Partnership to improve UK recycling

The organizations WRAP and OPRL to work together to reduce consumer confusion related to recycling, improve quality and quantity of recyclate in UK

Safety of ‘Jász‐Plasztik’ recycling process

EFSA’s CEP Panel considers PET made by recycling process ‘Jász‐Plasztik’ safe for up to 100% use in food contact materials and articles under specified conditions

Assessment of voluntary plastics pledges

EU Commission assesses voluntary pledges made by industry in response to EU strategy for plastics in circular economy; chemical recycling frequently mentioned but rarely included in the volumes of recycled plastic pledged; more information needed on chemicals in plastic waste

Recycled plastics in food contact applications

Smithers Pira publishes white paper discussing use of recycled plastics in food contact applications

Plastics research project launches in UK

Kick-off meeting for new Exeter University research project EXeMPlaR brings together variety of different stakeholders; focus on solutions for circular plastics and economy in Southwest England

Implementation of EU circular economy plan

EU Commission evaluates implementation of its circular economy plan; all 54 actions outlined in 2015 ‘have now been delivered or are being implemented’

EU report on plastics innovations

EU Commission’s Directorate-General on Research and Innovation releases report on circular economy for plastics, summarizing research and innovation developments to provide reference information for future policy and funding decisions

Ubuntoo to connect changemakers

New digital platform Ubuntoo aims to promote innovative solutions to ending plastic pollution, seeks to connect ‘changemakers’ working on the issue around the world

Enzymatic recycling of PET

CARBIOS announces development of PET bottle made from ‘100% purified terephthalic acid’ obtained by ‘enzymatic biorecycling’ of mixed PET plastic waste, though challenges still remain to produce recycled resin fully comparable to virgin PET

Walmart to reduce plastic packaging waste

Retailer announces new commitments to reduce plastic waste; targets private brand packaging improvements including improved recyclability, increased recycled content, eliminating PVC