India restricts use of PET bottles

Indian state Maharashtra bans PET bottles smaller than 0.5 L, orders deposit-return scheme for PET bottles bigger than 0.5 L and for milk pouches, requests alternative packaging material for milk such as glass

Stakeholders discuss EU plastics strategy

EU Commission holds stakeholder conference on circular economy and plastics strategy; industry experts call for stronger legislative support to reach recycling goals

PolyTalk 2018

PlasticsEurope holds 2018 PolyTalk, a stakeholder forum to discuss plastics, on April 26-27, 2018 in Malta

Microplastics in bottled water

New study finds microplastic particles in popular bottled water brands, detects on average 10 larger-sized microplastic particles and over 300 smaller-sized, likely also plastic particles per liter; WHO to launch review of health risks

Opinion: Don’t undervalue plastics

UK MEP cautious about drastic measures to eliminate plastics use, highlights benefits of plastic packaging to ensure food safety and reduce food waste, calls for increased recycling and innovation to tackle plastic waste

Flame retardants in plastic waste

Study commissioned by Norwegian Environment Agency analyzes brominated flame retardants in post-consumer plastics intended for recycling, finds low levels of commercial decaBDE, HBCD, BDE-209, TBBPA, DBDPE

Food contact plastics seminar 2018

European Plastic Converters Association holds Food Contact Plastics Seminar on April 19-20, 2018 in Brussels

Supermarkets with ‘plastic-free’ aisles

Dutch supermarket chain Ekoplaza opens food and drink aisle without plastic packaging in one of its stores; compostable biomaterials, glass, metal, cardboard used as alternatives to conventional plastics

ECHA collects information for microplastics restriction

ECHA opens call for evidence on possible restriction of intentionally added microplastics; call open until May 11, 2018; informational webinar to be held on March 12, 2018

Amendments to EU plastic FCM regulation

EU notifies World Trade Organization of next amendments to plastic FCM regulation; two new substances authorized, specific migration limits changed for two other substances