All Circular Economy articles
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ArticleNew bioengineering hub launched to turn industrial waste into new materials
The new Carbon-Loop Sustainable Biomanufacturing Hub will harness microorganisms to turn carbon-based industrial waste into ‘next-generation’ materials and chemicals for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, among others.
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ArticleTaking stock of refillable packaging on World Refill Day 2025
On World Refill Day 2025, what does the refillable packaging landscape currently look like, and where does it still have left to go? We delve into this year’s innovations and setbacks so far to find out more.
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ArticleWhat will the packaging industry look like in 2034?
Researchers at Leeds Beckett University’s Leeds Business School have published a report consulting senior leaders from across the FMCG supply chain, intending to lay out a roadmap for sustainability-minded packaging progress into 2034.
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ArticleCortec transports metals in ‘first’ compostable vapour corrosion inhibitor paper
Cortec claims to have developed the ‘world’s first’ certified industrially compostable vapour corrosion inhibitor paper to package protective metals, highlighting its 92% USDA-certified biobased content.
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ArticleIs plastics recycling in Europe at a crisis point?
Europe’s plastics recycling sector is in turmoil. As a result of cheap virgin resin imports, falling demand, and perceived weak enforcement, the industry stands at a crossroads. In this article, Edward Kosior, CEO and Founder of Nextek Ltd, argues that failure to address these issues could lead to environmental disaster.
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ArticlePUMA records 99.5% paper packaging and zero plastic bags in latest report
In its 2024 Sustainability Report, PUMA claims to have achieved 99.5% paper packaging, derived 99% of its paper and cardboard from recycled or FSC-certified sources, sold zero plastic shopping bags in-store, and eliminated single-use plastics from its global offices.
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ArticleSaga Nutrition implements Mondi’s recyclable, mono-material pet food pack
Mondi has worked with Saga Nutrition to develop mono-material dry pet food packaging that balances a recyclable design with high-barrier protection.
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ArticleCo-op embraces bag-in-box snacks, board tomato punnets, and fibre-based steak pack
By adopting a bag-in-box mini bite bakery format, solid board tomato punnets, and fibre-based composite packaging for its steak cuts, Co-op plans to remove 115 tonnes of plastics from its own-brand ranges every year.
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ArticleNew York State drives law mandating packaging reduction and recycling plans
The State of New York is advancing a bill requiring sellers or distributors of packaging to register with a packaging reduction organization and develop a plan to reduce and recycle their waste.
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ArticleAnnouncing the finalists of Packaging Europe’s Sustainability Awards 2025!
After another year of top-tier entries across the board, the first round of judging has come to a close – now the international, expert jury of the world’s most prestigious sustainable packaging competition reveals the finalists of the Sustainability Awards 2025!
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ArticleCiteo CEO on the steps to Extended Producer Responsibility success
Thirty-three years after France first implemented Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging, Citeo CEO Jean Hornain tells UNEP how universal participation, legal accountability, and the creation of formal jobs can incentivize plastic waste reduction.
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ArticleSystemiq supports ‘bold action’ for fossil-free plastic production in the EU
In a new report, Systemiq encourages the European Union to clarify policies and boost market confidence to develop fossil-free plastics at scale, particularly for the green-methanol-to-olefins process.
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ArticleMicrowaveable Checkpoint RFID inlay suited to reusable food containers
Checkpoint Systems has unveiled Chinook, an RFID inlay designed for reusable food packaging; the solution intends to facilitate supply chain traceability without compromising on microwave safety or durability.
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ArticleOver €100 million invested into Borealis’ new High Melt Strength PP line
Borealis is investing over €100 million into a new High Melt Strength polypropylene line, aiming to triple its capacity and address global demand for reusable cups, food packaging, and other recyclable, lightweight polymer foam solutions.
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ArticleReport: Everything you need to know about Deposit Return Schemes
Almost 20 European countries now have live Deposit Return Schemes, with more to follow soon. In our latest Report, we take a look at the big question: Is DRS the key to meeting Europe’s collection targets?
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ArticleICIS indicates annual mechanical recycling supply of 50 million tonnes by 2050
According to a whitepaper from ICIS, mechanical recycling only constituted 8% of European demand in 2024 – but the figure is expected to double across various global regions by 2050, requiring an annual recycling rate of over 50 million tonnes.
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ArticleL’Oréal aims to shape consumer recycling habits with new initiative
L’Oréal has launched a new initiative that aims to explain to consumers in simple terms how to sort and recycle cosmetic packaging.
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Article140 million beverage containers returned at Aldi under Hungarian DRS
Aldi Hungary reports that consumers have returned around 140 million items of single-use packaging via in-store REpont machines, equating to a daily average of 3,000+ plastic, aluminium, and glass bottles per store.
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ArticleConcerns raised over inclusion of state-run PROs in Waste Framework Directive
Over fifty packaging associations warn that the Waste Framework Directive’s recognition of state-run producer responsibility organisations could lower recycling rates, increase administrative costs, and impact both product availability and PRO transparency.