Topics
circular economy
December 6, 2021
16th annual European Bioplastics conference focuses on role of bioplastics in EU policies, new opportunities of compostable plastics and their performance in the open environment, measuring and communicating sustainability of bio-based plastics, bioplastics market development, and applications
Reading time: 5 minutes
November 23, 2021
Finds global virgin plastic production for signatory brands and retailers has likely peaked; progress so far driven by recycling, but warns recycling is not the solution and elimination of single-use packaging urgently needed; separate reports find US polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle recycling rates decreasing and Australia not meeting plastic recycling targets
Reading time: 2 minutes
November 16, 2021
New strategy sets out five objectives including improving markets for recycled commodities, increasing collection, and standardizing measurements; sets nationwide recycling rate target of 50% by 2030; agency to work with stakeholders over coming months on implementation
Reading time: 2 minutes
October 26, 2021
Qualitative research study explores utility of digitalization to adopt wider use of reusable packaging; identifies barriers for business adoption; shows how trackability through digitalization promotes a circular economy
Topics: circular economy
Reading time: 2 minutes
October 13, 2021
Scientists’ Viewpoint proposes ‘chemical simplification’ to deal with increasing chemical pollution; names reduction of number of chemicals used in products and grouping approaches as cornerstones for simplification and innovation in science and engineering as prerequisite
Reading time: 3 minutes
August 17, 2021
Scientific study characterizes chemicals contained in 210 consumer products made of recycled or virgin material regarding identity, functional use, structural class, and origin and prioritizes chemicals; 65% of chemicals with greater concentrations in recycled materials, along with a higher number of flame retardants, biocides, dyes, and fragrances in recycled materials
Reading time: 4 minutes
August 11, 2021
Literature review explores opportunities of bio-based active materials in food packaging applications and the circular economy; demonstrates high research interest in the topic over last 20 years; finds agro-industrial waste as promising, renewable, and environmentally friendly resource for bio-based materials; study finds circular economy to be the focus of perspective articles to mitigate plastic pollution but mismatch with psychosocial research
Reading time: 4 minutes
July 20, 2021
Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard evaluates and compares impacts of foodware and food packaging; beta version of the tool published, new features and expanded product coverage planned; developed by a multistakeholder collaboration including the Food Packaging Forum
Topics: circular economy, glass, LCA, metals, paper & board, plastics, pollution, recycling, scorecard
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 16, 2021
Over 100 businesses from the packaging value chain endorse extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes for packaging; includes food brands and packaging companies such as PepsiCo, Nestlé, Mars Inc., and TetraPak, as well as NGOs, recyclers, and government organizations; endorsers commit to aligning their organization to EPR principles and support engagement with governments, peers, collaborators, and stakeholders
Reading time: 1 minute
June 14, 2021
Scientists at the German Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) give practical recommendations for food supply companies, associations as well as decision-makers related to reducing single-use and supporting multiple-use packaging, recycling, and innovation on a technological and organizational level
Reading time: 2 minutes
