German government launches plastic bag ban / Recycling association rejects plans / Japan wants to lower consumption

The Ocean Cleanup presents new vessel to catch plastic pollution in rivers / “The Interceptor” is planned to launch in 2025

Partnership with Plug and Play platform to accelerate innovation efforts / Initiative aids startups / Two programmes per year in France, Singapore and US

Costa Rica bans EPS containers / Violations can cost up to USD 7,600

IK publishes English-language guidelines for environmentally friendly packaging / Holistic approach for eco design

Early progress being made to eliminate problem packaging / Accelerated efforts needed to reach 2025 targets / Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UNEP progress report

Italy's tax proposal opposed by EuPC, PlasticsEurope and PRE / Thousands of jobs could be put at risk / Consumers would spend more

Mexico ratifies USMCA / Plastics producers urge US and Canada to follow

World's leading plastics and rubber trade fair underscores top position / Düsseldorf the industry's meeting point with 225,000 visitors making the trip / Percentage of international guests increases again / Circular economy a dominant topic

Plastics industry establishes clarity on global plastics flows for the first time / Study based on data from 44 countries shows differentiated picture / More specifically targeted measures should be planned more specifically

International alliance meets at "K 2019" / Advocacy is the priority / China's circular plans focus on technology and biopolymers / EPR schemes controversial

Study shows ships are a far higher source of plastics waste than previously assumed / More stringent monitoring required

Government shelves binding nationwide phase-out of single-use plastics by 2022 / Target “recommended” / Industry slams lack of clarity over rules

Over half of companies see circular economy opportunities / Waste prevention and recycling are most important measures / ARA survey

Greenpeace accuses consumer good companies of false promises on plastics pollution / Call for investment in refill and reuse systems / SC Johnson quits Plastics Industry Association