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
April 15, 2019
Southeast Asian supermarkets switch to banana leaves
Supermarkets in Thailand and Vietnam trial wrapping produce in banana leaves rather than plastic packaging; other food packaging changes in region reported
April 11, 2019
Increase in demand for biodegradable films
Demand for biodegradable films forecasted to increase 5.4% annually, reach a market value of $122 million; growing composting infrastructure and government initiatives to reduce landfilling to boost growth
April 9, 2019
Infographics on plastics and health
Gallifrey Foundation publishes infographics on life cycle stages of plastics and risks to human health
April 3, 2019
EFSA plastics recycling working group: 4th meeting
EFSA’s CEP Panel working group on recycling plastics holds 4th meeting; minutes now available online
March 28, 2019
EU Parliament bans certain single-use plastics
European Parliament agrees on measures to ban specific single-use plastics in EU by 2021, sets targets for bottle collection and recycled content, extends producer responsibility and labeling
March 25, 2019
Starbucks to trial compostable cups
Coffee company and coffeehouse chain Starbucks announces trialing of recyclable, compostable cups in several U.S. cities; NGO highlights need for change in consumer behavior, advocates for more reusable cups
March 20, 2019
Low plastic collection rates in U.S.
Plastic recyclers comment on the ongoing problem of low plastic collection rates in the U.S.; criticize soft drink companies for fighting introduction of bottle deposit tax, call for collection rate to rise from 30% to 70%
March 20, 2019
Launch of Chemical Recycling Europe
New association for chemical recycling launches in Europe; conference on the topic to be held June 4, 2019 in Brussels
March 19, 2019
IdentiPlast 2019 conference
Conference on recycling and recovery of plastics brings together 340 participants from across plastics supply chain and public authorities; discussions focus on technical aspects of improving plastic waste management
