Packaging

The potential hazards of microplastics for humans and the environment are difficult to identify. This dossier summarizes main aspects as well as open questions arising from the links between microplastics, food packaging and human health.

Biobased polymers and biodegradable plastics are both referred to as bioplastics. Types, applications, toxicity and regulation of biobased polymers and biodegradable plastic used in food contact materials are summarized in the dossier.

Chemicals from food packaging can transfer into foodstuffs, a process known as migration. This article explains the concept of migration, outlines global regulations for food packaging, and touches upon challenges related to food packaging in the circular economy.

Among the crises engulfing the world is the symbiotic rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and plastics. Together, this co-dependent duo generates substantial profits for agri-food and petrochemical industries at high costs for people and planet. 

This report highlights the critical role of public authorities in advancing reuse systems for takeaway packaging. It shows that switching from single-use to reuse could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower hidden costs like litter and carbon impacts.

The first edition of the European Reuse Barometer sets light on positive insights driving the reuse transition such as reuse industry growth and very engaged customers. However, the current fragmented and uncoordinated reuse ecosystem urgently needs to be streamlined and unified to achieve a true market transformation.

Sachets are a significant source of plastic pollution. This 4-pager looks at sachets in the context of the Global Plastics Treaty and explores how we can pivot to real, systemic solutions like reuse and refill systems.

This website explains reuse and reuse systems, shares success stories and provides resources. It also offers a call to action for individuals and organizations.

The campaign pushes for ambitious and robust reuse solutions to the plastic pollution crisis. They engage with decision-makers, businesses, municipalities and the wider public to advocate for a future where reusable packaging is scaled up and robust reuse systems are put in place.

This analysis found that a 10-percentage point increase in reusable packaging by 2030 can eliminate over 1 trillion single-use plastic bottles and cups. This shift has the potential to prevent up to 153 billion of these containers from entering the world’s oceans and waterways.