News
Comprehensive coverage on the latest global policies and market trends related to sustainable development.
POLICY/REGULATION
Most ‘Compostable’ Bioplastics are Anything But, Says New Report
A new report from Beyond Plastics, an NGO, claims that very little of the bioplastics labeled as compostable can be composted by consumers.
“Compostable” bioplastics can only be broken down in commercial compost facilities, but many of these won’t take compostable foodware and packaging because of concerns about microplastic and chemical contamination.
With no U.S. federal standards, bioplastic certifications are voluntary, and mostly owned and influenced by chemical companies and bioplastic manufacturers, the report says. Standards are also weak globally.
The report notes that bioplastics often take longer to break down than industry claims, and when they do degrade, they leave toxic micro- and nanoplastics in compost that can enter the food chain, potentially causing health problems for people and animals. The plastics industry disputes these claims.
Sep 14, 2024
POLICY/REGULATION
Taiwan Drafts Standards for PFAS in Drinking Water
On August 21, 2024, Taiwan's Ministry of Environment (MOENV) introduced a series of draft amendments to the Drinking Water Quality Standards, which incorporates new standards for PFAS in drinking water. The draft is open for comments until October 21, 2024.
Aug 27, 2024
POLICY/REGULATION
APCO Unveils the 2030 Strategic Plan to Revolutionize the Australian Packaging Industry
On August 19, 2024, the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) unveiled the APCO 2030 Strategic Plan, aligning with its responsibilities to manage the Australian Packaging Covenant (the Covenant). This strategy introduces an innovative membership fee model, aiming to support the increased recycling activities and foster a sustainable packaging future.
Aug 23, 2024
POLICY/REGULATION
Philippines' EPR Law Targets 40% Plastic Waste Reduction by the End of 2024
On August 6, 2024, the Philippine Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) published a notification, emphasizing the critical importance of enterprises registering their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs. This initiative is central to achieving the country's ambitious goal of reducing plastic waste by 40% by the end of 2024. The EPR programs focus on waste reduction, recovery, and diversion, aligning with the EPR Act, which happened to celebrate its second anniversary on August 12, 2024.
Aug 23, 2024
POLICY/REGULATION
[Updated] Vietnam Publishes the List of Authorized Organizations for EPR Recycling of Products and Packaging
On August 14, 2024, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) in Vietnam released Announcement No. 460/TB-BTNMT on the publication of the list of product and packaging recycling units
Aug 21, 2024
POLICY/REGULATION
A Comprehensive Look at PFAS in Japan: From Contamination to Regulations
PFAS is a category of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) that have received widespread attention in European and American countries for over a decade. This category includes thousands of compounds such as PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFBA, which are difficult to decompose and can easily accumulate in the environment. Japan has relatively lenient PFAS regulations, but is still studying the risks they pose to human health. There will be expected to be more detailed regulatory requirements in the future.
Aug 21, 2024
POLICY/REGULATION
India Drafts EPR Regulation for Non-Ferrous Metals
On August 14, 2024, India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released a draft notification on the Gazette of India, which proposed to introduce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Scrap of Non-Ferrous metals under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2024.
Aug 21, 2024
POLICY/REGULATION
Aug 13, 2024
