European Commission

MICROPLASTICS ECHA proposes restricting intentionally added microplastics in household cleaners / Minuscule particles one of the worst types of plastics pollution	01.02.2019
BREXIT European Commission adopts "no deal" plans / Lack of REACH regulation provisions / Major supply chain disruptions foreseen	01.02.2019
EVENTS EuPC's "European Food Contact Plastics Seminar" to be held in Brussels	31.01.2019
SOLVAY Belgian chemicals group unveils new polymer grades / Corrosion and risk of fire reduced	23.01.2019
BASF / SOLVAY EU greenlights polyamide deal / Required conditions outlined for the first time	18.01.2019
SINGLE-USE PLASTICS Italy bans sale of plastic cotton swabs at the start of 2019 / More initiatives in other EU countries / Planned and enforced prohibitions and regulations across the globe	09.01.2019
PLASTICS STRATEGY EU deal to ban certain single-use plastics clears another legislative hurdle / Measures against marine litter / Industry associations register complaints	03.01.2019
LOGISTICS Massive increase in road freight costs in Germany	02.01.2019
PLASTICS AND ENVIRONMENT European beverage associations criticise EU draft directive on bottle caps / PwC study reveals high costs / Better collection systems called for	21.12.2018
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