More than 50 companies sign up to use recycled plastics in packaging / Government welcomes commitments within its call for 100% circularity by 2025

Shopping bag usage at supermarkets falls 76% on bag charge / Sikinos first Greek island to ban plastic straws

Ban on single-use plastics from 2022 / “CleanSeas” campaign and clean up of historic monuments / Reports spotlight waste management successes and setbacks

More than 15,000 Chinese converting companies / Continuous growth in exports of plastic end-products / Numerous centres and schools for innovation and training / CPRJ report

Waste management plan with 2020 target proving difficult / Chamber of commerce holds waste and recycling symposium / Importance of separating secondary raw materials

Steps taken to cut plastic waste volumes / Move follows China's ban on waste imports / Production of coloured PET bottles to stop by 2020

Nation-wide circular economy plan released / Aim to recycle all plastics by 2025 / Elipso remains highly engaged

US plastics show sets exhibitor and space record / Strong economic backdrop / Recycling plays prominent role / Orlando remains the venue until 2027

Economic recovery helps sector gain highest business volume in 10 years / Rising number of plastic containers companies / "Hispack" 2018 attendee numbers up

Government voices support for plastic carrier bag fees and possible ban / Steps to reduce post-consumer waste

Record attendance at new exhibition centre in Shanghai / Speedy, high-end production / E-commerce and digitalisation expanding in China's plastics industry

Irish restaurants organisation urges plastic straws ban / UK government mentions ban for wet wipes

More than 60 firms sign up to "UK Plastics Pact" / Plastics waste initiative led by Wrap / First global network of this kind / Supported by Ellen MacArthur Foundation and BPF

Strong economic start to year / Highly dependent on plastics imports / Polymer consumption expected to reach over 9m t in 2018

Further steps towards EU plastics strategy / New forum for recycling quality