Government implements fee for plastic carrier bags / Pagev calls for amendments in line with EU legislation / Economic repercussions for plastics sector

Petcore conference has over 280 attendees / EU's SUP directive to drive PET developments / Upgrades for Belgium's collection and sorting / More countries to add deposit schemes

Erika Bernardino Aprá to head industry association Almaco / Brazilian market less dynamic than expected

Portugal studies plastics contamination in Douro river / Results show more microplastics than fish larvae

ECHA proposes restricting intentionally added microplastics in household cleaners / Minuscule particles one of the worst types of plastics pollution

Agreement to promote European composites sector

TerraCycle establishes global alliance to promote reusable and recyclable packaging / Over 20 major companies join Loop / Circular shopping platform

Farmland in southern Germany heavily contaminated with plastic particles / PE most common type found / More research on microplastics needed

European consortium Ceflex reaches 100 members / Growing interest from outside Europe

German plastics recycling specialist RIGK supports campaign in Chile

Global alliance of 29 companies aims to help manage plastics waste / Commitments totalling over USD 1 bn

Italy bans sale of plastic cotton swabs at the start of 2019 / More initiatives in other EU countries / Planned and enforced prohibitions and regulations across the globe

New glitch for Ocean Cleanup / End section becomes detached / Vehicle to be towed to Hawaii for damage assessment / Boyan Slat still confident

EU deal to ban certain single-use plastics clears another legislative hurdle / Measures against marine litter / Industry associations register complaints

UK government publishes new guidance in the event of a "no-deal" Brexit / Plastics additives industry concerned