Food packaging
New EU laws risk promoting ‘downcycling’ of plastic bottles, industry warns
European Commission plans to include mandatory recycled content targets for all plastics in a makeover of packaging laws expected this summer risk derailing attempts by plastic bottle manufacturers to reach closed loop recycling, the industry has warned.
Commission likely to push for recycled PET in food packaging despite concerns
The European Commission will soon decide whether to allow the use of recycled plastics in food packaging despite some suggesting this could endanger consumer health.
Scientist: EU focus on recycled plastics raises food safety concerns
The European Commission is working on a revision of the regulation on recycled plastics for food packaging, which according to Jane Muncke, raises concerns about food safety.
Simpler design seen as key to recycling-friendly food wrappers
Simple design and using at least 90% of the same plastic is the key to easy-to-recycle packaging for foods like crisps and chocolate, according to the industry.
Recycling pro: Design standardisation is ‘way forward’ for flexible packaging
Greater standardisation in design "has to be the way forward" in order to make it worthwhile economically to recycle lightweight packaging such as crisp packets. In practice, this also means reducing the variety of packaging available to the food and drink industry, says Joachim Quoden.OpinionPromoted content
Rethinking the way we serve food and drinks to EU consumers
To safeguard hygiene, keep customers and employees safe and promote sustainable growth in Europe’s vibrant food service sector, the EU must be patient and wise in promoting new ways of serving food and drinks to European consumers.
Draft EU ‘green claims’ law overly focused on CO2 impact, critics say
Upcoming EU labelling law aimed at helping consumers choose green products has come under fire for providing an incomplete picture of environmental impact by focusing too much on carbon emissions and ignoring other factors such as recyclability and toxicity.OpinionPromoted content
Growing inside Glass: In Conversation with the FEVE Secretary General
Packaging waste, sustainable shopping, climate change, and Coronavirus vaccines: the FEVE Secretary General reflects on past achievements and future challenges, as the UN names 2022 the International Year of Glass.OpinionPromoted content
Glass Recycling: If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
Glass is a success story for Europeans and for European recycling rates. Almost 8 out of 10 glass bottles put on the European market are already collected for recycling around Europe – a figure that should reach 90% by the end of the decade.
On packaging recycling, EU aims to close the loop
Not all recycling is equal. As the European Commission prepares to revise the EU's packaging waste directive, policymakers want to remove degradation and waste from the process.
Closed loop recycling in Europe: What helps and what hinders?
The new EU Circular Economy Action Plan is one of the main building blocks of the European Green Deal for a climate-neutral, resource-efficient and competitive economy.OpinionPromoted content
Raise Your Glass: Decarbonising Production for the Container Glass Industry
Challenges that were unimaginable just a short while ago can be faced through human ingenuity and collaboration. Factories today are running around the clock to help meet the urgent demand for glass vials for Coronavirus vaccines. Container glass companies also face increasing market demand for a circular packaging solution that guarantees premium taste and quality preservation.OpinionPromoted content
Part of the Solution: Glass and the New Age of Sustainable Consumption
Beauty has always been attractive to people deciding on their next purchase. But increasingly important to consumers around the world are the environmental impacts of the choices they make. As the EU prepares for new rules on green product claims,...
Collecting more and better: the final push to reach 100% glass circularity
Glass packaging already has one of the highest recycling rates in Europe, but better collection of a greater amount of glass is needed to meet Europe’s goal of a 75% recycling rate and, eventually, reach complete circularity.OpinionPromoted content
The Virtuous Circle: Why Permanence and Recycling are Vital for a New EU Economy
A circle isn’t just a shape. It is a symbol of continuity – of permanence. The European Commission has proposed creating a new circular economy, to boost sustainability and reduce pressure on natural resources. It is now time for EU...
Glass packaging industry goes electric, adding to growing demand for renewable power
Unlike the steel and cement industry, the glass sector has a clear path towards decarbonising its processes: electrification. Yet renewable electricity is scarcer than the industry would like, raising concerns about its ability to meet EU climate goals.
Germany’s pioneering bottle deposit scheme has lessons for the EU
Ten EU member states are planning to switch to deposit schemes for beverage container recycling in order to meet new Green Deal requirements. Germany has 20 years of experiencing in operating the world’s largest such scheme.
French company proves recycling PET plastics can be profitable
French company Veolia is demonstrating that companies can introduce recycled petroleum-based plastics (PET) plastics into their production chain and still be successful. EURACTIV France reports.
Harmful ‘forever’ chemicals widespread in EU fast food packaging, warns new report
The use of persistent and health-harming PFAS chemicals in disposable food packaging remains widespread across Europe, according to a new report, which highlights the role of regulation in reducing exposure to these chemicals.![Plastic ready to be recycled in the yard of a company specialising in ecological treatments. [Moreno Soppelsa/Shutterstock].](https://www.euractiv.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/05/shutterstock-101127223.jpeg)
Plastic waste: what’s new is old
Companies doing business in Europe may soon have to ensure their packaging contains a minimum amount of recycled plastic. But getting their hands on quality recycled materials in sufficient quantity is currently difficult.
Blue, yellow or white? Recycling varies widely in the EU
Deposit return and extended producer responsibility schemes are everywhere in the EU but have very different rules. Does this present a barrier to meeting the EU’s recycling objectives?
Plastic waste: how to square the circle
The EU’s circular economy plan aims to halve municipal waste in the next decade by increasing recycling rates. Can companies boost the use of recycled plastics in time to meet the target?
Pressure mounts on EU member states to meet plastic recycling goals
Pressure is increasing on member states to recycle 77% of plastic bottles by 2025 and reduce waste.