European Commission

LOGISTICS Cost relief for rail freight in Germany expected / European Commission approves subsidies	19.12.2018
EU PLASTICS STRATEGY Launch of multi-stakeholder alliance to boost recycling efforts in Europe / Need to match recyclate supply with demand and enhance quality	17.12.2018
PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT EU council adopts parliament's lower threshold for PBDE flame retardants / Proposal to review POPs regulation two years after taking effect	14.12.2018
EU CIRCULAR ECONOMY Report outlines technology solutions to meet EU plastics strategy / Joint R&D agenda from EuPC, SusChem, Cefic, PlasticsEurope and ECP4	14.12.2018
YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 A look back on the year's top stories for the plastics industry	11.12.2018
MICROPLASTICS ECHA shares thoughts on restriction assessment / Dossier to be released in January / Focus on hazards to the environment	10.12.2018
INTERVIEW PIE talks to Dimitrios Syrmos, president of Greek plastics industry association AHPI / SMEs in Greece face technology and financing challenges	07.12.2018
EU PLASTICS STRATEGY European Commission receives over 60 voluntary pledges / Companies and industry associations commit to plastics recycling	26.11.2018
PACKAGING RECYCLING Pack2Go and PRE call for overhaul of European collection and recycling system / "Marshall plan" to boost investments	19.11.2018
TOMRA Norwegian reverse vending machine producer launches global recruitment drive / At least 1,000 new hires expected / Start of digital voucher scheme in Australia	16.11.2018
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY Sales slump puts sector under pressure in Germany and Europe / Weakness especially apparent with SCR tanks for diesel vehicles / Situation could mean a breather for plastics processors / Brexit and e-car issues	01.11.2018
PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT European Parliament greenlights commission's single-use plastics rules and adds more / Council will have the next word / Many stakeholders still critical	01.11.2018
PLASTICS RECYCLING EUROPE PRE's annual meeting highlights increased collection and recycling rates / Improved waste management systems needed across Europe	29.10.2018
FRANCE Ban on single-use plastic tableware and packaging / Heavy criticism from French and European associations / Poor definitions of items and conflict with EU law	24.10.2018
POLYAMIDE 6.6 Polymer shortage and high prices dog French OEMs / “Structural problems”	23.10.2018
LATIN AMERICA Numerous countries and municipalities take steps to restrict single-use plastics / Bans on plastic carrier bags and straws	19.10.2018
BASF / SOLVAY Chemical groups modify planned polyamide transaction / EU decision in January at earliest	18.10.2018
PET TRAYS Policymakers urged not to set consumption cuts / Call for collection targets / Industry pledge to raise recyclate content to 70%	12.10.2018
FOOD PACKAGING EU making a move to approve recycling processes for food-contact materials	10.10.2018
PVC RECYCLING EUROPE VinylPlus makes voluntary commitments to increase recycling	01.10.2018
EU PLASTICS STRATEGY MEPs vote in favour of proposals to boost recycling and tackle marine litter / Call for ban on microplastics in cosmetics / FEAD voices support	20.09.2018
EU PLASTICS STRATEGY Trade association Pack2Go Europe accuses European Commission of conflict of interest and bias in proposed plastics strategy / Files complaint with ombudsman	06.09.2018
IRAN Petrochemicals comeback stalls / US and Europe pull in different directions / Sanctions torpedo Western players' plans for re-engagement	04.09.2018
TRONOX European Commission issues final approval for acquisition of Cristal / US authorities' decision on titanium dioxide merger pending	04.09.2018
PLASTICS RECYCLING EUROPE Waste associations support European Parliament's draft for more recyclate in drink bottles	31.08.2018