> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://packaging-europe.ghost.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# 2019 in review: our most-read articles from the past year
- URL: https://packaging-europe.ghost.io/2019-in-review-our-most-read-articles-from-the-past-year/
- Published: 2020-01-02T15:07:00.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-22T21:10:43.000Z
- Author: Packaging Europe staff writers
- Tags: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Procter & Gamble, Sustainability, #layout-s, #type-article, #packaging-europe, #Import 2026-09-08 15:38

**2019 was an exciting year for the packaging industry, with a range of announcements, pledges, and policies having been revealed by organisations from across the value chain. Take a look at our five most-read articles of 2019 for a refresher on the key developments and trends from the year that just ended.**

[**1) Getting ready for the German Packaging Law**](https://packagingeurope.com/getting-ready-for-the-german-packaging-law/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)

On January 1st, 2019, the new German Packaging Law came into force. Packaging Europe took a look at what German companies and those selling their packaging into Germany had to bear in mind, and how companies and associations prepared for the change.

[**2) Are Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics the Answer?**](https://packagingeurope.com/are-alternatives-to-single-use-plastics-the-answer/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)

[National Geographic](http://www.nationalgeographic.org/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) and [Sky Ocean Ventures](http://www.skyoceanrescue.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) launched a global search for alternatives to single-use plastics in 2019\. Libby White asked Valerie Craig, Deputy to the Chief Scientist at the National Geographic Society to explain the motivation behind the challenge.

[**3) The debate: Biodegradable and compostable plastic bags**](https://packagingeurope.com/the-debate-biodegradable-and-compostable-plastic-bags/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)

[A study](https://packagingeurope.com/study-misleads-on-biodegradable-plastics/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) conducted by researchers at the [University of Plymouth](https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io), designed to provide insights into the environmental deterioration of plastic bags made from different polymer types, was the subject of some dispute in 2019\. Victoria Hattersley invited Fran*ç*ois de Bie from [European Bioplastics](https://www.european-bioplastics.org/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io), and Professor Richard Thompson from the team at the University of Plymouth, to give their respective takes on the study and its conclusions. The resulting discussion makes for interesting reading.

[**4) Pioneering sorting technology: HolyGrail project moves towards a circular economy**](https://packagingeurope.com/pioneering-sorting-technology-holygrail-project-moves-toward/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)

This article explores the [HolyGrail](https://us.pg.com/blogs/HolyGrail/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) project, led by [Procter & Gamble](https://us.pg.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) and facilitated by the [Ellen MacArthur Foundation](https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io). The project officially closed on May 23rd, following three years of innovation in the improvement of post-consumer recycling using chemical tracers and digital watermarks, with the aim of moving closer to a circular economy.

[**5) Colgate Designs New Recyclable Tube**](https://packagingeurope.com/colgate-designs-new-recyclable-tube/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)

[Colgate](http://www.colgatepalmolive.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) finalised the design of a first-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste tube in 2019\. The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) announced its recognition of the new tube – an essential step in bringing it to the public. The Colgate design was the first oral care or personal care tube to earn APR recognition for recyclability.