Plastics
Related content
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.
In numbers: the UK public's attitudes towards recycling
Last September, consultancy Britain Thinks surveyed more than 2,000 UK adults on attitudes across a spectrum of questions relating to packaging, recycling and the circular economy. With the survey results released on Friday (28 September), edie rounds-up the key findings.
Aldi continues phase-out of non-recyclable plastics
Discount supermarket Aldi is switching a range of its cooked meat from non-recyclable packaging to clear, recyclable alternatives in a move that is set to save more than 1,000 tonnes of plastic annually.
Plastics, Pledge Walls the potential 'death' of CSR: Top 10 sustainability stories of September 2018
Another month has passed which means it's time to remind ourselves of September's most-read sustainability stories and standout pieces of content from September - from massive plastic phase-outs and circular economy masterclasses to new supply chain commitments and a discussion about the future of CSR.
Tesco offers money for plastic bottles in reverse vending trials
Tesco has announced that it will trial in-store reverse vending machines for plastic bottles, as it calls on the UK Government to introduce a nation-wide approach to recycling.
Lucozade Ribena Suntory trials giant bottle-shaped bins to improve recycling
Soft drinks manufacturer Lucozade Ribena Suntory has announced a new partnership with facilities operator Sports and Leisure Management (SLM) to trial giant bottle-shaped recycling points at gyms and leisure centres in the UK.
Inside Unilever's plastics packaging strategy
EXCLUSIVE: Unilever's chief R&D officer David Blanchard has outlined the company's three-pillar approach to improving the recyclability of its product packaging, focusing on "less", "better" and "no plastics" solutions.
One foot in ‘today’, the other in ‘tomorrow’
The retail sector has done much in the last decade on sustainability, but it is increasingly apparent that all this has just been a dress rehearsal, a beginning not an end.
Co-op switches to compostable bags as it pledges to eliminate single-use plastics
The Co-op has revealed it will swap around 60 million plastic carrier bags with compostable alternatives that can be used as food waste caddy liners, as part of a wider goal to "remove" single-use plastics from its product offerings.
Lidl to stop using black plastic fruit and vegetable packaging
Lidl UK says it will remove black plastic from its entire fruit and vegetable range by the end of the month.
Carbon-negative goals and hydrogen-powered trains: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Snap packs, green dry-cleaning and SDG cities
Episode 49 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees edie discuss plastic-free packaging with Carlsberg, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Canary Wharf Group and features a whistle-stop tour of a new and ultra-green dry-cleaning facility in Watford.
UK Parliament to replace single-use plastic items with compostable alternatives
The UK Parliament will replace single-use plastic cutlery, coffee cups and lids, drinking straws and containers with compostable alternatives that will be treated at a specialist waste facility.
Report: Consumer demand for recycled packaging outpacing corporate action
More than half (55%) of the UK population believe that all plastic bottles should contain at least 50% recycled content, while the average proportion used by corporates currently stands at just 15%.
Lord Deben: Businesses must avoid 'knee-jerk' plastic phase-outs
Committee on Climate Change (CCC) chairman Lord Deben has urged companies to avoid making "knee-jerk" decisions on plastics packaging, warning that "reactionary" choices to consumer demands could lead to unintended environmental consequences.
Data-driven 'Plastics Cloud' launched to combat plastics waste
Software firm SAP UKI has unveiled plans to collect live data from supply chains as part of a "Plastics Cloud" pilot aimed at improving plastics purchasing and recycling.
Marston's achieves zero-waste-to-landfill goal
Pub chain and brewer Marston's has revealed that it has hit its 2020 zero-waste-to-landfill goal two years ahead of schedule, after sending more than three-quarters (77%) of its waste to be recycled this year.
Waitrose to use home-compostable bags in produce aisles and phase-out 5p carrier bags
Waitrose & Partners has announced that it will stop offering single-use plastic bags in its fruit and vegetable aisles and remove 5p carrier bags from its stores, a move that will cut its plastic usage by 134 million bags each year.
Single-use plastic bottles banned from half marathon in London
The capital’s first marathon event pledging to be completely free of “single-use” plastic drinks bottles is to take place in north-west London.
Meet the Sustainability Leader: TerraCycle, P&G and SUEZ - Sustainable Supply Chains
With entries closing this week for edie's revamped 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards, this new feature series will showcase the achievements of the 2018 winners, revealing their secrets to success. Up next: our 2018 Sustainable Supply Chains winners, TerraCycle, P&G and SUEZ.
Iceland ditches plastic for pre-packed bananas
Frozen food retailer Iceland is switching the packaging for its pre-packed bananas from plastic to a paper band that is 100% recyclable and made from recycled paper, in a move that will save 10 million plastic bags from being used by the company annually.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: In the Green Room with Ball's Ramon Arratia
Welcome back to the green room - edie's exclusive interview hub for sustainability leaders, brought to you as part of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast. Up next to provide the insights of a leading sustainable business: Ball Corporation's sustainability director Ramon Arratia.
Henkel bolsters its sustainable packaging strategy
German chemical and consumer goods firm Henkel has joined the corporate war on waste with a pledge to ensure consumers can recycle, reuse or compost its packaging by 2025.
Seaweed-based bottles and food-saving filters: The best green innovations for Zero Waste Week
To mark Zero Waste Week (3-7 September), edie has rounded up some of the ground-breaking innovations being explored by companies across the globe as the focus on waste among consumers, politicians and the business community reaches a fever pitch.
Drinks giants back calls to eliminate plastic packaging waste by 2030
Soft drinks firms such as Danone Waters and Lucozade Ribena Suntory have thrown their weight behind a study which calls for a zero-waste-to-landfill plastic packaging value chain by 2030.
M&S to phase out plastic cutlery in cafés
Marks and Spencer (M&S) will start phasing out plastic cutlery across its in-store cafés next month in a move it claims will remove 75 million pieces of plastic from its waste stream annually.
SDG blueprints, wonky veg boxes and plastics action: Top 10 sustainability stories of August 2018
As the summer holidays draw to a close, we take a look back at August's biggest sustainability stories in this round-up - covering wonky produce boxes, plastics debates and a solar-powered cheese manufacturing plant.
UK plastic bag charge set to double to 10p
The Government has confirmed that it will launch a consultation on whether the nation's current charge for single-use plastic carrier bags should be doubled to 10p and rolled out to every shop in the country.
Hubbub launches second waste-cleaning boat made from recycled plastics
Environmental charity Hubbub has launched its second waste-cleaning boat made from recycled plastic today (30 August), with funding jointly provided by Tideway and Starbuck’s 5p paper cup surcharge.
Lucozade to trial edible drinks sachets to reduce single-use plastic at sports events
Beverage giant Lucozade Ribena Suntory is set to trial edible drinks sachets made from seaweed at two sports events next month, in an effort to gauge the consumer appetite for plastic-free alternatives to single-use bottles and pouches.
London Mayor unveils 20 new water fountains in bid to reduce single-use plastic
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has confirmed that 20 new water fountains will be installed across the capital as part of a scheme to slash the amount of single-use plastic bottles that are purchased.
Greene King phases out plastic straws in favour of compostable alternative
Pub chain Greene King has announced that it will stock compostable straws across its entire portfolio of 1,750 UK pubs as it strives to meet a commitment of sending zero waste to landfill by 2020.
Aldi begins black plastics phase-out as part of packaging overhaul
Discount chain Aldi is switching a range of its fresh produce packaging from hard-to-recycle black plastic to clear, recyclable alternatives, in a move that is set to save around 265 tonnes of plastic a year.
‘Unprecedented’ public support for tax reforms to tackle plastic waste
An unprecedented number of respondents to a UK Government consultation examining plastic waste have called for the implementation of increased rates of tax on virgin plastics, coupled with tax breaks for manufacturers using post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.
Unintended consequences: Could the plastics phase-out lead to sustainability peril for businesses?
EXCLUSIVE: With the war on plastic becoming one of the hottest topics in the sustainability sphere, corporates rushing to make plastic-reduction pledges in a bid to appease customers are at risk of making changes which could lead to unintended consequences.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: HP, Kingfisher, Surfdome and a 20th birthday party!
Episode 46 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees a host of special guests join the edie team to discuss the latest developments in the world of sustainable business - including a live chat with Surfdome's head of sustainability Adam Hall.
Landsec partners with big-name retailers on shopping centre refill scheme
Property developer Landsec has launched a new water bottle refill scheme in its shopping centres, partnering up with a host of big-name retailers and food and beverage brands in a bid to drive customers away from single-use plastic bottles.
Tesco becomes first supermarket to stock cans of water
In the latest move to cut back on the number of plastic products entering circulation, Tesco has become the first supermarket to stock and offer cans of water.
Collection and content: How can councils address the 'smorgasbord' of plastics to boost recycling?
Councils have urged manufacturers to scrap a "smorgasbord" of plastics used for food packaging in order to increase recycling rates, although the industry has suggested that the lack of consistency of council recycling collection systems also needs addressing.
Unilever launches toiletry range with 100% recycled packaging in UK
Consumer goods giant Unilever has launched a range of beauty products housed in 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic bottles in the UK, following the success of the "eco-beauty" line in the US.
Kraft Heinz unveils new circular packaging strategy in plastic reduction drive
After surpassing its 2020 packaging reduction aims two years early, consumer goods giant Kraft Heinz has committed to ensuring all its packaging is either recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025 as it strives to become more circular.
Iceland launches plastic-free chewing gum in UK first
Frozen food giant Iceland has today (August 1) launched a range of plastic-free chewing gum, making it the first supermarket in the UK to offer a biodegradable alternative.
edie at 20: How did sustainability become so business-critical?
edie's 20th anniversary as a sustainable business media brand is an ideal opportunity to remind ourselves of the past two decades of corporate sustainability, which have seen it evolve from an environmental add-on to a fundamental aspect of growth.
Canary Wharf Group commits to becoming world's first plastic-free commercial centre
Canary Wharf Group (CWG) has pledged to become a plastic-free community across its 16.5 million sq. ft London real estate, in a bid to help businesses and the wider community reduce the amount of single-use plastics in circulation.
Coca-Cola offers 50% discounts at major UK theme parks in exchange for plastic bottles
Coca-Cola Great Britain is offering 50% discounts to UK attractions such as Thorpe Park, Alton Towers and Legoland in exchange for used plastic drinks bottles, in a bid to change consumer attitudes towards recycling.
Just Eat trials seaweed sachets as alternative to single-use plastics
Online food ordering firm Just Eat has commenced a trial of compostable sachets made from seaweed, as part of an effort to reduce the amount of plastic used by its UK restaurant partners.
How Coca-Cola is engaging policymakers and the public to combat plastics pollution
EXCLUSIVE: The head of sustainability at the world's largest independent Coca-Cola bottler believes the next 12 months are a "great opportunity" to influence policy to reform Producer Responsibility Obligations and implement an effective, nationwide deposit return system for plastics.
Ikea to ban plastic straws in all its UK stores and restaurants by October 2018
Global furniture retailer Ikea has announced (July 16) that it will stop selling packs of single-use plastic straws in its UK and Ireland stores later this year, as part of its commitment to eliminate all single-use plastics from its global product range by 2020.
edie at 20: Is sustainability finally coming home?
It's official - edie is now 20 years old. Our 20th anniversary as a sustainable business media brand offers a chance to celebrate and reflect upon the tremendous achievements of the green economy - but it is also a time for us to realise the immense opportunity that now lies ahead.
Solving the plastics problem: 10 industry gamechangers for the planet
This insight report, produced in partnership with waste management specialist Helistrat, outlines the game-changing developments that are empowering businesses to eliminate all avoidable plastics waste.
Plastic waste: edie report explores 10 gamechangers tackling the issue
With Britain's plastics revolution continuing to gather pace, edie has today (27 June) published a new insight report which investigates some of the game-changing developments and sustainable solutions to the global plastics problem.
Why is single use plastic a problem and what can be done about it?
The UK Government is now trying to catch up with what businesses have been doing for years to tackle single use items. It seems that every day we hear something new about what we can do to tackle the never-ending problem of single use plastics.
The Greenwashing Scourge: Ways that well-meaning businesses can avoid it
I've previously spoken to Edie.Net about English Tea Shop's unique business model which is based on the premise of Creating Shared Value (CSV) and how it has propelled our business to rapid growth. Since this, I've called for companies to adopt sustained and ethical business growth and to make 2018 the year of Creating Shared Value.
Volvo to use 25% recycled plastic in new vehicles
After recently pledging to ban single-use plastics across its premises and events by the end of next year, Swedish carmaker Volvo has announced a new target of using at least 25% recycled plastic in all new vehicles it produces by 2025.
McDonald's to ban plastic straws in all its UK restaurants
Following a successful trial of paper and biodegradable alternatives, McDonald's has announced that it will begin phasing out plastic straws in all its UK and Ireland restaurants by the end of this year.
It's time we embrace the fierce urgency of now
Jonathon Porritt recently provided the foreword to edie's flagship 2018 report for the Mission Possible campaign, which explores how businesses are scaling up effort and innovation across all areas of development to achieve a sustainable future.
Burger King unveils plan to phase-out plastic straws
Burger King has announced that it will roll out compostable straws in its UK restaurants this year as it works to make all its packaging recyclable, biodegradable or compostable by 2025.
Paradigm shift: How ‘unsatisfied customers’ are driving M&S’s sustainability progress
With Marks & Spencer (M&S) publishing the latest update to its Plan A sustainability strategy this week, the retailer’s director of sustainable business Mike Barry explains how mounting consumer pressures have helped to accelerate progress towards delivering sustainable products and packaging.
World Oceans Day: How businesses are tackling the plastics problem
Today (June 8) marks World Oceans Day, and businesses around the globe have announced new initiatives aimed at curbing the amount of plastics seeping into the oceans. Here, edie rounds up some of the best new business-led programmes.
Network Rail targets plastics, cups and coffee grounds in latest waste drive
Network Rail has unveiled sweeping plans to reduce waste across the country's busiest rail stations, by implementing a ban on plastic cutlery and expanding recycling schemes for disposable cups and waste coffee grounds.
World Environment Day: Seven countries leading the charge on plastics pollution
Today (5 June) marks World Environment Day, the UN’s global vehicle to inspire action on a plethora of pressing environmental issues, notably plastics pollution. Here, edie scans the globe to see how nations are putting an end to certain types of plastic.
Bees, Leas and SDGs
Prompted by a leaflet at a garden centre and the general plight of pollinators, I have made a modest donation to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. The decline of honeybees attracts quite a bit of attention, but the poor old bumblebee is often left out of the conversation.
European Commission plots ban on single-use plastics
The European Commission presented its long-awaited marine-litter-busting proposal on single-use plastics on Monday (28 May). The first legislative proposal from the Plastics Strategy aims to help the EU clean up the continent's beaches and waterways.
On the Mission Possible sofa with Surfdome's Adam Hall and A Plastic Planet's Henri Allen
The first of a brand new sustainable business chat show devised by edie sees outdoor wear retailer Surfdome's head of sustainability Adam Hall joined by campaign group A Plastic Planet's head of operations Henri Allen to discuss how businesses can collectively solve the plastics problem.
Green Alliance: Government's 2042 plastic waste ban 'hopeless'
EXCLUSIVE: The Government should seek to bring forward its 2042 deadline to ban all avoidable plastic waste by "at least" 10 years, according to environmental group the Green Alliance.
Packaging industry calls for policy reform to boost plastics recycling
A host of UK packaging organisations have called for more recycling collection points, tax reliefs for recycled content and a universal list of acceptable materials as part of a desired regulation reform to make it easier for consumers to recycle packaging waste.
Princes commits to make bottles with 50% recycled plastic
Consumer goods giant Princes has pledged to increase the proportion of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in its plastic soft drink and oil bottles to more than 50% within four months, as part of an ongoing goal of using 100% PCR plastic in all its packaging.
Unleashing the next wave of sustainable business leaders
At this month's edie Live conference in Birmingham, I'll be joining a panel to discuss how we encourage more businesses to join the green revolution. I was pleased to be asked, because the question of how we support and develop sustainable business leaders is something - in my new role as ICRS Chair - I am closely concerned with.
Iceland among first adopters of new plastic-free labelling
Frozen giant Iceland will adopt a new "plastic free" mark designed to help consumers make informed choices on plastic packaging.
Parliament vows to 'eliminate' single-use plastics from operations by 2019
Parliament has today announced its goal to "virtually eliminate" single-use plastics from its internal operations by 2019, by taking measures such as phasing out sauce sachets, banning the sale of single-use water bottles and introducing a "latte levy" on disposable coffee cups.
This is Mission Possible: How P&G is achieving a sustainable future for resources
This series of video interviews showcases the sustainability superheroes who are achieving 'Mission Possible' for their business. Here, Procter & Gamble's (P&G) vice-president of global sustainability Virginie Helias explains how the manufacturer is accelerating the shift towards a circular economy.
Co-op to trial reverse vending for plastic bottles at UK festivals
Co-op will become the first retailer in the UK to use reverse vending machines as part of a deposit return scheme from plastic containers, with trials set to take place at pop-up stores across UK festivals this summer.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: In the green room with Polymateria's Niall Dunne
Welcome back to the green room - edie's exclusive interview hub for sustainability leaders, brought to you as part of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast. Up next to provide the insights of leading sustainable business: Polymateria's new chief executive Niall Dunne.
Wimbledon announces ban on plastic straws for 2018 championship
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has announced it will use recyclable paper straws for the 2018 Wimbledon tournament, in a bid to prevent more than 400,000 plastic straws going to landfill.
Taking action for a sustainable future
Ensuring packaging is as sustainable as possible is a priority for businesses across the globe. The Governments' newly announced £60m initiative backing the cause demonstrates the scale of this ambition. It's time to bring this conversation to the forefront and tackle the issue together.
Premier League partners with Sky to eliminate single-use plastics by 2020
Sky has teamed with the Premier League to eliminate single-use plastics from the organisation by 2020, while encouraging football clubs and fans to stop using certain plastics.
UK retailers 'will not suffer financial losses' from bottle deposit scheme
Retailers will not suffer financial losses from the introduction of a plastic bottle deposit return scheme (DRS) in the UK, according to an analysis of a similar system in Norway.
Sustainability leadership: It's all about the journey
There's nothing new in businesses taking a leading role in social change, but there's growing evidence that it is beginning to happen on a scale we haven't seen before.
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.
How technology can power our connection to the natural world
Humanity continues to find new ways of pushing the limits of technology, to discover the edges of innovation. Whether it's sending a car into space, exploring the potential for nanotechnology to support hyper-targeted drug therapies, creating virtual worlds or an artificial intelligence that responds to our spoken commands; most of these ideas were solely in the domain of science fiction 30 years ago.
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.
World Water Day - How we can ensure resilience of our water supplies
Peter Simpson, CEO, Anglian Water, discusses the action we can take together on World Water Day to ensure the resilience of our water supplies
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.
Help on making an RSS Feed
