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…
McDonald’s Corporation recently released a report detailing its opinions on the potential environmental, financial and operational impacts of introducing reusable packaging in some of its European restaurants. The company commissioned PwC UK to analyze the impacts of single-use and reusable…
The spork is an infamous utensil, envisioned as a spoon-and-fork hybrid but widely mocked for its impracticality. Should we write it off entirely, or can we learn some valuable lessons from its poor reception? We answer these questions and more in this edition of the Brief.
A new research article by Mieke van den Berg of The LCA Centre and Roland ten Klooster of the University of Twente in the Netherlands evaluates the factors in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies comparing single-use to reuse.
Halloween is almost upon us, and Packaging Europe asks the question: is overconsumption the only way to celebrate? In the latest edition of the Brief, we consider viable ways for businesses and consumers alike to enjoy the spooky season without leaving a trail of packaging waste behind.
In recent months the Labubu toy - designed by artist Kasing Lung and sold by Chinese toy maker Pop Mart - has become a global sensation, with its blind box packaging a key selling point for consumers. In this Brief, we examine how Labubu’s packaging has contributed to its success, how this could…
Efforts to collect plastic waste from the ocean are growing in popularity, and machine learning is emerging as a tool to monitor waste hotspots. But should we bring existing waste back to shore? Should AI ever play a role in it, and what does any of it mean for packaging? We dive deeper in the…
Developed countries export millions of tonnes of plastic waste each year, often to developing nations that may not have the infrastructure to manage it. This report explores the environmental, economic, and regulatory impacts of these exports, with a focus on the EU’s recent measures to curb them…
As our summer vacations draw to a close, have we left mountains of single-use water bottles in our wake? In this edition of the Brief, we weigh up the necessity of plastic bottles at tourist destinations, factoring in both safety and convenience, and consider best practices for our future holidays.
Sensoneo recently published its Global Waste Index 2025, comparing waste management across the 38 member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD). In this edition of The Brief, we outline the main findings of the report including the biggest global waste…
Economic disparities between racial groups became a driving factor in New York State’s failure to implement EPR obligations for packaging producers; but packaging waste is already contributing to a reduced quality of life for disadvantaged communities, even beyond the American border. In this…
At the end of last year, the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) released its data report on England’s Resources and Waste Policy programme, which involved improving recycling rates for households and businesses; improving waste quality; and reducing plastic pollution and…
As the European Commission withdraws its Green Claims Directive proposal, how else does EU law protect consumers from ambiguous or deceptive sustainability claims? We delve deeper into the legal landscape in this edition of the Brief.
