UK retailer Iceland to replace plastic packaging of own-brand products with paper and pulp by 2023; supports initiatives for plastic bottle deposit return scheme
January 17, 2018
EU plastics strategy published
European Commission adopts EU-wide strategy for plastics in the circular economy, aims to make all plastic packaging recyclable, reduce single-use plastics, ban intentional microplastics
January 12, 2018
WRAP and Ellen MacArthur to tackle plastics in UK
Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UK’s Waste and Resources Action Program announce initiative to tackle plastics in the UK; focus on plastic packaging; aim to eliminate single-use plastics, boost recycling, mobilize citizens
January 11, 2018
UK announces actions to reduce plastic waste
UK’s prime minister calls for plastic bag charge in all UK shops, plastic-free supermarket aisles, tax on single-use plastic items, funding for plastics innovation and aid for developing nations
January 9, 2018
Public consultation on marine litter and single-use plastics
EU Commission seeks feedback regarding actions on single-use plastics to reduce marine litter; consultation open until February 12, 2018
January 8, 2018
UK environment committee calls for bottle deposit system
Environmental Audit Committee of UK parliament demands nation-wide plastic bottle deposit return scheme, more access to free drinking water, increased packaging producer responsibility, and 50% recycled content in plastic bottles
November 27, 2017
UK may tax single-use plastics
UK government considers taxing disposable plastic items such as coffee cups and takeaway food containers to reduce plastic waste and pollution; call for evidence to be launched in 2018
November 22, 2017
Conference: Sustainability in packaging
Smithers Pira held “Sustainability in Packaging Europe” event on October 24-26, 2017 in Barcelona; speakers addressed plastic and packaging waste, packaging design, food waste, packaging machinery, and food brands’ activities
October 20, 2017
Plastics additives and recycling
Scientists review chemical additives in plastics, addressing migration and environmental impact during their use, disposal, and recycling; emission of toxics and contamination of recycled products should be avoided to ensure health and environmental protection
October 17, 2017
Opinion: Use of plastic packaging must stop
Former CEO of UK’s retailer Asda claims that recycling alone cannot solve ‘plastic proliferation crisis;’ calls on supermarkets to replace plastic packaging by alternative packaging, proposes creating ‘plastic-free aisles’
