BPF warns of consequences of exempting biodegradable bags from levy / Oxo-biodegradable plastics association accuses recyclers of scaremongering

European converters hope EU investment plan will stimulate their business / EuPC urges Brussels to revive its circular economy proposal

European food watchdog EFSA finds BPA to have “no health risk” / Study may weaken France's push for reclassification / REACH administrator ECHA also in the game

US Environmental Protection Agency mulls new rules for MDI and TDI in consumer products

UK competition authority scrutinises purchase of Weidenhammer / Without additional guarantees, deal could be investigated

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