Industry Legislation

Part 4 – Regulations: Regulatory moves keep the industry on its toes again in 2014 / Restrictions on plastic bags dominate the discussion / BPA and phthalates still a topic / Flame retardant issues still smoulder / Recycling guidelines make headway

PlasticsEurope calls France's report on alternatives to bisphenol A in food packaging “unrealistic simplification” / French parliament set to vote on ban from 1 January 2015

Follow-up: European Bioplastics and Assobioplastiche welcome European Council's amendment to Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive

EU guideline calls for gradual reduction in consumption up to 2025 / EuPC highlights problems from internal market perspective, warns of job losses / PlasticsEurope fears trade barriers, calls for regulation of “oxo-degradable” plastics

Germany's door to shale gas exploration kicked open slightly / Experts to decide on suitability of geological formations / Industry urges quick start to exploration / Plans still controversial

OPA discredits Italian statement on oxo-biodegradable plastics and bag charges / Call for objective technical assessment by Commission

EPA adds BPA, phthalates and flame retardants to watchlist / Some choices questioned

Scotland's retailers now charging 5p for all single-trip bags of all materials / England to follow suit in 2015 / Northern Ireland to extend levies to cheap reusable bags from January

EU investigates French state subsidies for PVC manufacturer / Doubts about compatibility with restructuring plans

Plastics Recyclers Europe publishes guidelines for PET trays

Northern Ireland reduces consumption by nearly 72% in first year of 5p levy / Proceeds fund community projects

California may restrict single-trip bags / Bill provides USD 2 bn in funding for manufacturer retooling

Government must tackle barriers to circular economy / PRN and recycling schemes need reform / House of Commons report

Washington D.C. mayor passes bill banning polystyrene carryout containers from 2016 onwards / Industry response critical

Fédération de la Plasturgie sees 3,000 jobs threatened by proposed plastic bag ban / Calls for low-priced bioplastics

Ban on lightweight plastic bags from 2016 / Retail associations warn of additional costs to the consumer of EUR 300m per year

Denmark withdraws plans for further-reaching ban on phthalates / Pressure from EU Commission

Sweden identifies phthalates suspected of being endocrine disruptors

European Commission adopts new waste proposals / Landfill of recyclable waste to be banned by 2025 / 80% packaging waste recycling target set for 2030 / Mixed response by European plastics associations

Euromap and SPI sign declaration of intent on TTIP free trade agreement / Elimination of tariffs expected to boost export sales, employment

Anti-dumping duties on adipic acid from EU, US and South Korea set to expire in November / Ministry of Commerce calls on local companies for statements about possible extension

EFSA approves rPET process

Sweden to sue EU over slow action on endocrine disruptors / “Chemicals lobby” blamed

Plastics Recycling Europe will develop European recycling guidelines specific for PET trays

European parliament approves legislation on lightweight carrier bags / Latest legal hurdle mounted / Decision welcomed by European Bioplastics and Novamont