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UK businesses make world-first pact to slash plastic packaging
Major firms including Nestlé, Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Unilever have today (26 April) made joint commitments to make unnecessary single-use plastic packaging "a thing of the past".
Theresa May outlines plan to ban plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds
Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that a consultation will take place later this year to prepare England for a national ban on plastic straws, drink stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds.
Scientists accidentally create mutant enzyme that eats plastic bottles
Scientists have created a mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic drinks bottles - by accident. The breakthrough could help solve the global plastic pollution crisis by enabling for the first time the full recycling of bottles.
Sky and National Geographic join forces in fight against marine plastic pollution
Global broadcasters Sky and National Geographic have teamed up to drive a global media campaign to reduce plastic litter in the ocean.
Pret launches reusable bottle range to slash consumer plastics waste
Pret A Manger has unveiled a new range of reusable bottles to help reduce the amount of plastic used by customers.
edie Live 2018: Show programme complete as plastics and SDGs take centre stage
The show content for edie's annual exhibition has been confirmed, with plastics waste, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), energy storage and employee engagement among the hot topics that will be debated across four theatres at the two-day show in May.
Waitrose builds on plastics pledge by switching to paper straws in cafes
Waitrose has revealed it will build on a commitment to stop selling packs of single-use plastics straws later this year, by replacing all plastic straws used in its onsite cafes with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper alternatives.
Unilever to develop closed-loop supply for food packaging plastics
In the latest corporate commitment to target plastic waste, Unilever has agreed a new partnership to develop technology capable of converting PET plastic waste into virgin-grade materials available for use in food packaging.
Co-op unveils 50% recycled plastic bottles for own-brand water
The Cop-op has announced that all of its own-brand water bottles will be switched to contain 50% recycled plastic, as part of a plan to "test the water" on how shoppers will react to a change in design.
Plastic packaging a 'policy failure', claims Sainsbury's boss
Sainsbury's chief executive Mike Coupe says Britain's plastic waste crisis has been exacerbated by a "failure of public policy" and is calling for a more unified approach to recycling.
Adidas sold one million pairs of ocean plastic trainers in 2017
Sportswear giant Adidas has revealed that it sold more than one million pairs of trainers made from 95% ocean plastic last year.
Microplastics found in more than 90% of bottled water, study says
A new analysis of some of the world's most popular bottled water brands says more than 90% contain tiny pieces of plastic.
Financial incentives for recyclability the way forward, says Co-op
A fiscal system that rewards recyclability and labelling, coupled with reducing the range of polymers available for use, would enable retailers and waste management firms to better tackle the rise of plastics pollution, according to the Co-op's environment manager Iain Ferguson.
Spring Statement: Chancellor unveils consultation on plastic tax
Phillip Hammond has launched a public consultation on a tax system for single-use plastics, vowing to tackle the “threat to our oceans" in his inaugural Spring Statement.
Lidl UK exploring deposit return scheme as part of plastic waste commitment
Lidl UK has today (9 March) unveiled a package of new commitments to reduce plastic waste, including plans to remove all single-use plastic bags, reduce the quantity of plastic packaging by one-fifth and consider a deposit return scheme for plastic containers.
Plastic pledges provide gateway to circular economy, says John Lewis
The recent focus on plastic pollution has given sustainability professionals an opportunity to "reframe the narrative" on resource efficiency to move business models towards the circular economy, John Lewis's sustainability manager Ben Thomas has claimed.
Aldi unveils sweeping measures to slash plastics waste
Discount chain Aldi will scrap 5p carrier bags by the end of this year and ensure all packaging on its own-label is reusable, recyclable or compostable before 2022.
Achieving a circular economy: New business guide launched by edie
Organisations looking to accelerate the transition to a circular economy now have access to a comprehensive 'edie explains' guide which breaks down everything there is to know about achieving a zero-waste world.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Sustainable packaging and the plastics problem
edie travels to the Museum of Brands to discuss solutions to plastic waste and wider resource efficiency issues with business representatives from Iceland, Tetra Pak and James Cropper.
The big plastics debate: Industry must be fearless in zero-waste pursuit, Iceland claims
Iceland said it would not be afraid to make mistakes when tackling the issue of plastics waste, during a unique panel debate also featuring Co-op, Marks and Spencer (M&S) and Coca-Cola.
First plant-based plastic Lego pieces to go on sale
The first Lego pieces made from plant-based plastic sourced from sugar cane will go on sale this year, the company has announced.
Plastic-free aisles and seaweed sachets: Six brand new business plans to tackle plastic waste
The war on plastic waste rages on, but this week was a bit different, with numerous companies stepping into to the spotlight to shed light on a range of solutions. edie brings them all together under one innovation round-up.
Online food delivery services commit to plastics takeaway
The war on plastics has entered the rapidly growing online food delivery sector, with industry competitors Deliveroo and Just Eat both making pledges today (1 March) to cut down the amount of plastic packaging used by customers.
Government 'dragging its feet' over deposit return scheme for plastics, MPs claim
The UK Government is exploring how changes to packaging producer responsibilities and a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and containers would be implemented in the UK, but the lack of action has been described as "unacceptable" by the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC).
Glastonbury Festival to ban water bottles from 2019
Glastonbury Festival is undergoing an "enormous project" to create a site-wide ban on plastic water bottles when it returns in 2019.
Church of England and ClientEarth give up plastics for Lent
The Church of England has provided worshippers with a calendar of tips to avoid using single-use plastic during Lent, with MPs and environmental law firm ClientEarth also agreeing to the pledge.
Could Scotland be on the verge of becoming the first European country to ban plastic straws?
The Scottish Government could introduce a ban on plastic straws as early as next year, it has been reported.
Eurostar to set science-based target and halve use of plastic
High-speed rail service Eurostar has pledged to halve the amount of plastic it uses over the next two years, with the organisation's energy and environment lead Rebecca Cranshaw revealing that a science-based target to reduce emissions should be in place later this year.
Michael Gove spearheads MP group pledging to plastics phase-out
More than 100 MPs, including Environment Secretary Michael Gove, have pledged to reduce single-use plastic consumption within their local constituencies, after committing to Sky Ocean Rescue's #PassOnPlastic pledge.
London City Airport implements plastic straw ban
London City Airport has become the first airport in the UK to place an outright ban on plastic straws across food and drink outlets on its premises, instead obliging outlets to use biodegradable straws available on request.
Ex-BT chief Niall Dunne on a mission to create the 'Tesla of plastics'
BT's former chief sustainability officer Niall Dunne is determined to use his role as the new chief executive of plastic producers Polymateria to "redesign the rules of an entire industry" and create practical solutions that can eliminate plastic pollution.
Co-op goes plastic free for own-brand teabags
In the latest example of business attempting to combat plastic pollution, the Co-op has become the first retailer to develop a fully-biodegradable paper tea bag - removing all uses of polypropylene plastic as a result.
Water firms back national scheme to cut plastic bottle use
The water industry has launched a national scheme today (25 January) to cut plastic bottle use by tens of millions each year, while increasing the availability of free drinking water.
Circular economy takes centre stage at Davos
Plastic waste is high on the agenda in Davos this week, with a host of corporate giants including L'Oréal, Mars and Unilever making commitments on their approach to packaging.
Evian aims for 100% recycled plastic bottles by 2025
French bottled water company Evian is the latest in a long line of brands to signal its intention to steer away from plastic waste, after announcing plans to produce bottles made from 100% recycled plastic by 2025.
McDonald's and Waitrose lead business charge against plastic waste
Fast food giant McDonald's and UK retailer Waitrose are the latest companies to publicly announce plans to tackle the growing issue of plastic waste, with McDonald's setting a 2025 commitment to boost the recyclability of its packaging and Waitrose reaffirming its packaging commitments that it made in 2017.
EU maps out plastics vision in new strategy
The European Commission presented on Tuesday (16 January) its eagerly anticipated strategy on how the EU intends to approach plastic production and pollution over the next decade and beyond.
UK retailers see rise in sales of reusable coffee cups
Sales of reusable coffee cups are soaring in the UK, retailers are reporting, as the government hints at a tax on disposable cups.
Plastic tax and ETS tinkering could plug Brexit hole, suggests EU budget chief
EU Budget Commissioner Günther Oettinger has revealed that the European Commission will propose taxing plastic and shifting emissions trading income to EU level, in an attempt to balance the bloc's coffers once the United Kingdom leaves the EU.
'More needs to be done' as microbeads ban comes into force
A ban on the manufacture of certain products containing plastic microbeads has today (9 January) entered into force, although MPs and green groups have reiterated that more action is needed to tackle the global problem of plastic waste.
Edible packaging and ocean-plastic shoes: Six of the best innovations to solve the plastics problem
Following this week's inspiring webinar on how businesses are helping to solve the plastics problem, edie has rounded up some of the ground-breaking innovations being explored by companies across the globe as we look to tackle the perils of plastic pollution, once and for all.
How to solve the plastics problem: Live edie webinar takes place AT 2PM TODAY
Interface, P&G, Surfdome and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation complete an all-star line-up of circular economy experts for edie's live, interactive webinar focused on plastic packaging sustainability - taking place today (Thursday 7 December) at 2pm.
Oceans under greatest threat in history, warns Sir David Attenborough
The world's oceans are under the greatest threat in history, according to Sir David Attenborough. The seas are a vital part of the global ecosystem, leaving the future of all life on Earth dependent on humanity's actions, he says.
Plastic pollution: Circular economy experts to discuss packaging solutions in live webinar TOMORROW
Representatives from Interface, P&G, Surfdome and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation complete an all-star line-up for edie's live, interactive webinar focused on plastic packaging sustainability - taking place this Thursday (7 December) at 2pm.
Budget 2017: Chancellor takes action on air quality, electric vehicles and plastic waste
Chancellor Philip Hammond has today pledged to build an economy "fit for the future" by announcing new air quality funding, tax incentives for electric cars, and measures to combat plastic waste in his 2017 Autumn Budget.
Blockchain start-up unveils plastic offset scheme
A technology start-up has launched a new initiative for companies and families to calculate and offset annual "plastic footprints" by purchasing credits that support global projects that tackle plastic pollution.
Pret A Manger trials plastic bottle alternatives across select stores
Pret A Manger is looking to reduce the number of plastic bottles sold at its outlets and on the high streets, by offering free filtered water and reusable glass bottles at its three Veggie Pret shops.
How P&G formed a new supply chain to combat ocean plastics
EXCLUSIVE: The Procter & Gamble (P&G) Company's new Fairy Ocean Plastic Bottle serves to highlight a "totally new supply chain and approach" to incorporating post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic into products, as the firm closes in on a 2020 packaging target.
EU rules out tax on plastic products to reduce waste
The EU has ruled out penalties on single-use plastic products, in favour of raising public awareness of the damage consumer plastics are doing to the world's oceans.
Sky to ban single-use plastics by 2020
Broadcasting company Sky has announced that all single-use plastics will be removed from its products, operations and supply chain by 2020 and will also invest £25m into an Ocean Rescue Innovation Fund to develop remedies to the amount of waste seeping into oceans.
San Miguel drops plastic water bottle production
Asian beverage giant San Miguel Corporation has announced its intention to discontinue the plastic-bottled Purewater line to boost the company's commitment to tackling "pressing" social and environmental issues.
Scotland commits to diesel phase out and plastic bottle deposit return scheme
Scotland will phase out diesel and petrol cars and introduce a national deposit return scheme for drinks containers, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced today (5 September).
Plastic packaging: Are retailers ready to face the elephant in the room?
Britain's retailers must address "the elephant in the room" that is the use of polyethene plastic for the delivery of products to and from stores, the head of sustainability at outdoor clothing company Surfdome has told edie.
Tesco to scrap single-use carrier bags in favour of 'bag for life'
The UK's largest supermarket group is replacing all of its 5p single-use carrier bags – which it sold more than 600 million of last year – with a new 10p 'bag for life' made from 94% recycled plastic.
Bottle deposit scheme could catalyse a two-third reduction in plastic marine litter
A deposit scheme for plastic drink containers could reduce one third of UK plastic seeping into the oceans, with four extra actions able to reduce plastic marine litter even further, new analysis from the Green Alliance thinktank has revealed.
Sky partners with Oval cricket ground to raise awareness of ocean plastic pollution
Broadcasting company Sky is taking its Ocean Rescue sustainability campaign to the world of cricket by forming a partnership with the Kia Oval stadium, which will see refillable water bottles handed out to fans during England's match against South Africa this week.
Plastic pollution risks 'near permanent contamination of natural environment'
Humans have produced 8.3bn tonnes of plastic since the 1950s with the majority ending up in landfill or polluting the world's continents and oceans, according to a new report.
We Are the Oceans: a new way to educate consumers on plastic waste
As sustainability practitioners search for new ways to drive consumer engagement, edie's Matt Mace hears from the 23-year-old founder of a new campaign group which is utilising music, video games and social media campaigns to capture the hearts and minds of millennials in tackling the issue of ocean plastic waste.
Stella McCartney shines spotlight on ocean waste through Parley partnership
British fashion designer Stella McCartney has announced an extended collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, to support the "fragility" of the oceans and help combat rising marine plastic pollution.
Corona targets marine plastic waste through islands protection pledge
Mexican beer brand Corona has partnered with Parley for the Oceans in a move that will protect 100 islands against rising marine plastic pollution by 2020.
Unilever breakthrough technology set to tackle plastic sachet waste
Consumer goods giant Unilever has today (11 May) unveiled a breakthrough technology which aims to address the systemic global issue of multilayer plastic sachet waste.
Sadiq Khan urged to explore plastic bottle return scheme
The London Assembly Environment Committee (LAEC) has called on the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to fulfil his promise of becoming the 'greenest Mayor London has ever had' by exploring the viability of a return scheme for plastic bottles, with a view to a city-wide trial.
Wake up and smell the coffee: our shared responsibility to manage food and drink packaging waste
As edie's Resource Management month draws to a close, circular economy experts Libby Sandbrook (BITC) and Debbie Hitchen (Anthesis) explore the challenges and opportunities behind two of the most talked-about packaging waste issues of our generation: coffee cups and plastic bottles.
Greenpeace slams 'jaw-dropping' inaction on marine pollution from soft drinks firms
A new Greenpeace UK report has condemned the "woeful lack of action" by the soft drinks industry to prevent ocean plastic pollution, as figures show the world's top six brands use a combined average of just 6.6% recycled plastic in their bottles.
Is it time for a plastic bottle tax?
Following the success that the UK's plastic bag charge has had on changing consumer behaviours and reducing waste, environmental campaigners and industry experts have this week been discussing the viability of a plastic bottle deposit scheme. Would such a scheme be successful?
Dell delivers tech industry's first ocean plastic packaging
Computer firm Dell has achieved a new first for the technology industry, after converting waste plastic found on beaches and in waterways into new packaging for one of its laptop products.
Sainsbury's becomes first retailer to commit to 100% plastic-free cotton buds
Sainsbury's has today (22 February) become the first British retailer to publicly commit to the complete removal of plastic from its cotton buds, as the supermarket group aims to replace the current sticks with a fully biodegradable option by the end of 2017.
Harrogate Water turns to iconic Tidyman logo to raise recycling awareness
As reports emerge that UK ministers are likely to reject a plastic bottle deposit scheme, Britain's largest independent bottled water company has agreed to place the iconic 'Tidyman' logo on its products in a new partnership with Keep Britain Tidy.
#OceanRescue: Sky drives engagement on ocean plastic waste through new social campaign
Broadcasting company Sky has turned to social media to increase awareness of the "major challenge" of plastic waste in the oceans, using celebrities and behaviour change tips as levers to inspire and educate consumers.
The New Plastics Economy: Catalysing action
This new report is one of the first key deliverables of the New Plastics Economy initiative.It represents a logical next step to the 2016 report: from rethinking the future of plastics to catalysing action.
On Wings of Waste: Plane fuelled by plastic waste completes trailblazing flight
British-born pilot and environmentalist Jeremy Rowsell has made history this week by flying a light aircraft across Australia using a conventional fuel blended with fuel derived from plastic waste.
Adidas launches mass-produced ocean plastic trainers
Global sportswear company Adidas looks set to push around 7,000 pairs of trainers made from 95% ocean plastic into the market, alongside setting a new goal to produce one million ocean plastic pairs of trainers by 2017.
Plastic Soup Foundation: UK microbeads ban first step to implementing plastic circular economy
EXCLUSIVE: The UK Government's decision to introduce a national ban on microbeads can act as an "important step" that mobilises countries to look beyond microbeads in the ocean and focus on creating a plastic circular economy "without leakage".
MPs call for outright ban on plastic microbeads from cosmetics products
The UK Government has today (24 August) been urged by the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) to completely ban cosmetic companies from using environmentally harmful plastic microbeads in bathroom products by the end of 2017.
Could a '100% recyclable' polymer drive the new plastics economy?
The developers of a packaging polymer that is both 100% recyclable and 100% biodegradable in standard waste management facilities claim the new material could help to create a much-needed circular economy for plastic packaging.
Plastic waste dumped in UK seas 'carried to Arctic within two years'
Plastic dumped into the seas around the UK is carried to the Arctic within two years, scientists have revealed, where it does "extreme harm" to the fragile polar environment.
MPs attack loopholes in cosmetic industry's microbead phase out
Voluntary action by the cosmetics industry to phase out the use of microbeads in Europe came under strong attack from MPs on Wednesday, who criticised loopholes in the pledges and slammed the lack of labelling on products containing the plastic particles.
G-Star RAW launches scheme to halt plastic pollution in oceans
Designer clothing company G-Star RAW has joined forces with marine pollution campaign group the Plastic Soup Foundation in an effort to prevent microfibres creating plastic pollution in the world's oceans.
Interface builds boat from 7,000 plastic bottles to tackle ocean pollution
The world's largest carpet tile manufacturer has joined forces with a 'plastic fishing' company to design and create a unique boat made from more than 7,000 plastic bottles fished from the canals of Amsterdam.
Card Factory defends plastic bag tax avoidance
Greetings cards retailer Card Factory has fended off criticism of it's decision to sell plastic bags without handles as a way of avoiding the 5p carrier bag charge.
More plastic than fish in oceans by 2050, Ellen MacArthur study warns
With environmental issues featuring high on the agenda at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos this week, a new report has revealed that applying circular economy principles to plastic packaging could save up to $120bn for the global economy.
Adidas adds 3D-printed insole to ocean waste shoe
Sportswear giant Adidas has created the world's first sports shoe made entirely from reclaimed and recycled ocean waste, which now includes a 3D-printed midsole made from recycled polyester and fill net content.
Bristol's giant whale lights up Green Capital
A spectacular LED-lit monument made of recycled plastic bottles has been unveiled in Bristol to commemorate the city's year as European Green Capital.
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