Plastics Circularity Multiplier conference presenting Horizon 2020-funded circular economy projects to take place online on October 14-16, 2020; webinars free of charge, additional registration to open soon
August 14, 2020
5th Progress Report by Global Plastics Alliance
Global Plastics Alliance reports ‘steady’ increase in marine litter prevention projects; Pew Charitable Trusts estimates that current commitments would enable only 7% reduction in annual plastic flows into the ocean
August 14, 2020
Growing demand for mono-material packaging
Report by Smithers predicts compound annual growth rate of 3.8% for mono-material plastic packaging films on global market; sees fast growth for polyethylene and polypropylene, slow growth for regenerated cellulose fiber, decline for polyvinyl chloride materials
August 14, 2020
Recent innovations in packaging
Companies present paper-based packaging for alcoholic beverages, multipack cans; new designs and materials for better recyclability; more products reported to use 100% recycled plastics
August 6, 2020
UK announces approach for circular economy package
Adopts most of the text previously agreed while EU member; outlines small technical changes from Waste Framework Directive, confirms intention to continue transition towards a circular economy
July 13, 2020
European Parliament passes resolution on chemicals strategy
Calls for ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ principle, specific provisions for endocrine disrupting chemicals in food contact materials to be treated similar to substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction
July 13, 2020
CEFLEX publishes flexible packaging guidelines
Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging initiative (CEFLEX) releases guidelines focused on polyolefin-based flexible packaging; includes recommendations on article’s size and shape, as well as on materials used, including barrier layers, coatings, inks, adhesives
June 30, 2020
ENVI committee adopts resolution on chemicals strategy
Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) Committee of European Parliament passes resolution calling for upcoming chemicals strategy to fully apply precautionary and polluter-pays principles; resulting legislation should address and minimize endocrine disrupting and other hazardous chemicals in products including food packaging and recycled materials
June 18, 2020
Report grades companies on responses to plastic pollution
Shareholder advocacy group As You Sow evaluates 50 largest US consumer-facing companies on their responses to address plastic pollution crisis; finds most companies too slow in adopting actions to prioritize packaging reduction and to promote reusability, recyclability, compostability; outlines key recommendations
June 10, 2020
ECHA online event discusses legislation goals
ECHA director presents interest in a single assessment approach for each substance to minimize burden, harmonize data structure across legislations; DG Environment director outlines EU goals for safer chemicals, leading transition to safe chemicals and non-chemical alternatives
