Definition of ‘recyclability’ takes centre stage in draft EU packaging law
Defining what counts as “recyclable” has become a point of contention in the EU’s overhaul of its packaging waste law, with recyclers pushing for high targets and manufacturers concerned products will not meet the threshold. In November, the European Commission plans to table its revision of the packaging and packaging waste directive to bring the previous law in line with the EU’s environmental goals, including the aim to have all packaging recyclable or reusable by 2030. Some aspects of the revision, like the idea of having greater EU-wide harmonisation by turning the directive into a regulation, have broad support. But the definition of what is “recyclable” is proving contentious. According to sources familiar with the drafting process, the European Commission wants to set in law that 95% of packaging weight must be suitable for recycling for it to count as recyclable.
How environmental regulation can drive innovation: Lessons learned from a systematic review
Regulation is often seen as a barrier to innovation. However, if done properly, it can actually serve as a driver of innovation. To understand how environmental regulation can be designed to stimulate innovation, a recently conducted research project scrutinised the scientific literature related to regulation, innovation, and the environment. 51 studies were examined with regard to their scope, results and geographical affiliation, and their findings were distilled into ten lessons on how to design environmental regulation to stimulate innovation. Many recent EU regulations on plastics, nanomaterials and waste support the lessons learned, while some are completely neglected. The lessons offer important guidance and can be seen as a checklist of what regulators must consider when designing new regulation.
Biorefineries – the engine of the bio-based economy
The European Union is investing billions of euros in biorefineries that can develop products based on organic materials and help decrease the bloc’s reliance on oil and gas. Much of Europe’s manufacturing sector is reliant on fossil fuel-derived compounds, such as plastics and chemicals. To decrease the EU’s reliance on imported oil and gas, the European Commission is funding biorefineries, which turn organic matter into materials that can replace fossil-produced items. “Biorefineries today are turning food waste into useful and safe ingredients for food, feed and fertilisers,” said John Bell, director at the European Commission’s research and innovation department, who oversees the EU’s bioeconomy strategy.