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Category: Top stories

EU approves two dozen food-contact RPET applications

Published: June 13, 2023
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Much like the FDA does in North America, the EFSA evaluates which materials can be used in food and beverage packaging. | Jared Paben/Plastics Recycling Update

A European food safety panel has given the green light to a couple dozen companies seeking to use Bandera, Erema, Polymetrix and Starlinger recycling technologies to produce food-grade RPET.  Continue Reading

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Second global plastics meeting makes progress

Published: June 6, 2023
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Flags from various nations against a blue sky background.

Many parties involved with the agreement see promise in the negotiations, but serious disagreements remain. | Gerain0812/Shutterstock

The second meeting to create a global plastics agreement ended with delegates agreeing to have a draft prepared in six months’ time, despite delays at the outset of negotiations. Continue Reading

Packaging EPR bill gets end-of-session push in New York

Published: June 6, 2023
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New York state capitol building in Albany.

The amended extended producer responsibility bill enjoys support from Members of New York’s legislature, but faces opposition from several brands and industry groups. | Real Window Creative/Shutterstock

Some New York legislators are pushing to see extended producer responsibility for packaging pass this year. With days left in the session, they’ve reintroduced what they see as a compromise bill.
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ADS plans recycled resin ‘debottlenecking’ projects

Published: May 31, 2023
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ADS’ plans for improved efficiency include automating material handling, pelletizing upgrades and expanded storage capacity. | Courtesy of Advanced Drainage Systems

Advanced Drainage Systems is in the midst of multiyear, multimillion-dollar recycling debottlenecking efforts that include upgrading recycling equipment and improving materials handling capabilities, an executive said.

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Transparency, more investment will aid circular economy

Published: May 31, 2023
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Panelists speaking during a recent webinar focused on the need to build up infrastructure and target investments toward existing gaps in the system. | Mameraman/Shutterstock

During a recent Financial Times webinar, experts from industry and government agreed that the future holds ample potential for investment in recycling. Continue Reading

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Study: Recycling, reusing plastics pose chemical risk

Published: May 31, 2023
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Pile of empty plastic packaging containers.

After examining over 700 publications, researchers concluded that reused and recycled plastics are likely to transfer toxic chemicals to the foods they contain. | Konektus Photo/Shutterstock

A recent analysis by Switzerland-based Food Packaging Forum reviewed hundreds of scientific studies and concluded that recycled and reused food-contact plastics can accumulate and release chemicals of concern.  Continue Reading

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Greenpeace claims recycling complicates plastics toxicity

Published: May 23, 2023
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Plastic flake with baled plastic in background.

The latest report from Greenpeace says recycled plastics are more toxic than their virgin counterparts. | RecycleMan/Shutterstock

Greenpeace is spotlighting what it calls toxic chemicals in recycled plastics. The group is also calling for global plastics agreement negotiators to focus on reduction. Continue Reading

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Groups ramp up messaging before global meeting

Published: May 23, 2023
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In the days before the next round of U.N. negotiations, the resin sector is calling for plastics’ importance to be recognized while environmental groups are pushing for bans and more. | Bumble Dee/Shutterstock

Ahead of the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution in Paris, organizations are laying out their wish lists and forming partnerships.  Continue Reading