plastics waste

Related content

Volvo hopes the move will encourage other car manufacturers to incorporate recycled materials in their components

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 joins the likes of Waitrose, Burger King and Costa in agreeing to phase-out plastic straw use

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.

The straw ban will reduce Burger King's annual plastic output in the UK by 29 tonnes

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.

Mike Barry discussed plastic pledges, stores closures and consumer demand following the release of the retailer's Plan A sustainability update

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.

An estimated eight million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans each year

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 has written to 150 retail brands that are based in its 20 managed stations to outline collaborative plans to phase-out the single-use plastic items

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.

This round-up looks at seven nations that are implementing bold regulatory changes to reduce the amount of plastic seeping into the environment

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.

Members of the European Parliament and the EU Council will now be able to amend and tinker with the text in a process that is almost certain to last until after the United Kingdom leaves the bloc

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.

(L-R): Surfdome's Adam Hall and A Plastic Planet's Henri Allen sit down with edie's Matt Mace in the first episode of the Mission Possible sofa interviews

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 chief executive and edie Live conference chair Shaun Spiers will be providing the opening remarks at the Sustainability Keynote theatre on the first morning of the show

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.

The recommendation report was published following discussion with environment secretary Michael Gove, in December last year

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 is sourcing its post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic from a UK supplier

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.

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.

Plastic coffee cup lids and plastic cutlery will be substituted, cutting a total of more than 1.1 million pieces of single-use plastic from Parliamentary waste

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.

P&G's vice-president of sustainability Virginie Helias explains how the manufacturer is accelerating the shift towards a circular economy.

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.

edie talks sustainability leadership and plastic revolutions with ex-BT sustainability chief Niall Dunne

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.

In a bid to cut the number of plastic bottles used by spectators, 87 water re-fill points and 21 water fountains will be available for use at the event

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.

Tottenham’s 62,000-seater stadium, set to open later this year, will be free from plastic straws, stirrers and cutlery

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.

Analysis of the DRS in Norway by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) found that businesses will not suffer losses from such a system

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.

Signatories will aim to make 70% of plastic packaging effectively recycled and composted

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".

The Prime Minister called on other Commonwealth nations to join the fight against plastic pollution, by signing up to a newly-formed Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance

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.

The mutant enzyme takes a few days to start breaking down the plastic – far faster than the centuries it takes in the oceans

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.

National Geographic Partners has vowed to use its photography and journalism to shine a spotlight on ocean plastic waste

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.

The reusable bottles feature three exclusive Pret designs: the apple robot, the cucumber snake and the watermelon lollies

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.

More than 100 expert speakers will appear across four stages to provide visitors with the insight and inspiration they need to take action across all areas of sustainable development

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.

Around 600,000 straws will be converted to home compostable material as a result

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.

Last year, Unilever committed to making all of its plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025

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.

The bottles will be 100% recyclable and sourced in the UK

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.

Mike Coupe has led Sainsbury's through its commitment to reduce volumes of own packaging by 50% by 2020

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.

The one million target forms part of a wider collaborative commitment from Parley to “make eco innovation the new industry standard”

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.

Scientists used Nile red dye to fluoresce particles in the water – the dye tends to stick to the surface of plastics but not most natural materials

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.

Ferguson also chairs the Rationalisation of Packaging Working Group, instituted by WRAP, aimed at improving recycling

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.

Chancellor Hammond has set aside £20m for an innovation fund that will help businesses and universities discover new solutions to tackle plastic waste

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 joins the likes of Tesco, Co-op, Iceland and Aldi in publicly backing a deposit return scheme for plastic containers

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.

Thomas believes collaborative approaches hold the key to tackling waste and embedding the circular economy as a “business as usual” approach

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 has signed up to a new cross-sector initiative from WRAP aimed at transforming the UK's plastics system

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.

From plastic packaging to fast-fashion, the new guide explains how businesses can accelerate the circular economy transition

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.

Representatives from Tetra Pak, Iceland and James Cropper met at the Museum of Brands

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.

Large crowds gathered as representatives from Iceland, Co-op, Marks and Spencer (M&S) and Coca-Cola participated in a panel discussion on the topic of plastic waste

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.

The new-style Lego elements are made from polyethylene – a soft, durable and flexible plastic that can now be made with ethanol extracted from sugar cane material

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.

The home delivery market reportedly grew 10 times faster than the nation's appetite for eating-out in 2017

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.

The Voluntary and Economic Incentives working group will report to ministers “shortly” with findings from a call to evidence on a deposit scheme

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).

Estimates suggest that around one million plastic bottles are used annually at Glastonbury

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.

A total of 40 MPs have also pledged to give up plastics for Lent, including minister of state for energy and clean growth Clair Perry

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.

The war on plastic waste has this week been taken up by the Royal Family

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.

Cranshaw, who led the creation and implementation of the Tread Lightly strategy, noted that Eurostar had been examining its own use of plastic since last summer

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.

More than 100 MPs have pledged to reduce their own reliance on single-use plastic and encourage their local constituencies to follow

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.

Some of the onsite outlets at the airport have already removed plastic straws

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.

Polymateria specialises in producing time-controlled biodegradation technology for synthetic and bio-based plastics

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.

The new method uses heat sealing bags which eliminate the need for the widely-used plastic seal

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.

The Refill scheme now has more than 1,600 refill stations in 13 towns and cities in England

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.

In Davos, Dame Ellen MacArthur has announced the winners of the New Plastics Initiative which challenges innovators and business to find solutions to the scourge of plastics waste

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.

Currently, Evian ensures that its bottles are 100% recyclable and that they contain, on average, 25% recycled plastic

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.

The two companies join retailer Iceland in committing to tackle the growing issue of plastic waste

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.

In addition to incentivising recycling, the Commission will instead pump money into initiatives that use raw materials other than oil

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.

Disposable cups cannot be recycled by normal systems because they are made from cardboard with a tightly bonded polyethylene liner, which is difficult to remove

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.

As part of the additional income needed, Oettinger said a plastic tax and changes to the Emissions Trading System (ETS) would be proposed

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.

It is estimated that between 80,000 and 219,000 tonnes of microplastics enter the marine environment across Europe per year

'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.

The onus is now on businesses to continue to innovate and to work collaboratively to solve the plastics problem

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.

The free-to-watch webinar will take place on Thursday 7 December at 2pm and will conclude with a live audience Q&A

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.

The Blue Planet 2 team found plastic everywhere they filmed

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.

Chancellor Philip Hammond delivered the 2017 Autumn Budget to a jubilant House of Commons

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.

The plastic offset scheme works with partners such as the Plastic Disclosure Project (PDP) to calculate and certify plastic purchases and consumption

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 wants consumers to provide feedback on the initiative, which offers two sizes of reusable glass bottles

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.

P&G formed a partnership with recycling experts TerraCycle to create viable solutions for the plastics that are collected

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.

At present, only about 6% of plastic waste is recycled within the EU

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.

‘Plasticus’ - a 10 metre whale made from the same amount of plastic that enters the ocean every second - toured the UK as part of Sky's Ocean Rescue campaign

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.

The decision to stop production of the bottled-water line follows on from San Miguel’s pledge to halve its water consumption by 2025

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.

Scottish consumers will pay a small deposit for plastic and glass bottles, which can be refunded upon return to a shop

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).

Surfdome's head of sustainability Adam Hall is among the expert speakers that will appear on stage at edie's Responsible Retail conference in 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.

Online customers will still be able to opt for single-use carrier bags for their shopping or select a bagless delivery, which the majority of online shoppers are now doing

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.

The potential of a deposit scheme is built on studies in Europe which show that the levy could increase recycling rates of the bottles to 98%

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.

England bowlers Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad are supporting the Sky Ocean Rescue initiative, which is encouraging consumers to reduce the use of single-use plastics

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.

Experts warn that some of it is already finding its way into the human food chain

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.

Players of The Big Catch game are asked educational questions, teaching them key facts about our oceans and plastic pollution

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.

An estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the oceans each year. Image: Parley. Twitter

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.

The partnership also enlisted the help of ambassadors to implement the agenda across numerous countries

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.

The long-term commercial viability of the technology will be tested by Unilever at a pilot plant in Indonesia, a country which produces 64 million tonnes of waste every year

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.

Around 60% of bottles are currently recycled in the UK, but DRS could increase recycling rates to 98%. Image: Thames21

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.

The Environmental Audit Committee has launched an inquiry into the impacts of coffee cups and plastics bottles

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 is calling on companies to take “drastic action” to phase out single-use plastic. Photo: Greenpeace UK

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.

The London Assembly Environment Committee has agreed that a deposit and take-back scheme should be trialled in certain areas of the capital

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?

The new trays will consist of 25% ocean waste and 75% HDPE plastics to enhance the recyclability of the products. Image Dell

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.

Sky's coverage of ocean plastic waste was bolstered by the views of Sir Richard Branson, Ben Fogle, astronaut Tim Peake and Sir Ben Ainslie

#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.

Jeremy Rowsell hopes that his inaugural On Wings of Waste flight will change the mindset of airlines and aviators across the world

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 will use marine waste sourced from Parley’s clean-up operations, which are located in the Maldives and along 1,000 coral islands off the western coast of India

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.

Dagevos called on companies to introduce innovative new design methods that stopped “plastic leakage” into oceans occurring in new closed-loop models

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".

The Environmental Audit Committee is demanding a national ban on microbeads by the end of 2017, along with the introduction of a clear labelling scheme during the transitional period

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.

A full-scale production facility for the new polymer is being built in Hollymoor Point in Rubery, Birmingham, and is due to open in 2017. Photo: Aquapak Polymers

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.

Five trillion pieces of plastic are now floating in the world’s oceans, which is frequently mistaken for food by fish and birds

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.

Pledges are unclear about the minimum size of microbeads being excluded, which means small particles used in products like sunscreens would continue to be used

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 and the Plastic Soup Foundation are urging other fashion companies and the textile industry to support the international Ocean Clean Watch scheme

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.

The boat will be used each day to fish more waste out of the water systems and put a spotlight on the effects of plastics in our waters

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.

The high street chain is avoiding the 5p plastic carrier bag levy by offering handleless bags to customers free of charge

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.