ECHA prepares for the countdown to 2018 registration deadline / “Roadmap” to guide SMEs

Plastics processors association Fédération de la Plasturgie et des Composites establishes new regional structure

New York City goes ahead with planned ban on EPS food packaging / Rigid PS unaffected / Officials say recycling is infeasible / Chemistry Council says legislation will hurt economy

New waste management paper looks at priorities for circular economy / Legislation in EU member states under scrutiny / Packaging producers make recommendations

Twelve people indicted for deadly Kaohsiung gas explosions / Accused include LCY chairman Lee Bowei

Europur board elects Bart J. ten Brink as new president

EC withdraws Circular Economy plans to increase recycling levels / Package to be replaced with more ambitious legislation

EU committee finds DEHP as of “very high concern” for the environment / Health decision still due

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

Part 3 – Packaging: M&A activity in the plastics packaging sector continues / Global competition changes the landscape / La Seda bankruptcy sale almost wrapped up / Coca Cola's sustainability drive hits a snag

Part 2 – Plastics Production: Shale gas revolution drives Europe into a corner / Ailing facilities are consolidated / Massive changes in PVC market / Shale oil reserves change the balance once again

Part 1 – Overview: European plastics industry ploughs on / High energy costs and bag bans still an issue / Realities of shale revolution start knocking on Brussels' doors

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

European legislation a key focus at second EuPC sector group meeting

World Plastics Council elects Sabic's Mosaed Al Ohali as chairman / Lays out focus on marine debris, post-consumer solutions