Plastic

Novamont launches new bioplastics plant to boost production
Novamont launches new bioplastics plant to boost production

Italian bio-plastics company Novamont has opened its revamped Mater-Biopolymer plant to the south of Rome with a significantly boosted production capacity, going from from 120,000 to 150,000 tonnes per year.


The converted facility, which previously manufactured PET, will allow Novamont to increase its production of ORIGO–BI® renewable biopolyesters and MATER-BI® compostable bioplastics, which have been used to replace traditional plastics in products varying from coffee cups and... More

Baled plastic bottle waste
Swindon proposes sending all waste plastics to incineration

Plastics in Swindon could be redirected away from kerbside recycling schemes and into incineration, as part of a plan to save money and ensure the council knows where its waste is ending up.

Consultation opens on English plastic straw ban
Consultation opens on English plastic straw ban

Plastic straws, drinks stirrers and cotton buds could be banned in England a year’s time, subject to the results of a consultation launched today (22 October).

Sunderland City Council introduces new seafront plastic waste bins
Sunderland City Council introduces new seafront plastic waste bins
By
Rob Cole
| 19 October 2018 |
Sunderland City Council has launched a new partnership with container manufacturer and waste solutions provider Egbert Taylor to tackle seafront plastic waste.
EA to investigate waste plastics exports fraud
EA to investigate waste plastics exports fraud
By
Rob Cole
| 19 October 2018 |
An official investigation has been launched into claims of widespread fraud and system abuse in the plastics recycling industry, with significant discrepancies between the amount of plastic claimed for through the PRN system and the amount recorded as exported by HMRC.
Aerial view of Goldicote Business Park
Investigation into large fire at JFC Plastics in Stratford
By
Kate Dickinson
| 18 October 2018 |
A huge fire at a business park in Warwickshire is thought to have started at a plastics recycling firm.
Malcolm Waugh appointed CEO of Frugalpac
Malcolm Waugh appointed CEO of Frugalpac
By
Rob Cole
| 17 October 2018 |
Former Tetra Pak Commercial Director for the UK and Ireland Malcolm Waugh will take up his new position as Chief Executive of recyclable packaging manufacturer Frugalpac.
Previously pristine South Atlantic Islands now swamped with plastic waste
Previously pristine South Atlantic Islands now swamped with plastic waste
By
Kate Nicholson
| 12 October 2018 |
The rising tide of plastic waste continues unabated as ten times more plastic waste finds its way to remote South Atlantic Islands compared to ten years ago.
The new 'eco-labelling' concept from SUEZ
'Traffic light' labelling could improve packaging recycling, says SUEZ
By
Kate Dickinson
| 11 October 2018 |
A new ‘traffic light’ system for on-pack labelling could be the solution to reduce recycling confusion among consumers, according to waste management company SUEZ.
Walkers to recycle crisp packets after public outcry
Walkers to recycle crisp packets after public outcry
By
Kate Dickinson
| 9 October 2018 |
Following the viral campaign that saw members of the public posting their empty crisp packets back to Walkers, the company has announced plans to launch a recycling scheme for the much-littered packaging. 
Retail giants back campaign to reduce Leeds litter
Retail giants back campaign to reduce Leeds litter
By
Kate Nicholson
| 9 October 2018 |
Hubbub has launched a new campaign, Leeds By Example, to trial new ways to improve rates of recycling for people on the move.
Drowning in Plastic: BBC documentary explores dangers of marine plastic
Drowning in Plastic: BBC documentary explores dangers of marine plastic
By
Kate Nicholson
| 3 October 2018 |
BBC One’s one-off documentary delves deep into the consequences of our plastic waste and the severe impact it has on sea life, habitats and, subsequently, humans. 
Bryson Recycling celebrates 25 years cleaning up Northern Ireland’s waste
Bryson Recycling celebrates 25 years cleaning up Northern Ireland’s waste
By
Rob Cole
| 2 October 2018 |
Northern Irish social enterprise Bryson Recycling celebrated its 25th anniversary last week and has pledged to stay at the forefront of delivering innovative recycling services to Northern Ireland.
Innovative biodegradable materials could replace microplastics in cosmetics
Innovative biodegradable materials could replace microplastics in cosmetics
By
Kate Dickinson
| 2 October 2018 |
Italian bioplastics company Novamont has developed a new range of biodegradable materials designed for use in cosmetics.
Tesco tackling plastic bottle waste with reverse vending machine
Tesco tackling plastic bottle waste with reverse vending machine
By
Kate Dickinson
| 27 September 2018 |
Tesco has launched a trial return scheme for plastic bottles as part of a plan to implement a more environmentally-friendly approach to packaging.
Consumers want greater transparency around UK waste and recycling, report finds
Consumers want greater transparency around UK waste and recycling, report finds
By
Kate Nicholson
| 25 September 2018 |
A new study from Viridor reports that public concern over plastic waste is at an all time high, with four out of five of consumers calling for greater clarity about where their household waste ends up.
Co-op latest supermarket to introduce compostable plastic bags
Co-op latest supermarket to introduce compostable plastic bags
By
Kate Dickinson
| 24 September 2018 |
The Co-op has followed Waitrose with plans to cut single-use plastic bags from its stores in favour of reusable and compostable alternatives.
New plan for plastics recycling from Veolia and RECOUP
New plan for plastics recycling from Veolia and RECOUP
By
Kate Dickinson
| 21 September 2018 |
A new report by Veolia and RECOUP reveals that consumers want to see more recycled content in plastic products – and could be willing to pay extra for it.
Compostable products to replace plastic in Parliament
Compostable products to replace plastic in Parliament
By
Kate Dickinson
| 20 September 2018 |
The UK Parliament has announced it will be using compostable Vegware products across its estate from October 2018.
Microplastics now spread even further by flying insects
Microplastics now spread even further by flying insects
By
Kate Nicholson
| 19 September 2018 |
For the first time, insects have been found to retain microplastics when transforming from aquatic larvae into flying adults, enabling previously unexposed creatures and environments to become polluted.
World’s first used-plastic bicycle path launched in the Netherlands
World’s first used-plastic bicycle path launched in the Netherlands
By
Kate Nicholson
| 18 September 2018 |
Dutch cyclists are using the world’s first bicycle path made of 100 per cent reused plastic, in an attempt to reduce plastic pollution.
Waitrose to eliminate single-use plastic bags by spring 2019
Waitrose to eliminate single-use plastic bags by spring 2019
By
Kate Dickinson
| 17 September 2018 |
Supermarket chain Waitrose has announced plans to replace single-use plastics bags in all its stores with reusable or biodegradable alternatives.
Car battery recycling: Staying in charge
Car battery recycling: Staying in charge
By
Giles Kirkland
| 14 September 2018 |
Giles Kirkland examines what the changing automotive industry means for car battery recycling in the UK.