Parties to the Convention adopt changes to place plastic waste under the Prior Informed Consent procedure; requires plastic waste exporters to obtain permission from importing countries
May 8, 2019
IPEN: ‘alarming levels’ in recycled plastics
Analyses of consumer products made of recycled plastics show high concentrations of brominated dioxins and brominated flame retardants; IPEN calls for stricter controls
May 6, 2019
Calls to upgrade U.S. recycling system
U.S. House Committee discusses needs for improving plastic recycling in U.S.; only 9% of all plastics currently being recycled, 92% of consumers unsure or misinformed about recyclability of plastic products
April 26, 2019
Digital platform tracks recycled plastics
Industry association launches online platform to support plastic converter industry in tracking use of recycled polymers in products; aims to expand to more EU languages, add additional modules
April 15, 2019
Challenges and developments in plastic converter industry
Food Contact Plastics Seminar 2019 discusses use of the mutual recognition principle, improved supply chain communication, analysis of non-intentionally added substances, and regulation of recycling for plastic FCMs
April 15, 2019
Southeast Asian supermarkets switch to banana leaves
Supermarkets in Thailand and Vietnam trial wrapping produce in banana leaves rather than plastic packaging; other food packaging changes in region reported
April 11, 2019
Increase in demand for biodegradable films
Demand for biodegradable films forecasted to increase 5.4% annually, reach a market value of $122 million; growing composting infrastructure and government initiatives to reduce landfilling to boost growth
April 9, 2019
Infographics on plastics and health
Gallifrey Foundation publishes infographics on life cycle stages of plastics and risks to human health
April 3, 2019
EFSA plastics recycling working group: 4th meeting
EFSA’s CEP Panel working group on recycling plastics holds 4th meeting; minutes now available online
March 28, 2019
EU Parliament bans certain single-use plastics
European Parliament agrees on measures to ban specific single-use plastics in EU by 2021, sets targets for bottle collection and recycled content, extends producer responsibility and labeling
