Plastics
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edie's Plastics Thinkathon results (Part Two): Solving the behaviour change challenge
With businesses continuing to develop plastic-reduction strategies in the face of ever-growing stakeholder pressure, edie recently hosted the world's first 'Plastics Thinkathon' to co-create scalable solutions to the issue. In the final part of this feature, Sarah George reveals the results to tackling behaviour change.
Hovis launches nationwide bread bag recycling scheme
British bread brand Hovis has announced a new partnership with recycling specialist TerraCycle to make it easier for its fully recyclable plastic bread bags to be correctly disposed of by households.
edie's Plastics Thinkathon results (Part One): The Lazy Lunch and shampoo bars
With businesses continuing to make plastic-reduction pledges in the face of ever-growing stakeholder pressure, edie recently hosted the world's first 'Plastics Thinkathon' to co-create scalable solutions to the issue. In this two-part feature, Sarah George reveals the potentially game-changing results.
All in or on-the-go?: Green economy reacts to Defra's deposit return scheme vision
The consultation on the UK's waste management process has sparked new debates on standardised waste collections and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime. But the green economy wants to go "all in" on deposit return systems.
Government unveils deposit return scheme blueprints as part of waste management revamp
The UK Government has launched a 12-week consultation to explore how a "world-leading" tax on plastic packaging, standardised waste collections across the country and varying deposit return schemes for single-use items could overhaul and modernise the national waste management system.
#ThisIsACrisis: 7 harsh realities of the global climate crisis
As humanity's negative impacts on the planet continue to grow, a new landmark report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is warning that the time period we have left to avert an "age of environmental breakdown" is growing rapidly smaller. Here, edie rounds up seven of the report's key findings.
Lord Deben: Closed-loop plastic system 'perfectly possible' with revamped policy
Measures outlined in the Resources and Waste Strategy (RWS) could spur progress towards a “completely circular economy” for plastics by forcing businesses to reexamine "vested interests" and financial incentives, the Committee on Climate Change Chairman Lord Deben has argued.
Plastic budgets: Climate Change Act model could solve UK plastics crisis, MPs claim
Ahead of the Government's Resources and Waste Strategy (RWS) consultations, MPs are calling for the "urgent" introduction plastic waste legislation which follows the framework of the Climate Change Act, setting ever-stricter and legally binding recycling targets.
Chiltern Railways rolls out coffee cup recycling scheme across all its stations
Train operator Chiltern Railways has rolled out a coffee cup recycling scheme across its entire estate of 32 UK stations, after forging a partnership with waste solutions provider Simply Cups.
Sky and National Geographic launch Ocean Plastic Innovation Challenge
Broadcaster Sky has launched a one-year competition alongside National Geographic to uncover and support new solutions that can help tackle single-use plastics through a $1.5m (£1.1m) investment fund.
Plastic waste: UK should not pass buck to world's poorest, say MPs
A cross-party group of MPs is calling for a ban on the export of plastic waste over concerns the UK is passing the buck to the world's poorest people to clean up its rubbish.
Eurostar turns to phase-outs and recycled content to lower plastics footprint
High-speed rail service Eurostar will phase-out plastic water bottles from its business lounges during 2019, in a move that will reduce the organisation's plastics footprint by more than 100,000 bottles annually.
Adidas to double production of ocean plastic trainers in 2019
Sportswear giant Adidas has confirmed that it will produce more than twice as many pairs of trainers made using ocean plastic this year than it did in 2018, as consumer demand for products and packaging free from virgin plastic grows.
Shell's green energy plan and edie's Plastics Hub: The sustainability success stories of January 2019
As the first month of 2019 comes to a close, edie rounds up some of the most-read sustainability stories and standout pieces of content from the past 31 days - from Shell's decision to boost its investment in low-carbon technologies, to the launch of edie's own Mission Possible Plastics Hub.
M&S rolls out in-store take-back scheme for hard-to-recycle plastics
Retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) has pledged to install take-back bins for hard-to-recycle plastics across the UK by the end of the year, after launching a new plastics recycling scheme this week.
Ben & Jerry's pledges to ban all single-use plastics by 2020
Ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has pledged to remove all single-use plastic items and packaging from its products and stores by the end of 2020, replacing them with biodegradable or compostable alternatives.
Samsung to remove all virgin plastic from consumer-facing packaging
South Korean technology firm Samsung has pledged to phase out all virgin plastic components from its consumer-facing packaging lines within the first half of 2019.
Waitrose to invest £1m in innovative projects tackling plastic waste
Retailer Waitrose & Partners has today (28 January) launched a new £1m grant scheme which will funnel investment into projects and products aimed at tackling the global plastic pollution problem.
In numbers: The global extent of marine plastic pollution
New research into the extent of the world's plastics pollution problem, which lays bare the environmental consequences of plastic waste entering oceans and waterways, has just been published. Here, edie rounds up the key facts and figures.
SC Johnson and Ellen MacArthur Foundation partner to spur circular economy progress
US-based consumer goods firm SC Johnson has forged a new circular economy partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, in a bid to scale-up closed-loop solutions to the global plastics pollution problem.
Thinkathons and Hackathons: How new ways of thinking could solve the plastics problem
With awareness of plastic pollution at an all-time high, the onus is now on corporates to harness young and creative minds in innovative ways to solve the issue. Could 'Hackathons' and 'Thinkathons' hold the key?
Top 10 tips to eliminate single-use plastics from your business
During a plastic-themed webinar late last week, representatives from Sky, Cranswick, Aquafil and A Plastic Planet gave their advice for professionals looking to eliminate single-use plastics from their organisations. Here, edie rounds up their key takeaways.
Available to watch on demand: edie's single-use plastics business transformation webinar
Sustainability professionals seeking insight on reducing and eliminating single-use plastics can now watch a free webinar that took place Thursday 17 January at 2pm, featuring expert speakers from A Plastic Planet, Sky and Cranswick.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Advancing the plastics debate with Waitrose and Co-op
As part of a week of action on single-use plastics and the launch of edie's Plastics Hub, the Sustainable Business Covered podcast returns for 2019 with exclusive, plastic-focused interviews with sustainability experts at the Co-op, Surfers Against Sewage and Waitrose.
Highland Spring rolls out UK's first 100% recycled water bottle
Scottish water brand Highland Spring has confirmed that it will make the UK's first water bottle made with 100% recycled plastic a permanent part of its range, following a successful trial.
Bubble barriers and 'naked' shampoo: Six of the best innovations for tackling plastics pollution
Following the launch of our Mission Possible Plastics Hub this week, edie has rounded up some of the ground-breaking innovations which could help businesses and nations ramp up their efforts to tackle the perils of plastic pollution, once and for all.
'Stop treating seas as a sewer,' MPs urge in bid for protection treaty
A new global agreement to protect the seas should be a priority for the government to stop our seas becoming a "sewer", according to a cross-party group of MPs.
M&S removes plastic packaging and 'best-before' dates from produce
Retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) has begun trialling dozens of plastic-free fruit and vegetable lines without 'best-before' date stickers, in a bid to reduce consumer packaging and food waste outputs.
Lord Deben: Corporate action on plastic to 'evolve' beyond packaging
EXCLUSIVE: After two years of awareness-building and action on packaging sustainability, businesses must now approach the plastic waste crisis as a whole-systems issue, Committee on Climate Change (CCC) chairman Lord Deben has argued.
edie opens applications for 'Plastics Thinkathon' at Sustainability Leaders Forum
Sustainability, energy and resource efficiency professionals are being called upon to help businesses collectively solve the problem of plastics pollution by taking part in a unique 'Plastics Thinkathon' on the sidelines of edie's Sustainability Leaders Forum in London next month.
Business giants commit $1bn to launch Alliance to End Plastic Waste
Major companies from across the plastics value chain, including Procter & Gamble (P&G), Veolia and ExxonMobil, have today (16 January) committed more than $1bn (£777m) as part of a new alliance aimed at eliminating plastic waste in the environment.
Nestlé set to launch its first plastic-free packaging in 2019
Food and beverage giant Nestlé has published a sweeping string of new sustainable packaging commitments, including plans for its first plastic-free packaging, and achieving 'plastic-neutrality'.
Ocean Rescue: How Sky's plastics campaign has ignited a wave of transformation
EXCLUSIVE: Two years on from the launch of its global campaign to educate and inspire the public and businesses to phase-out single-use plastics, Sky's head of Sky Ocean Rescue Fiona Ball sits down with edie to discuss the transformational impacts the project has had both inside and outside of the company.
UK's first national recycling scheme launched for contact lenses
Consumer goods giant Johnson & Johnson has teamed up with Boots Opticians and recycling firm Terracycle to launch the first UK-wide recycling scheme for contact lenses and their packaging.
In depth: How are businesses performing against their plastic pledges?
Over the last two years, some the world's largest businesses have made ambitious new commitments to eliminating single-use plastics. Here, edie rounds up what progress some of these businesses have made to date.
edie launches Mission Possible Plastics Hub to help businesses solve plastic pollution
edie has today (15 January) launched the Mission Possible Plastics Hub - a brand-new, content-driven campaign that will support sustainability and resource efficiency professionals on our collective mission to eliminate single-use plastics.
From Sky to Unilever: 30 companies post plastic pledges on edie's Mission Possible Pledge Wall
EXCLUSIVE: As edie's dedicated week of business action on plastics waste launches, we can reveal that 30 businesses from across the country have committed an array of bold plastic-related pledges to edie's virtual Mission Possible Plastics Hub, with more to come.
Are brands ready to turn their plastics ambitions into actions?
Like plastics, talk is cheap. The world's largest businesses are continuously committing to various plastic phase-outs, but the time is now to move the dial and turn ambitions into action - and edie is here to help.
A Plastic Planet: Businesses must do more than recycle to stay relevant
EXCLUSIVE: In an era of unprecedented consumer demand for plastic-free packaging and products, companies making their offerings recyclable are no longer doing enough - they must radically transform their business models to stay relevant and retain consumer trust.
Lush to open UK's first plastic-free cosmetics store in Manchester
Health and beauty brand Lush has unveiled plans to open its first plastic-free shop in the UK this week, following the success of its 'naked' stores in Germany and Italy.
Crunch time for crisp makers as EU waste targets loom
The European Commission has set an EU-wide objective for all packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2030. But crisp packets are a particular headache for policymakers and the recycling industry because they are so small and lightweight.
Canary Wharf Group launches AI-based app to help spur plastics action
London-based property giant Canary Wharf Group (CWG) has launched a smartphone app which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning to encourage visitors to its estate to minimise their plastic waste footprint.
How can we turn the Blue Planet effect into impactful behaviour change?
In the UK, we have seen a growing public debate about the impact our lives have on the environment largely driven by the debate on single-use plastics, but how can we turn this awareness into impactful behaviour change?
Swindon eyes up ground-breaking facility that recycles 'all plastic'
Swindon Borough Council has today (7 January) announced that it is working on plans to deliver an advanced recycling facility for practically all plastics, including crisp packets and plastic film.
Meat and dairy, plastics and fashion: edie readers outline key sustainability trends of 2019
With widespread and ferocious opposition to plastics dominating the headlines in 2018, edie asked readers for their views on which sustainability issue would be the next to pique public, policy and corporate attention. Here, we round up your thoughts.
VOTE: Which sustainability issue will have its 'plastics moment' in 2019?
New years are always a time of reflection, introspection and planning - for sustainability professionals and the general public alike. With this in mind, edie has explored the environmental and social issues which could have their own "plastics moment" in 2019.
Sky and Cranswick confirmed for edie's single-use plastics webinar
edie is bringing together a selection of leading retailers, manufacturers and circular economy experts for a special one-hour webinar taking place on Thursday 17 January to discuss how business can collaborate, innovate and actuate to eliminate single-use plastics.
From puddings to packaging: Inside the UK's Christmas waste problem
It's the most wonderful time of the year - and also one of the most wasteful. With Christmas less than a week away, edie rounds-up some of the most shocking sustainability statistics of the festive season.
Ribena to launch lightweight bottles made from 100% recycled plastic
Soft drinks firm Lucozade Ribena Suntory (LRS) is set to launch a lightweight redesign of its Ribena bottles in the new year, in a bid to further reduce its plastic output.
Major packaging reforms spearhead Resources and Waste Strategy
A huge overhaul of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system has been proposed today (18 December) in the Government's Resources & Waste Strategy, which also includes plans for separate household food waste collections and a nationwide deposit return scheme.
Waitrose targets glitter phase-out by 2020
Waitrose has pledged to phase out glitter from its own-label cards, wrap, crackers, tags, flowers and plants, as part of plans to reduce the impact of plastics on the environment.
Plastics action, energy storage and climate warnings: The top sustainability stories of 2018
As 2018 draws to a close, the edie team reflects on the key stories which defined corporate sustainability and drove new levels of action in 2018.
Hubbub to launch third waste-cleaning boat as part of UK 'plastic fishing' tour
Environmental charity Hubbub has unveiled plans to launch its third waste-cleaning boat made from recycled plastic, after partnering with media giant Mirror Group to launch a nationwide "plastic fishing" tour.
Confectionary giant strengthens packaging commitments
The snack manufacturing company behind brands such as McVitie's and Jacob's has today (7 December) joined WRAP's UK Plastics Pact, committing itself to making all plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
Available on demand: edie's 'Preparing to lead' sustainable business power hour webinar
Sustainability professionals seeking advice and insight on how to hit the ground running in 2019 to transform their approach to CSR and increase actions and ambitions can now watch a free edie webinar, featuring speakers from Ball Corporation, Canary Wharf Group and PwC.
Government pledges £60m to spur development of bioplastic innovations
The UK Government has today (5 December) unveiled plans to invest £60m in projects aimed at developing closed-loop bioplastics made from industrial or post-consumer food waste.
How Kellogg Europe is targeting a sector-wide shift to sustainable packaging
EXCLUSIVE: As consumer and investor demand for sustainable packaging rises, companies within the global food and drink sector must co-create solutions to resource efficiency and recycling infrastructure challenges with their competitors, consumers and supply chains.
Canary Wharf Group, Ball and PwC complete speaker line up for edie's sustainability leadership webinar
Sustainability experts from manufacturing firm Ball Beverage Packaging Europe, property giant Canary Wharf Group and professional services firm PwC will appear on a free sustainability leadership webinar, taking place next week.
In numbers: The growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging
A new survey of 7,000 consumers across seven European markets garnering their views on plastic packaging, packaging recyclability and related green policies has been published. Here, edie rounds up the key facts and figures.
Michael Gove confirms further single-use plastic measures to feature in Resources & Waste Strategy
EXCLUSIVE: Environment Secretary Michael Gove has revealed that the Government is set to unveil new restrictions on single-use plastics before the end of the year.
Merlin Entertainments begins single-use plastic phase out, starting with straws
The Legolands, Sea Life and Madame Tussauds operator has launched a review into the sale and distribution of single-use plastic items across its global estate, pledging a removal of plastic straws from its operations by the end of 2018.
Black Friday is the antithesis of sustainable business, but there's an alternative
It's that time again. Today is Black Friday, the biggest sales event of the year, as Britain's retailers stack high and sell low before Christmas. Sustainable Development Goal 12 (sustainable consumption and production patterns) seems all but forgotten for the time being.
Report: Tyres and synthetic clothes 'big cause of microplastic pollution'
Vehicle tyres and synthetic clothing are the two leading contributors to microplastic pollution from UK households, according to a new report from Friends of the Earth.
Ball and PwC to feature in edie's Sustainability Leadership 'power hour' webinar
Sustainability experts from manufacturing firm Ball Beverage Packaging Europe and professional services firm PwC are set to appear on a free edie webinar to help sustainability professionals hit the ground running in 2019.
Business transparency needed to help consumers overcome the 'plastics fear'
Coca-Cola's new European sustainability director believes that honest and transparent conversations will help businesses change consumer perceptions on the use of plastics, which in turn will catalyse a movement towards a "world without waste".
Disruptive plastics firm Polymateria backed by £1m Innovate UK funding
BT's former chief sustainability officer Niall Dunne's vision to create the "Tesla of plastics" has moved a step closer to reality, after securing more than £1m in Innovate UK grants to research and scale-up compostable plastics.
Plastics Pact Roadmap unveiled as campaigners condemn high-street plastic action
A roadmap to help UK businesses tackle the global plastic waste problem has been published, on the same day that research has claimed that British supermarkets are still not doing enough to reduce their plastic footprint.
Greener broadcasting: BBC builds on plastics pledge with new sustainability strategy
The BBC has unveiled a new sustainability strategy, which sets out commitments to achieve zero waste to landfill and source 100% renewable energy, with the broadcaster also revealing it has cut out more than 500,000 pieces of single-use plastics since April 2018.
Retailers to pay up to £1bn for recycling under waste strategy
Supermarkets, retailers and major drinks brands are set to pay tens of millions of pounds more towards recycling their used packaging under the government's new waste strategy expected to be published this month, the Guardian understands.
ATP unveils sweeping plastic phase-outs for Nitto Tennis Finals in London
The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has unveiled new measures aimed at reducing the plastic waste footprint of its Nitto Tennis Finals event in London this month, in a bid to host its "most sustainable" tournament to date.
University of Leeds unveils plan to become 'plastic-free' by 2023
The University of Leeds and Leeds University Union have pledged to eliminate all single-use plastic items, including coffee cups, disposable cutlery and straws, from their operations by 2023.
Thomas Cook unveils plastic phase-out for its airlines and hotels
Holiday giant Thomas Cook has pledged to remove more than 70 million single-use plastic items such as straws, stirrers and cutlery from its operations every year.
M&S unveils reusable bags made with 75% 'ocean-bound' plastic
Retail giant Marks and Spencer (M&S) has unveiled a new range of reusable carrier bags made with 75% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in a bid to boost consumer awareness around plastic pollution and raise money for recycling infrastructure.
Sustainable Future: How Bunzl is using the SDGs to raise its sustainability ambitions
EXCLUSIVE: Just one year after publishing the inaugural report on its Sustainable Future sustainability strategy, Bunzl Catering Supplies has moved to align itself with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a bid to maximise its positive social and environmental impact.
Colgate to launch recycling scheme for oral health products
Health and beauty giant Colgate Palmolive has unveiled plans to launch a recycling scheme for empty toothpaste tubes, used toothbrushes and dental floss containers in the US and the UK.
Glasgow unveils ambition to become Scotland's first 'circular city'
Glasgow City Council has this week outlined a plan to become Scotland's first "circular city", by reducing its domestic and commercial waste footprint and implementing measures to encourage reuse and recycling.
Apple unveils 'greenest Mac ever'
Apple has this week launched its latest MacBook product which has been hailed as the 'greenest ever' by the tech giant.
SC Johnson boss: Business collaboration on plastic 'just the tip of the iceberg'
EXCLUSIVE: Consumer goods giant SC Johnson's boss has praised the ambition of the organisations to have pledged to tackle plastic packaging under a new Global Commitment, but has noted that behaviour change and closing the loop will help accelerate action.
Just Eat expands trials of seaweed-based sauce sachets to replace single-use plastics
Online food ordering firm Just Eat is expanding a trial of replacing single-use plastic sauce sachets with a seaweed-based alternative to 10 London restaurants for the next eight weeks.
Latte levy: Was the Chancellor right to reject a tax on disposable cups?
A major talking point of yesterday's Autumn Budget was the Chancellor's decision to rule out a latte levy on disposable cups. Here, edie investigates the extent to which such a proposal could have provided a much-needed boost to the UK's coffers and helped policymakers drive a resource-efficient economy.
PepsiCo to use 25% recycled content in plastics packaging by 2025
Beverage giant PepsiCo has revamped its approach to plastics by pledging to use 25% recycled content in plastic packaging by 2025 and working with suppliers and partners to advocate for improved recycling infrastructure and policy across the globe.
Business giants join Ellen MacArthur Foundation's global commitment to eradicate plastics pollution
Business giants, financial investors, non-profit organisations and national Governments have vowed to eradicate plastic waste and pollution, as part of a new Global Commitment spearheaded by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Autumn Budget preview: Five green policy predictions ahead of Philip Hammond's statement
A new levy on plastic packaging? A watered-down carbon price? An increase to the Climate Change Levy (CCL)? edie previews the green-related announcements likely to be included in the Autumn Budget on Monday (29 November).
Nestlé Waters boss: We are not in competition with tap water
Soft drinks firms have a duty to provide consumers with good-quality bottled water, Nestlé Waters' boss has insisted, in the face of widespread concerns about the sustainability of water bottle production.
PZ Cussons outlines plastics and palm oil goals
Healthcare and consumer goods manufacturer PZ Cussons has committed to reduce the amount of plastic it uses by 25% while also setting out an action plan to source all its palm oil from sustainable sources.
European parliament approves sweeping ban on single-use plastics
The European Parliament has overwhelmingly backed a wide-ranging ban on single-use plastics in an effort to tackle pollution in seas, fields and waterways.
Unilever partners with Veolia to create circular economy for plastic packaging
Consumer goods giant Unilever has today (24 October) agreed a partnership with waste management Veolia, which will see the companies work together to develop innovative solutions to the plastic waste crisis.
HP and Ikea join commitment to create global supply chain for ocean-bound plastics
HP and Ikea have joined a business consortium committed to incorporating ocean-bound plastics in new packaging and product materials by developing the first global supply chain for plastics that are seeping into the oceans.
Costa and Premier Inn unveil plan to phase-out plastic straws
Hospitality giant Whitbread has announced that it will begin removing plastic straws from its Costa Coffee stores and Premier Inn hotels from November 2018.
Plastic recycling industry's problems costing councils up to £500,000 a year
Major problems in the plastic recycling industry are costing local councils in England up to £500,000 extra a year, as they struggle to deal with the continuing fallout from import bans imposed by countries who are no longer able to take the UK's waste.
Government proposes UK-wide ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds for next year
The UK Government has today (22 October) confirmed that it will introduce a string of policies aimed at banning the sale and distribution of plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton buds by 2020.
UK plastics recycling industry under investigation for fraud and corruption
The plastics recycling industry is facing an investigation into suspected widespread abuse and fraud within the export system amid warnings the world is about to close the door on UK packaging waste, the Guardian has learned.
IHG commits to global phase-out of plastic straws
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced that it will remove plastic straws from its global estate of more than 5,400 hotels by the end of 2019.
Waitrose trials bio-based alternative to black plastic
Waitrose & Partners is set to trial innovative, fibre-based packaging across its range of Italian ready meals as part of the supermarket group's commitment to eliminate black plastics from its own-brand products by 2019.
PepsiCo to launch range of 100% recycled plastic packaging by 2020
PepsiCo has this week unveiled plans to purchase 100% recycled plastic for some of its packaging lines by 2020, after the company was named by Greenpeace as one of the largest corporate plastic polluters in the world.
Plastic-fighting bubbles and AI-powered bins: The best green innovations of the week
A number of eye-catching and potentially transformational innovations have emerged that could help businesses and nations accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy. Here, edie rounds-up six of the best.
What we can learn from the BBC’s Drowning in Plastic documentary
This isn't a piece about plastics, or how businesses can and should be reducing their plastics footprint. But, the BBC's jaw-dropping and necessarily bleak investigation into the havoc that plastics are causing the environment does offer some potential learnings for a sustainability professional.
Why Co-op hasn't signed up to the UK Plastics Pact
EXCLUSIVE: The Co-op is one of the two major supermarkets yet to commit to WRAP's collaborative agreement to tackle single-use plastics, but the company's environment manager Iain Ferguson believes that an "enterprising" approach to innovation will enable the retailer to rethink approaches to packaging.
CitiPark discounts parking costs in exchange for plastic bottles
Car park operator CitiPark has announced that it will trial a reverse vending system in its flagship facility in Leeds, offering customers discounted parking rates for bringing in plastic bottles.
London Mayor urged to eliminate single-use plastic packaging from capital
Members of the Environment Committee have urged London Mayor Sadiq Khan to sign the capital up to WRAP's UK Plastics Pact, amid growing public concerns around plastic pollution.
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