ChemSec report on circular economy

Published report focuses on chemicals as overlooked part of a circular economy; urges companies to not rely on legal compliance alone, calls for avoiding hazardous substances during design stage and speeding up regulation

NextGen Cup Challenge winners announced

Winners of challenge to re-imagine and improve single-use cups announced, focused on innovative cup liners, new materials, reusable cup service models; six teams continue into business accelerator for scale-up

Code of conduct for polyolefin packaging

Polyolefin producer Borealis AG publishes code to design for recyclability, aims to maximize quality and quantity of recyclable packaging

Assessment of voluntary plastics pledges

EU Commission assesses voluntary pledges made by industry in response to EU strategy for plastics in circular economy; chemical recycling frequently mentioned but rarely included in the volumes of recycled plastic pledged; more information needed on chemicals in plastic waste

Circular economy stakeholder conference

European Commission and European Economic and Social Committee host 2019 conference on circular economy, focus on success stories and new challenges