Plastic

Plastic packaging
Open standard for packaging data could be key to EPR success

Open 3P, an open standard for plastic packaging data which launched in September 2022, has secured further funding from Innovate UK to enter phase two of its development.


DRS Resource deposit return scheme
What do new details of deposit return scheme mean for industry?

Defra has announced implementation of DRS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is set for 1 October 2025, with legislation to follow later this year

EP Plenary session - EU Shipments of waste
MEPs agree to back plastic waste export bans

The vote comes ahead of negotiations on a new law revising EU waste shipments

Single-use plastic cutlery now banned in the UK
Defra confirms details of single-use plastic ban
By
Savannah Coombe
| 16 January 2023 |
Defra has published details of further single-use plastic bans, to cover plates, cutlery, and polystyrene cups, to come into effect October 2023
PlasticFree
PlasticFree platform launches to help design out plastic waste
By
Amelia Kelly
| 11 January 2023 |
The online platform could eradicate one trillion pieces of plastic waste from the global economy by 2025
Marine debris
Marine debris allows invasive species to 'hitchhike' into UK waters
By
Amelia Kelly
| 10 January 2023 |
Pioneering research uncovers how invasive species have been entering UK waters on floating marine debris
Resea boat tackles plastic pollution in Indonesia
Novel plastic pollution solutions in Indonesia
By
Amelia Kelly
| 21 December 2022 |
Resea is tackling plastic pollution with innovative profit-for-purpose partnerships
Collected plastic cutlery litter
Further bans on single-use plastics expected
By
Savannah Coombe
| 16 December 2022 |
Defra reported to be considering restrictions for plastic plates, cutlery, and polystyrene cups 
Irish flag
What can be expected from Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme?
By
Amelia Kelly
| 14 December 2022 |
Republic of Ireland’s DRS has opened for registration by producers and retailers
Flexible plastic bags
The road to kerbside collection of soft plastics
By
Will Simpson
| 14 December 2022 |
Kerbside collection of flexible plastics is set to be introduced in 2027, Will Simpson explores how it will practically be achieved
Tea bags food waste
Can tea bags be home composted?
By
Amelia Kelly
| 9 December 2022 |
For years, UK residents have been putting tea bags into food waste caddies. But why do they belong there? And why can tea bags not just be taken from mug to compost?
European Commission
What do EU plastic and packaging reforms mean for the industry?
By
Savannah Coombe
| 6 December 2022 |
Legislation aims to decrease instances of overpackaging and the use of virgin materials
Plastipak recycling facility opening
Resource Round-Up 23/11/22 - Vodafone, Plastipak, Hopkinson Waste Group and NGE
By
Amelia Kelly
| 23 November 2022 |
A round-up of news from the waste and resources industry, including Plastipak, Hopkinson Waste Group, NGE and Vodafone
Polytag recycling UV codes
Co-op and Polytag introduce UV codes in own brand plastic bottles to track recycling
By
Amelia Kelly
| 16 November 2022 |
Through gathering its recycling figures, the retailer hopes to benchmark future rates for the industry
compostable plastic bag
60 per cent of home compostable plastics do not fully disintegrate, UCL study finds
By
Amelia Kelly
| 8 November 2022 |
The research into the use of home compostable packaging shows the need for industrial composting and clearer labelling
shipping containers
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee: End plastic waste exports by 2027
By
Amelia Kelly
| 7 November 2022 |
The UK exports 60 per cent of the 2.5 million tonnes of plastic packaging it creates
Flexible plastics
Defra’s EPR reform delays having knock-on effects on local councils
By
Savannah Coombe
| 3 November 2022 |
A new progress tracker report shows the ‘high cost burden’ and the potential future benefits of Extended Producer Responsibility
Black plastic packaging
​​Ellen MacArthur Foundation: Recycling and reuse targets are 'unlikely to be met'
By
Resource Media
| 3 November 2022 |
The report highlights the upcoming Plastic Treaty as a ‘unique opportunity’ 
Ocean plastic
UK begins talks ahead of global plastic pollution treaty negotiations
By
Savannah Coombe
| 1 November 2022 |
The negotiations, facilitated by the UN’s Environment Programme, will take place in Uruguay at the end of this month
Defra sign
Defra and industry respond to proposed packaging reforms
By
Amelia Kelly
| 1 November 2022 |
Current issues in the systems, including ‘price volatility’ and ‘a lack of transparency’ are to be addressed
Plastic pint cups
Campaign for Real Ale calls for the end of mandatory plastic pints
By
Savannah Coombe
| 28 October 2022 |
Licensing Authorities insist on the use of plastic or polycarbonate as a licensing condition for some venues
Plastic stream
Research by RECOUP reveals bottleneck in UK plastic recycling infrastructure
By
Savannah Coombe
| 25 October 2022 |
A nine-time increase is needed in the case of food-grade plastic and five times for household packaging
plastic packaging
‘Association of Convenience Stores’ joins WRAP Plastics Pact
By
Amelia Kelly
| 19 October 2022 |
Alongside other Pact members, UK governments and NGOs the initiative aims to tackle plastic waste