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

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

Plastics Recyclers Europe annual meeting highlights quality recycling and sorting / “European Plastics Recycling Show” to make its debut in Brussels next year

EuPC masterbatch and compounder subgroup elects new president

Survey finds slight rise in presence of littered plastic bags in England / Fee will not change social behaviour associated with littering, PAFA responds

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