Environment and sustainability – June 2026
Global, EU and US rules and regulations
The Global Alliance to Advance Reuse PR3 has launched a global symbol designed to identify reusable packaging and systems worldwide. EU: The EC has published the final version of the PPWR guidance document in all the official EU languages. The EC's Expert Group on Waste met on 20 May to discuss the PPWR. The approach (460 kB) to compliance with PFAS limits was discussed. The guidance document and FAQ, as well as ongoing work on guidelines for Annex V were also on the agenda (405 kB). The EC has opened infringement procedures against 20 member states for failing to correctly transpose Directive (EU) 2024/825 on empowering consumers for the green transition, including protection against greenwashing. An analysis (481 kB) commissioned by Amazon shows that EPR registration differs per EU member state. EPR systems lead to more effective recycling when they are transparent, well governed and data-driven, and when they differentiate fees by packaging material. These are among key findings of a study (3.38 MB) commissioned by EUROPEN. Ecommerce Europe has published a position paper (239 kB) on the implementation of the Digital Product Passport (DPP). The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has published a policy agenda (10.77 MB) for bio-based materials in a circular economy. The biennial circular economy report (15.28 MB) by Plastics Europe, shows that the annual growth in circular plastics production has declined sharply from 13.6% in 2022 to only 1.2% in 2024. US: GS1 US has published a guidance document (1.25 MB) to help companies prepare for new and expanding state-level EPR requirements.
Rules and regulations in the different countries and states
France: The government (in French) has launched a consultation to develop a circular economy model for plastics. A DRS is one of the possible measures under consideration. Germany: The Bundestag (in German) has adopted the Federal Government’s draft bill on the adaptation of packaging legislation VerpackDG (successor of VerpackG). NL all info is in Dutch unless stated otherwise: On 1 July, the Circular Economy Committee debate will take place. Ahead of this, MEPS received a petition (144 kB) – endorsed by NVC – regarding the positioning of bio-based and compostable packaging within the PPWR, and parliamentary questions were submitted on the matter. The MEPs also received a report (4.65 MB) from the Plastic Soup Surfer about the growing amount of drink pouches in litter. A CE Delft report (1.24 MB) that the State Secretary sent to the Dutch House of Representatives concludes that it is best to include these pouches in the DRS in the long term. She also sent a letter including the 2025 litter monitor (1.44 MB) and two studies on SUPs. The Rebel study (5.65 MB) shows that reusable cups in an office setting have a lower environmental impact than paper cups with a plastic coating of up to 5%. The CE Delft study (1.24 MB) shows that the 40% reduction for SUP cups and containers had not yet been achieved in 2024. Ghana: The government (135 kB) has announced that the ban on polystyrene foam products will become effective on 1 January 2027. UK: The government has launched a consultation on mandatory certification for mechanically recycled plastic in packaging for the plastic tax. US: California: CAA has submitted the draft EPR program plan to the SB 54 advisory board and opened a public comment period.
Research
Scientists from NTU Singapore have developed a method to recycle mixed plastic packaging without using harmful chemical solvents. The method breaks down one type of plastic while leaving the other plastics intact, allowing each material to be recovered and reused. Eunomia research (14.23 MB) commissioned by EIA shows that we can cut plastic pollution without needing global consensus.
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