The Forum for Exchange of Information on Enforcement (Forum) launches 9th REACH enforcement project (REF-9) and pilot project; examines if SVHCs placed on the market have been authorized, checks practice if registration exception for substances recovered from wastes is compliant under REACH, results are to be expected by 2022.
January 19, 2021
“Plastic Health” web channel launched
Plastic Soup Foundation launches “Plastic Health” web series discussing latest scientific evidence; announces publication of expert opinions, interviews on hazards of microplastics, nanoplastics, and additives
January 12, 2021
REFUCOAT develops recyclable, active packaging
EU Horizon 2020 Project REFUCOAT develops three packaging materials to reduce plastic waste and food loss, uses bacteriophage-based coating to reduce Salmonella proliferation in chicken breast, more efficient synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and polyglycolide (PGA)
January 11, 2021
Save Our Seas 2.0 Act becomes law in US
New US law provides annual funding for waste and recycling management, anti-littering campaigns, new Marine Debris Foundation, innovation prize; supported by chemical and plastics manufactures as needed infrastructure investment, criticized by civil society organizations as not addressing excessive plastic production as root problem
January 8, 2021
ZWE estimates lower recycling rates for beverage cartons
Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) estimates recycling of beverage cartons for Germany, Spain, Sweden, and UK; uses EU’s updated recycling calculation methodology, finds results lower than reported previously by Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE) ; ZWE recommends investment in reuse and recycling infrastructure, effective collection and sorting systems, widely recognized recyclability label
January 8, 2021
Recycling of aluminum cans in EU reaches 76 %
Europäischer Wirtschaftsdienst (EUWID) reports aluminum can recycling increases 2% in Europe compared to 2018, reaches 76% corresponding to 457 000 tonnes; highest recycling rate reported for Germany (99%)
January 5, 2021
New EU rules restrict export of plastic waste
European Commission adopts new regulation banning export of hazardous and hard to recycle plastic waste to non-OECD countries from January 1, 2021; clean and recyclable plastic exports to only be approved under strict conditions; prior informed consent required for all intra-EU shipments
December 16, 2020
Flexible film stakeholders consider toxic chemicals
Collaboration led by RCD Packaging Innovation brings together 80 representatives from flexible film packaging supply chain; focuses on addressing issues needed to achieve ‘waste-free future’; identifies migration of toxic chemicals as priority area with significant efforts still needed
December 16, 2020
PlasticsEurope report on plastic demand and waste
Industry association’s annual report provides data on Europe’s 2019 demand for plastic and end-of-life management; presents consumption by country, resin type; identifies packaging as greatest demand sector for plastics; finds average European plastics recycling collection rate of 42%
December 9, 2020
FPF launches database on food brand and retailer packaging initiatives
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) releases global database of initiatives and commitments by food retailers and brands to voluntarily improve their food packaging; includes efforts to improve chemical safety and resource efficiency beyond legal requirements; currently contains over 250 unique companies and associations, will be regularly updated
