News outlet Euractiv publishes special report on packaging and environment; featured articles and interviews address circular economy and plastics strategy unveiled by EU Commission
Second survey on use of recycled plastics
European Plastics Converters Association launches second survey on recycled plastics use in Europe; special focus on quality issues with recyclates; survey open to all European plastics converters until May 2018
New material and packaging solutions for a circular economy
Ellen MacArthur Foundation reveals all winners of New Plastics Economy Innovations Prize; 11 innovators awarded for new recyclable and compostable material and packaging solutions
ECHA prepares oxo- and microplastics restrictions
ECHA drafts restriction proposals for oxo-degradable plastics and microplastics to support European Commission’s plastics strategy
UK supermarket removes plastic packaging
UK retailer Iceland to replace plastic packaging of own-brand products with paper and pulp by 2023; supports initiatives for plastic bottle deposit return scheme
9th amendment to EU plastic FCM regulation
EU Commission publishes 9th amendment to plastic FCM regulation, approves four new food contact substances, extends use of one polymer
EFSA evaluates ‘Envases Ureña’ recycling process
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers PET made from recycling process ‘Envases Ureña’ safe for use in food contact articles for all types of foodstuffs under certain conditions
EFSA assesses HDPE and PP recycling process
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers HDPE and PP made from recycling process ‘Morssinkhof Plastics’ suitable for use in food contact articles intended for dry foods, fruits, vegetables and meat under specific conditions
EU plastics strategy published
European Commission adopts EU-wide strategy for plastics in the circular economy, aims to make all plastic packaging recyclable, reduce single-use plastics, ban intentional microplastics
WRAP and Ellen MacArthur to tackle plastics in UK
Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UK’s Waste and Resources Action Program announce initiative to tackle plastics in the UK; focus on plastic packaging; aim to eliminate single-use plastics, boost recycling, mobilize citizens