European Parliament approves ban on single-use plastics
The European Parliament voted on Wednesday to enact a complete ban on some single-use plastics, such as drinking straws and disposable cutlery, across the European Union.
Plastic pollution
U.K. government announces plans to ban plastic straws, cotton-buds, and stirrers
The U.K. government has laid out plans to prohibit the distribution and sale of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds.
PepsiCo inks deal for 100 per cent recycled plastic packaging
The “multi-year” supply agreement, announced late last week, will see Loop supply PepsiCo with production capacity at its factory in the US, which produces PET plastic using 100 per cent recycled materials.
£1.4M prize awaits U.K. circular plastics flagship projects
This competition aims to engage Britain’s best scientists and innovators to help move the country towards a more circular economy and sustainable approaches to plastics.
U.K. supermarket chain Waitrose to remove all plastic bags by March 2019 to save 500 tonnes of plastic a year
Waitrose will remove 5p bags from six shops from 8 October to understand how to manage the changeover ahead of their complete removal next year.
In a world-first, Carlsberg to replace plastic ring can holders with recyclable glue
Danish brewer will be the first to ditch pack rings in a move it says will reduce plastic by up to 76%
Istanbul’s ‘reverse vending machines’ trade recyclables for metro fare
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality plans to install at least 100 of the machines in 25 locations by the end of 2018.
The world’s first ocean cleanup system launched from San Francisco
The cleanup system is heading to a location 240 nautical miles offshore for a two-week trial before continuing its journey toward the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
LEGO will stop production of plastic blocks by 2030
After 85 years of production, Lego has announced plans to make new pieces from plant-based plastic instead
Kroger, America’s largest supermarket chain, to phase out plastic shopping bag by 2025
“As America’s largest grocer, we recognize we have a responsibility to cut down on unnecessary plastic waste that contributes to litter, harms the environment and, in some cases, can endanger wildlife.”