On 5 June, the European Commission published a Commission Notice providing further clarity about the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation in practice. We take a closer look at the document to understand its requirements in detail, including the current status of PFAS restrictions, the…
In this Innovation Spotlight, Dow outlines how its extrusion coating portfolio aims to support recyclability requirements and regulatory readiness, and how its collaboration with RDM Group demonstrates how lightweight polymer coatings can extend the use of fibre-based packaging into applications…
For all the criticisms levied at the PPWR in its current form, the UK could learn a thing or two from its ambitious and collaborative effort to get things moving.
Polypropylene (PP) and polycarbonate sheets manufacturer Corplex claims it has successfully adapted a mechanical de-inking process to remove ink from heavily printed PP sheets, including ones treated with UV-based coatings and UV-cured inks.
Is stigma around periods fueling the rise in menstrual product packaging waste? Are we over-packaging single-use solutions? Could a transition into reusable products help, or is the answer more complicated? We answer all these questions in this edition of the Brief.
SC Johnson has launched its first refill machine in North America at Canadian pharmacy and retailer London Drugs, allowing customers to refill reusable product bottles with hand or dish soap by brands including method and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is accused of driving plastic pollution in Samoa after replacing reusable glass bottles with single-use plastic alternatives – raising concerns about potential violations of environmental laws and human rights standards.
SUPA Innovations is distributing handwash in a ‘plastic-free’ paper bottle, featuring a reusable metal hand pump and a waterproof lining made of sap from pine residue.
Reusables.com’s RFID-enabled, zero-deposit reuse system supplies reusable foodservice containers and smart return bins to university campuses, offices, hospitals, and other institutions in hopes of reducing single-use waste and streamlining operational costs.
Refillable packaging trials run by Aldi and Ocado under GoUnpackaged’s Refill Coalition achieved in-store refill rates of up to 57%, while 86% of vessels were returned without deposit incentives – with refillables reportedly exceeding the environmental performance of single-use in only two cycles.
Borro has developed a ‘frictionless’ reuse system for beverage cups served at events; its app-free, QR-driven return process is thought to be ‘as easy as single-use’ and aims to improve return rates and consumer satisfaction.
Clothing company TOAST has teamed up with Kvatt, a start-up seeking to reduce single-use packaging waste in e-commerce, to pilot Kvatt’s reusable packaging solution for UK customers.
Vanity Group’s refillable bottle for hotel amenities, available in a pouch or inner-bottle replacement system format, aims to cut plastic waste by 93% while improving hygiene and efficiency.
Now that Unilever has acquired personal care brand Wild, the companies are optimistic that refillable toiletries will become more accessible to consumers; yet questions have arisen whether the brand will lose sight of its sustainability focus under the pressure of financial targets.
