Topics
plastics
January 8, 2021
Study by Package Heroes project investigates plastic material content in food product categories and greatest potential for plastic reduction; finds reduction would have strongest positive impact for candy, ready-to-eat meals; data helps to focus research on specific product groups
Topics: food packaging, plastics
Reading time: 1 minute
January 7, 2021
European Commission’s (EC) Scientific Advice Mechanism publishes evidence report and scientific opinion, discusses potential benefits and limitations of biodegradable plastics; finds no silver bullet for inappropriate waste management or plastic littering, only for specific applications; appropriate formulation, coherent testing and certification standards needed to realize full potential
Reading time: 3 minutes
January 6, 2021
The European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry (SusChem) publishes an updated version of sustainable plastics report; discuss challenges, scope, technical readiness, and impact; many projects still in the pilot or research stage
Reading time: 1 minute
January 5, 2021
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
Reading time: 2 minutes
December 16, 2020
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%
Reading time: 1 minute
December 7, 2020
Smithers Pira’s annual conference on plastics and paper in contact with foodstuffs informs about the latest activities of the European Commission
Reading time: 4 minutes
November 24, 2020
Overview article examines recent commitments by South Korea, China, and Thailand to launch or expand approval of recycled plastics for use in food contact materials (FCMs); lack of regional definition of ‘food grade plastic’ seen as stumbling block to many local recyclers in meeting growing demand
Reading time: 2 minutes
November 16, 2020
European Commission (EC) announces first delivered actions of its Circular Plastics Alliance; identifies 19 priority plastic products, current overview of European waste sorting and collection
Reading time: 1 minute
November 11, 2020
Article in peer-reviewed journal provides thorough overview of mechanical recycling processes by polymer, discusses chemical additives used; concludes mechanical recycling will remain most effective method to recycle plastics
Reading time: 2 minutes
November 10, 2020
Beverage manufacturer announces development of first-generation prototype; new bottle still contains plastic liner and closure, aims to remove in upcoming development cycles
Topics: paper & board, plastics
Reading time: 1 minute
