Bills in both states aim to curb the use of single-use packaging and products; Vermont bans polystyrene packaging, plastic bags, straws; California to reduce waste from single-use packaging and products by 75%, require recyclability or compostability
May 23, 2019
Global Food Contact conference updates
Smithers Pira conference covers global developments in food contact regulations and materials; focus on NIAS testing, non-harmonized EU materials, regulatory changes in Asia
May 23, 2019
Fiber tray to replace black plastic
Supermarket chain Waitrose & Partners introduces fiber based packaging for ready-made meals; tray is microwave and oven safe, recyclable in paper stream, compostable at home
May 22, 2019
EU Council adopts single-use plastic bans
European Council formally adopts new rules on single-use plastics and recycling targets; directive completes final step before becoming law; England to ban plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds from April 2020
May 16, 2019
Plastics and climate change
CIEL report highlights plastics’ contribution to climate change, urges global ban on single-use plastics
May 13, 2019
Basel Convention to control plastic waste trade
Parties to the Convention adopt changes to place plastic waste under the Prior Informed Consent procedure; requires plastic waste exporters to obtain permission from importing countries
May 8, 2019
IPEN: ‘alarming levels’ in recycled plastics
Analyses of consumer products made of recycled plastics show high concentrations of brominated dioxins and brominated flame retardants; IPEN calls for stricter controls
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
April 26, 2019
Digital platform tracks recycled plastics
Industry association launches online platform to support plastic converter industry in tracking use of recycled polymers in products; aims to expand to more EU languages, add additional modules
April 15, 2019
Challenges and developments in plastic converter industry
Food Contact Plastics Seminar 2019 discusses use of the mutual recognition principle, improved supply chain communication, analysis of non-intentionally added substances, and regulation of recycling for plastic FCMs
