European Commission (EC) holds meeting reviewing draft regulatory texts for 15th and 16th amendment of plastics regulation 10/2011 and for plastic food contact materials (FCMs) recycling regulation; contemplates regulatory options for novel FCMs including plastics with bamboo fibers; presents specific updates and timelines for future work
February 27, 2020
Concerns over recycled ocean-bound plastic packaging
UK branch of supermarket chain Lidl announces new packaging for fish made from at least 30% recycled ocean-bound plastic from March 2020; stakeholders raise concerns over safety of chemicals that could be present
February 24, 2020
Thailand considers use of recycled plastic FCMs
Food and Drug Administration publishes survey to collect information on chemicals used in virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) production; results to inform updating regulation, responses due by April 10, 2020
February 19, 2020
Stakeholders criticize labeling, terminology of plastic packaging
Greenpeace report finds only 53% of all US material recovery facilities accept polypropylene products, argues they should therefore not be labeled and marketed to consumers as recyclable; bottled water association advocates against the term ‘single-use,’ concerned it confuses consumers and limits recycling
February 18, 2020
The Guardian discusses plastic food container safety
Article introduces recent research quantifying chemicals that could be present in packaging, testing chemical toxicity; emphasizes chemical unknowns, recommends tips for consumers to minimize chemical and plastic particle exposure
February 13, 2020
Debut of ‘Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act’ in U.S.
U.S. senators and representatives present wide-ranging bill to address plastic pollution; aims to extend producer responsibility, implement nationwide container refund system, phase out single-use plastic items, increase minimum recycled content
January 29, 2020
Improving material sorting through fluorescent markers
Nextek develops marker for plastic food packaging labels to improve separation from non-food packaging during recycling; achieves 96% purity and meets EU requirements
January 28, 2020
Survey quantifies consumer perceptions by packaging types
2019 EcoFocus Trends Survey finds consumers perceive glass and paper-based packaging as most healthy and eco-friendly, 64% of millennials willing to pay for eco-friendly products
January 27, 2020
Coca-Cola to continue using plastic bottles
Company head of sustainability speaks at World Economic Forum; says customers like plastic packaging, instead plans to increase bottle recycling by 2030
January 20, 2020
China to ban single-use straws, plastic bags
Country’s National Development and Reform Commission announces ban of straws by 2020, non-degradable plastic bags by 2022, restaurant industry to reduce single-use plastic use by 2025
