The EU Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which came into force on 17th August 2023, introduces stricter requirements for batteries and waste batteries. It aims to create a more sustainable, circular and responsible battery industry within the EU. This regulation repeals the Battery Directive 2006/66/EC with effect from 18th August 2025 and amends the W...

​Turkey is making significant strides toward environmental sustainability by implementing a nationwide Deposit Return System (DRS), locally known as the Deposit Management System (DYS). This initiative plays a crucial role in Turkey's Zero Waste Project, aiming to boost recycling rates and foster environmental awareness among its citizens. Although the DR...

The UK's new Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) system is transforming how businesses that manufacture, import, or sell packaging and packaged products are held accountable for the waste they generate. With 2024 bringing a whirlwind of updates and more expected in 2025, many companies feel overwhelmed by the definitions, terminology, and de...

To tackle the growing issue of packaging waste, the European Union has introduced the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This Regulation is a European Union initiative that aims to reduce packaging waste, promote recycling, and ensure the sustainability of packaging materials. It builds upon the existing Packaging and Packaging Waste Directi...

​We've heard about it many times. Expanded polystyrene (sometimes called Styrofoam) food containers are some of the most frequently banned items in the US. Businesses have used biodegradable alternatives, with varying degrees of success. However, the sticking point for both individual and business compliance is that each place in the US can make its own l...

Not long ago, daily life aligned naturally with sustainable practices, prioritizing resourcefulness and harmony with the environment. Today, convenience has led to widespread use of single-use items, especially in the food service industry.As of 1 January 2025, Oregon has taken a decisive step to address this issue by banning the use of polystyrene foam c...

​As 2024 comes to an end and we set our sights on an exciting 2025, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the incredible milestones and achievements our company has reached this year. From new beginnings to remarkable growth, 2024 has truly been a year to remember.One of the most significant milestones this year was moving into our brand-new offices. In J...

​We are all consumers of packaging. Increasingly, consumers reaching for their favourite product on the supermarket shelf may be swayed by promising on-pack claims regarding packaging recyclability or recycled content inclusion. Done well, environmental claims indicate to the eco-conscious consumer that a certain product or its packaging may have preferen...

​The world is at a tipping point in tackling plastic waste, and countries are increasingly turning to sustainable solutions. While mechanical recycling has been the dominant method, it struggles with complex or contaminated plastics that often end up in landfills or incinerators. Chemical recycling, a technology that breaks plastics into their core compon...

​A study in Science Advances has revealed a direct correlation between plastic production by consumer goods companies and environmental plastic pollution, indicating that a 1% increase in production results in a 1% increase in pollution. Southeast Asia dominates the list of the highest plastic polluters, with six out of the top ten countries located in th...

​Latvia has amended its Natural Resource Tax by establishing a tax on plastics that are typically not recycled in Latvia. Starting from 1st October 2024, any taxable person responsible for packaging made entirely or partially of non-recyclable plastic (polymeric) materials will be subject to this tax. The tax was introduced in response to the European Uni...

​The How2Recycle (H2R) label, launched in 2012, is a voluntary labelling program designed to make recycling guidance simple and consistent across brands, helping consumers make informed choices. As recycling regulations and consumer expectations evolve, H2R recently introduced two new label types—How2Recycle Pro and How2Recycle Plus—to offer even clearer,...

​Whilst Canada is renowned for its Rocky Mountains, poutine, and grizzly bears, it has also gained international recognition for its commitment to product stewardship and extended producer responsibility (EPR). Every two years, people gather at the Canadian Stewardship Conference to explore the latest in stewardship and EPR practices in Canada.This year, ...

​The Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707) is California's latest effort to tackle the increasing problem of textile waste. The act establishes a framework to manage the lifecycle of textiles, encouraging recycling, repair, and reuse to prevent millions of tons of post-consumer textile waste from ending up in landfills. With fast fashion contr...

The rise of packaging waste has become a significant environmental issue in Taiwan, with single use plastics and glass containers contributing heavily to landfills and pollution. In response, the Ministry of Environment has proposed the introduction of a 'Green Design Fee' for producers of plastic and glass packaging. The green fee system is an initiative...

​Approximately 85% of plastic packaging worldwide ends up in landfill rather than recycling. This is why EPR is so important, to make sure producers make more effort to ensure their packaging ends up in recycling. EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility. It is a policy approach where producers must take responsibility for their products throughout...