UK deposit return scheme launches October 2027; packaging fees already live
The UK now charges producers £423 per tonne of plastic packaging and will add a 20p deposit on drinks containers from 1 October 2027.
Business
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Six of Australia’s eight states and territories ban a core set of single-use plastics
Since South Australia led in 2021, six states and territories have banned plastic straws, cutlery, plates and polystyrene food containers; Tasmania has proposed bans…
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7 US states have packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws; California bans plastic checkout bags
With no federal plastics law, US states are acting: seven have packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) and California ended plastic checkout bags from 1…
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Canada’s single-use plastics ban survives court challenge
The Federal Court of Appeal ruled in January 2026 that the government can regulate plastic items as toxic, restoring the legal basis for the…
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The plastic made in a single year will cost society US$3.7 trillion over its lifetime
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Dalberg estimated the lifetime cost of 2019’s plastic at more than the gross domestic product (GDP) of…
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Seaweed-based films and coatings
Films, sachets and grease-proof coatings made from farmed seaweed extracts; best for replacing thin plastic films, sachets and coatings on paperboard made with PE…
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Mycelium (mushroom) foam
Agricultural waste bound together by fungal mycelium and grown in moulds; a home-compostable replacement for polystyrene (EPS) and polyethylene (EPE) foam packaging inserts.
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PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates)
Bacteria-made polyesters that biodegrade in soil, fresh water and seawater; the only mainstream bioplastic family that does not depend on industrial composting.
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PLA (polylactic acid) and its limits
The most common compostable bioplastic, made from fermented corn or cane sugar; suits clear cups and clamshells but only breaks down in industrial composting.
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Thermoplastic starch (cornstarch blends)
Plant starch plasticised and blended with biodegradable polyesters; the standard material for certified compostable carrier bags, bin liners and mulch film.