Topics
food packaging
July 21, 2026
UK government releases 2027 recyclability assessment methodology; large packaging producers legally required to use it; rates packaging as red, amber or green; automatic red in case of electrical components, chemicals of concern, non-compliant inks, PFAS, non-compliant food contact materials, restricted packaging formats including certain single-use plastics; first-year reporting highlights challenges improving packaging recyclability
Reading time: 3 minutes
July 15, 2026
European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) publishes updated model estimating packaging placed on the market across 19 EU countries; finds plastic packaging volumes increased by about 11% between 2011 and 2025; identifies substantial differences in packaging material use and potential material shifts across product categories and countries
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 18, 2026
PR3: The Global Alliance to Advance Reuse launches universal reuse symbol; symbol used to identify reusable packaging and reuse systems, including food packaging; distinct from recycling logo; reuse symbol can only be used if strict criteria are met
Reading time: 2 minutes
April 27, 2026
Report from Plastic Soup Foundation reviews scientific literature on microplastics; highlights sources in five consumer product categories, including food; shares FCMiNo as searchable resource for evidence on microplastics in food from food contact articles; describes challenges with quality of scientific studies; asserts need for action
Topics: food packaging, microplastics
Reading time: 3 minutes
March 27, 2025
New version of Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard launched; applies an updated chemicals of concern list, provides access to a new interactive user guide, and allows users to compare entire portfolios of foodware and packaging products
Reading time: 2 minutes
October 22, 2024
Australian Government proposes packaging regulation reform; options are, (i) strengthening existing frameworks, (ii) imposing mandatory national standards, or (iii) implementing an extended producer responsibility scheme; aims to ban problematic chemicals and materials; public feedback until October 28, 2024; Australian state of New South Wales also consulting on a plastics plan until November 4, 2024
Reading time: 5 minutes
October 8, 2024
Scientific publication outlines FitNESS 2.0 project, a free open-source e-learning platform featuring courses on food packaging; developed through an ongoing collaboration between 11 European research institutions; project builds learning materials for students and industry professionals
Topics: education, food packaging
Reading time: 1 minute
August 13, 2024
Four recent studies explore how to switch to reusable packaging; concerns related to hygiene and return logistics are barriers identified by all studies; cultural and socio-economic factors, the food items, and the setting play major role in the successful rollout; consumer desirability, business viability, sustainability, and technical feasibility are interlocked, and their combined analysis can support the roll-out of reuse systems
Reading time: 5 minutes
November 29, 2023
New version of Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard published; allows users to create a private account, make and save product portfolios, compare entire business units, and features a more robust scoring system for chemicals of concern that considers the food or beverage being served
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 22, 2023
As of July 1, 2023, single-use plastic takeaway packaging requires additional price in the Netherlands; reusable alternative must be offered; usage of single-use plastic for dine-in guests banned as of January 1, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute
