Politics

The recent, swift developments of the EU Single-use plastics directive proposal are developing at a very worrying speed. The European Parliament and the Council are called to make up their minds in very short time frames, deviating from usual best practices and agreed calendars.

The European Commission recently delivered its review of the 2012 European Bioeconomy Strategy. The strategy is a step forward towards ensuring that fossil resources are replaced by sustainable natural alternatives for the production of bio-based products such as bio-based plastics and energy.

Today far too much plastic waste still escapes the European collection systems. Failing to collect plastic waste leads to a loss of valuable resources and at the same time poses a risk to the natural environment.

A study commissioned by the European Electronics Recyclers Association (EERA) has concluded that compliance requirements are substantial.

The Commission has put forward an action plan to develop a sustainable and circular bioeconomy that serves Europe’s society, environment and economy.

In addition to PAHs, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) will continue to look into the possible health impacts of other substances contained in the granules and mulches derived from end-of-life tyres (ELTs).

A new report prepared for the European Commission presents the way for more sustainable batteries by exploring how new battery technologies could be designed to ensure strong performance with minimal environmental impact. Design features which make batteries easier to reuse and recycle are key, it argues.

While traditionally the effort to increase recycling rates has focused on education and awareness, a new study among over 2,000 Americans conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of The Institute of Scrap Recycling (ISRI) suggests action by brands and government may play a significant role as well.

Single-use plastic items such as plates, cutlery or cotton buds, making up over 70% of marine litter, will be banned under plans backed in the Environment Committee.

With BIR holding its latest Convention in London, Brexit and its consequences provided a regular point of debate during the course of the two-day event – most prominently at the International Environment Council meeting on October 6 chaired by Olivier François of Galloo.

The recycling industry remains one of the world’s “best-kept secrets” and its story needs to be told to future generations in order to help them in the preservation of the planet. So said BIR World President Ranjit Singh Baxi at the latest meeting of the World Council of Recycling Associations (WCRA), at which he made major announcements surrounding Global Recycling Day.