Coffee company and coffeehouse chain Starbucks announces trialing of recyclable, compostable cups in several U.S. cities; NGO highlights need for change in consumer behavior, advocates for more reusable cups
March 20, 2019
Low plastic collection rates in U.S.
Plastic recyclers comment on the ongoing problem of low plastic collection rates in the U.S.; criticize soft drink companies for fighting introduction of bottle deposit tax, call for collection rate to rise from 30% to 70%
March 20, 2019
Launch of Chemical Recycling Europe
New association for chemical recycling launches in Europe; conference on the topic to be held June 4, 2019 in Brussels
March 19, 2019
IdentiPlast 2019 conference
Conference on recycling and recovery of plastics brings together 340 participants from across plastics supply chain and public authorities; discussions focus on technical aspects of improving plastic waste management
March 18, 2019
UN Environment Assembly on plastic pollution
UN member states review several resolutions on plastic pollution and single-use plastics at fourth UN Environment Assembly; CIEL argues that resulting agreements do not provide the scale and urgency needed
March 13, 2019
Solar Impulse solutions label
Solar Impulse Foundation to select 1000 solutions that protect the environment; develops label to recognize efficient solutions, launches website focused on plastic pollution
March 11, 2019
Policy briefing on chemical recycling
German MEP hosts event to discuss chemical recycling; regulatory and industry experts highlight its potential for plastics, caution stakeholders regarding open uncertainties and its appropriate use to meet recycling targets
March 5, 2019
Plastics research project launches in UK
Kick-off meeting for new Exeter University research project EXeMPlaR brings together variety of different stakeholders; focus on solutions for circular plastics and economy in Southwest England
March 4, 2019
Implementation of EU circular economy plan
EU Commission evaluates implementation of its circular economy plan; all 54 actions outlined in 2015 ‘have now been delivered or are being implemented’
March 4, 2019
EU report on plastics innovations
EU Commission’s Directorate-General on Research and Innovation releases report on circular economy for plastics, summarizing research and innovation developments to provide reference information for future policy and funding decisions
