Series of recent conferences on both continents focus on discussing challenges and opportunities surrounding plastics recycling, increasing recycled content in products; group of NGOs criticize Circular Plastics Alliance for overlooking hazardous chemicals; predicted lower prices of virgin PET seen as future test of commitment to set sustainability targets
October 16, 2019
Plastic Health Summit talks published
Event brings together scientists and advocates to discuss latest research on micro- and nanoplastics, plastic additives, and health; presentations recorded and now publicly available
October 15, 2019
The Story of Plastic documentary premiers
New documentary follows the life cycle of plastics, interviewing stakeholders across five countries; screenings scheduled at film festivals in the U.S., discussions underway for widespread distribution
October 8, 2019
Calls for reduced production instead of increased recycling
Greenpeace calls for reduction of single-use plastic production rather than promotion of recycling solutions; Plastic Pollution Coalition argues for promoting reuse rather than recycling; U.S. lawmakers discuss new bills under Save Our Seas Act, receive similar calls from stakeholders to favor reduction
October 7, 2019
ExeMPLaR webinar series on plastics
University of Exeter research hub to host monthly webinars focusing on aspects within Regional Plastics project; first webinar takes place October 8, 2019; all events to be recorded and made available to registered members
October 4, 2019
Registration of polymers in REACH
NGO ChemSec argues that registering polymers under REACH is ‘overdue’; registration would provide vital information about polymers’ properties and use
October 3, 2019
HEAL publishes infographics on FCMs
New series of infographics by the Health and Environmental Alliance focuses on presence of chemicals in food contact materials, toxicity, plastics, and health effects; launched in connection with the Plastic Health Summit on October 3, 2019
October 2, 2019
Spanish biomonitoring study on plastic exposure
Published study investigates concentrations of 15 phthalates and 12 phenols in urine samples from 20 adults, finds highest concentrations of monoethylphthalate and methylparaben, all phthalates detectable in all adults
September 26, 2019
Ireland developing single-use plastics ban
Minister announces potential strategy to ban range of single-use items, introduce fee for manufacturers that wrap foods in non-recyclable plastic, implement bottle deposit return scheme
September 23, 2019
Plastics value chain stakeholders sign declaration
Over 100 stakeholders commit to reaching target to annually use 10 million tons of recycled plastics in new products in Europe by 2025; Coca-Cola executive discusses need for a call to action within the industry; ACC publishes infographic on chemical recycling
