UK WRAP alliance and Ellen MacArthur Foundation launch UK Plastics Pact uniting national stakeholders; platform part of international initiative The Plastics Pact aiming to accelerate transition towards new plastics economy
April 26, 2018
Upcoming bans on single-use plastics
UK plans banning plastic straws and cotton buds; New York governor proposes statewide ban on plastic bags, with exemptions
April 19, 2018
Efficiency of ‘PET-eating’ enzyme can be improved
Scientists modify PET-degrading bacterial enzyme to make it more efficient; enzyme also supports PEF degradation; further improvement required to allow industrial application in plastics recycling
April 17, 2018
Deadline for Indian PET bottle ban extended
Consumers and retailers in Indian state Maharashtra must dispose of banned plastic items such as PET bottles smaller than 0.5 L until June 23, 2018
April 11, 2018
Microplastics in compost
New study finds microplastic particles in compost from supermarket and household waste; plastic fragments most likely remnants of food packaging; potential source of microplastic contamination in soil and freshwater
April 5, 2018
Opinion: More recycling won’t fix plastic problem
Opinion article by The Guardian highlights human health impact of plastic pollution, calls for reducing plastic production and banning classes of hazardous chemicals
April 4, 2018
Focus on PFASs
Ensia article summarizes environmental and health concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, addresses controversial substitution of long-chain PFASs with short-chain alternatives
April 4, 2018
UK to introduce bottle deposit system
UK government announces introduction of deposit return scheme for single-use drinks containers made of plastic, glass, metal; planned scheme subject to consultation later in 2018
March 27, 2018
India restricts use of PET bottles
Indian state Maharashtra bans PET bottles smaller than 0.5 L, orders deposit-return scheme for PET bottles bigger than 0.5 L and for milk pouches, requests alternative packaging material for milk such as glass
March 20, 2018
Stakeholders discuss EU plastics strategy
EU Commission holds stakeholder conference on circular economy and plastics strategy; industry experts call for stronger legislative support to reach recycling goals
