Recycling news: 2025

Global A step forward on tax reform at UN Sevilla conference, but more action needed towards global economic justice A growing coalition of countries have pledged to take action on taxing the super-rich and polluting companies at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development conference. Greenpeace International · 3 Jul 2025 Global Introduction As we progress through the second quarter of 2025, significant advances are shaping the future of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the circular economy across Europe. From crucial discussions on implementing the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) to growing momentum behind the upcoming Circular Economy Act, this quarter has been marked by collaboration, leadership renewal… EXPRA · 3 Jul 2025 Global 5 things to know about the company trying to start deep sea mining: The Metals Company What makes The Metals Company a threat to the ocean, international conventions, transparency and the clean energy transition? Greenpeace International · 3 Jul 2025 Global International Negotiations on Plastic Pollution Treaty Extended to Summer 2025 The global effort to establish a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution continues, with the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) resuming talks in Geneva this August, 2025. After delays caused by opposition from some producer countries, negotiations will face new political dynamics, including the stance of the recent US administration. EXPRA · 3 Jul 2025 Global Early Glimpses of the EU’s Circular Economy Act: Streamlining EPR, Digitalisation & Waste Rule As expectations build for the Circular Economy Act—due by the end of 2026—EU institutions are signalling clear intentions: harmonise and digitalise Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), boost recycled materials, and simplify waste rules, including WEEE and end-of-waste criteria. EXPRA · 3 Jul 2025 Global EU Commission Launches Single Market Strategy: Tackling Packaging, Labelling & Waste Fragmentation EXPRA · 3 Jul 2025 Global EXPRA Joins EU Expert Group Meeting on PPWR Implementation On 17 June 2025, EXPRA actively participated in the European Commission’s Expert Group meeting on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The online session brought together over 170 stakeholders from across Europe to discuss key implementation issues, with special focus on EPR definitions, labeling rules, and the creation of centralized producer registers. EXPRA · 3 Jul 2025 Global Denmark’s EU Council Presidency (July–December 2025): Priorities & Environmental Engagement Under the slogan ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, the Danish Presidency will work towards a secure, competitive, and green Europe. Key priorities include supporting the adoption of a new, legally binding UN agreement to end plastic pollution and advancing EU environmental files such as the Environmental Omnibus, PPWR implementation, the upcoming CE Act, and the final adoption of the Waste… EXPRA · 3 Jul 2025 Global New study confirms benefits of including waste incineration in EU Emissions Trading System A new study by CE Delft, commissioned by Zero Waste Europe and Reloop, confirms that including waste incineration in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) would deliver powerful climate and employment benefits. Reloop Platform · 3 Jul 2025 Global “One Earth Summit” 2025: Hong Kong and Its Role as an International Financial Center In March this year, the “One Earth Summit” was held in Hong Kong. The event attracted more than 300 participants from around the globe and was hosted by the Institute of Sustainability and Technology, co-organized by the One Earth Alliance, and the Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) initiative launched by the World Economic Forum. […] Global Recycling · 3 Jul 2025 Global Demo toont aan dat stof en rook te onderscheiden zijn Hoe efficiënt werken branddetectiesystemen nu eigenlijk? Fire & Security bedrijf LUCO nam de proef op de som midden mei. Het organiseerde een demo op een nieuwe recyclingsite in Heist-op-den-Berg om te tonen dat het brandveiliger kan met nieuwe technologie dan met de systemen die vandaag gangbaar zijn. Klassieke oplossingen werken of met videocamera’s of met […] Het bericht Demo toont aan dat s… RecyclePro · 3 Jul 2025 Global Ecovidrio Launches “Ecovidrio Administrations”: Transparency, Innovation, and Technology in Glass Packaging Waste Management Ecovidrio introduces a pioneering digital platform designed to empower municipal teams across Spain with real-time data and insights on daily glass packaging collection, container status, and maintenance services. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, improve decision-making, and foster efficient waste management through innovative technology and strong collaboration with local authorit… EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global News from the Netherlands: KIDV Enhances Clarity of Dutch Packaging Sortation Labels The Netherlands Institute for Sustainable Packaging (KIDV) has unveiled a new set of Disposal Guide logos to aid consumers and businesses in the proper separation and disposal of packaging materials. These updates come in response to consumer feedback and aim to align with forthcoming European regulations. EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global From PPWR to CEN: Fost Plus and Verpact Lead Packaging Sector Dialogue at Pack for the Future Event in Belgium and the Netherlands On May 13, Verpact and Fost Plus jointly organized the Pack for the Future event in Antwerp, focusing on upcoming packaging legislation and recyclable solutions for everyday packaging. Bringing together experts from Belgium and the Netherlands, the event highlighted collaboration, innovation, and practical guidance to prepare companies for the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation a… EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global NEWS from Finland- RINKI: Packaging Producer Organizations Join Forces to Boost Sorting Capacity Finland is stepping up efforts to meet EU plastic packaging recycling targets by significantly increasing sorting capacity. Both Finnish Packaging Producers Ltd (FPP) and Sumi Oy are investing in advanced sorting facilities to process more plastic waste domestically. These initiatives, combined with improved packaging design and chemical recycling, aim to raise Finland’s recycling rate from jus… EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global News from Canada-EEQ: One Year to Prepare for the Introduction of Modernized Curbside Éco Entreprises Québec spent 2024 preparing to launch Quebec’s modernized curbside recycling system under extended producer responsibility starting in 2025. They secured funding, partnered with municipalities, raised public awareness, and expanded their membership. Despite some financial challenges, they implemented cost-control measures and developed a framework to ensure efficient, province-w… EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global News from Denmark: VANA Strengthens Producer Responsibility Through Strategic Partnerships VANA plays a pivotal role in supporting producer responsibility frameworks in Denmark by fostering strong partnerships across the value chain. Their collaboration with RECIPO, a leading Nordic organization for electronics, simplifies compliance by allowing companies to manage multiple producer responsibilities—such as batteries, electronics, and packaging—through a single agreement and reportin… EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global News from Canada: Circular Materials Advances Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Across Alberta and New Brunswick Circular Materials has reached key milestones in expanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs in Alberta and New Brunswick. Alberta launched Phase 1 of its packaging and paper recycling program on April 1, shifting recycling costs to producers while maintaining seamless service for residents. Meanwhile, New Brunswick expanded curbside recycling to include multi-family residences, s… EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global News from Spain-Ecoembes: RECICLOS Expands to All Municipalities in the Balearic Islands Ecoembes has fully rolled out its innovative RECICLOS system to all 67 municipalities in the Balearic Islands, allowing over 1.2 million residents to earn rewards for recycling beverage cans and plastic bottles. Through a simple mobile app, users can collect points to redeem for prizes or donate to social causes, such as supporting individuals with Down syndrome or cerebral palsy. This marks a … EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global News from New Zealand: Final Report Released for Mandatory Plastics Product Stewardship Scheme The final report for New Zealand’s proposed Mandatory Plastic Packaging Product Stewardship (PPPS) scheme is now live. Developed by the Food and Grocery Council and The Packaging Forum, the scheme proposes a producer-led solution for tackling plastic packaging waste. This milestone reflects a major step forward in New Zealand’s sustainability journey. EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global News from Fostplus- Belgium: Belgian consumers won’t notice, but the packaging of some of their favourite snacks will carry imperceptible Belgium is pioneering a national pilot project to sort flexible food packaging using invisible digital watermarks, a European first. The initiative, led by Fost Plus in collaboration with Digimarc and part of the HolyGrail 2030 project, aims to distinguish food-grade plastic packaging from non-food packaging, enabling true circular recycling. EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global Joint call for EU action to protect waste management from surging lithium battery fires Leading associations representing Europe’s public and private waste management sectors, extended producer responsibility organisations, and public service unions have issued an urgent joint call to the European Commission. The groups warn of a sharp surge in fires caused by improperly disposed lithium batteries, which are endangering workers, damaging critical infrastructure, and threatening Eu… EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global Toneladas de plásticos inundaron Bogotá: Recicladores protestaron por caída de precios El martes 24 de junio, la Plaza de Bolívar de Bogotá amaneció cubierta de toneladas de plásticos para representar cómo se vería la ciudad sin el trabajo de las y […] GAIA (Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives) · 2 Jul 2025 Global “Golden Rules” for Extended Producer Responsibility in C&I Packaging Now Available This position paper, developed under the leadership of VALIPAC and supported by CONAI, EKO KOM, EXPRA, EPRO, and EUROPEN, provides comprehensive guidance on implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes tailored for Commercial and Industrial (C&I) packaging waste. It highlights the unique challenges of managing C&I packaging waste and emphasizes the importance of flexible, market-… EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global EXPRA Releases Key Recommendations for the Circular Economy Act Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) remains a vital pillar of the EU’s circular economy and sustainable waste management strategies. As the European Commission prepares the Circular Economy Act, EXPRA offers key recommendations to strengthen EPR’s role in achieving environmental goals. These focus on safeguarding EPR’s integrity, adapting to challenges like online sales, enhancing transparen… EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global EXPRA renews Board leadership and welcomes Ms. Hester Klein Lankhorst as new EXPRA President. During its Spring General Assembly, EXPRA, the alliance of 34 non-profit Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) around the world, re-elected its Board of Directors for the 2025–2027 term and appointed Ms. Hester Klein Lankhorst, CEO of Verpact, as its new President. With a strong background in circular economy and sustainability, Ms. Klein Lankhorst succeeds Mr. Claude Turping, CEO of Val… EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global EXPRA General Assembly – May 8 | The Hague, Netherlands On 8 May 2025, EXPRA convened its General Assembly in The Hague, Netherlands, gathering representatives from over 20 Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) across Europe and beyond. The event provided a dynamic platform for sharing insights on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and sustainable packaging waste management. Highlights included key updates on EU legislation, national EPR … EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global News from CONAI- Italy: Packaging recycling: Italy reaches 76.7% In 2024, 10.7 million tonnes of packaging were given a second life: this was announced by CONAI in its new General report. President Ignazio Capuano stated: “A result that demonstrates the strength of the Italian model, which is now called upon to do even more to design and use packaging that is increasingly reusable, recyclable and recycled.” EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global EU 2040 target holds line on climate, but loopholes threaten integrity In the middle of a record-breaking heatwave, the European Commission released today its long-anticipated 2040 climate target. Following months of delays and political wrangling, the EU […] European Environmental Bureau · 2 Jul 2025 Global Joint Industry Statement on Harmonised Waste Sorting Instructions for Packaging In July 2025, EXPRA, alongside more than 50 European industry organizations, issued a joint statement urging the European Commission to reconsider the draft Joint Research Centre (JRC) guidelines on EU waste sorting labels. The statement criticizes the proposed emphasis on text and full-color labels, warning that this approach risks reintroducing national barriers within the Single Market by re… EXPRA · 2 Jul 2025 Global Ending plastic pollution in Africa: a matter of justice for African women and communities In Nairobi’s Dandora dumpsite, Joyce, a young mother rises each day not to farm her land or build her dream, but to scavenge through plastic waste to sell and feed her children. Greenpeace International · 2 Jul 2025 Global Greenpeace International begins groundbreaking Anti-SLAPP case to protect freedom of speech In a first, landmark test case of the EU's new legislation to protect freedom of expression and stop abusive lawsuits, Greenpeace International challenges the US oil pipeline company, Energy Transfer, in court in the Netherlands. Greenpeace International · 2 Jul 2025 Global Plastics Recyclers Europe Established a new Taskforce The organization has announced the establishment of a new Dissolution Taskforce, which reflects recent technological advancements in the industry. This initiative follows a collaboration with DROP-IN, the Dissolution Recycling of Plastics Initiative. The goal is “to shape policies that enhance the recognition of dissolution recycling and to ensure a level playing field among all recycling […] Global Recycling · 2 Jul 2025 Global European Bioplastics Relocates to Brussels and Welcomes New Secretary General Brussels, 2 July 2025 – European Bioplastics (EUBP), the association representing the interests of the bioplastics industry in Europe, has officially relocated its main operations to Brussels. The move reinforces the organisation’s commitment to advocacy and engagement with EU institutions, as well as expanding its network and enhancing its presence within the EU policy [...] European Bioplastics News · 2 Jul 2025 Global Brandbeveiliging in de recyclingsector: een ‘hot issue’ Brandgevaar vormt een steeds groeiend probleem binnen de afval- en recyclingindustrie. Eén gloeiend deeltje kan volstaan om een vlammenzee te doen oplaaien. Vaak met zware gevolgen, niet alleen op materieel maar ook op menselijk vlak. De hamvraag luidt dus: hoe beperk je als recycling- of afvalwerkingsbedrijf het risico tot een minimum? StuvEx International zweert bij […] Het bericht Brandbevei… RecyclePro · 2 Jul 2025 Global Press Release: Clearing the Air Study: Particulate Matter Levels in Communities Hosting Waste Incinerators Up to 8 Times Higher than World Health Organization Guidelines First of Its Kind Cross-Regional Citizen Science Air Quality Monitoring Project […] GAIA (Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives) · 2 Jul 2025 Global Ecuador se prepara para la recta final del Tratado global de plásticos con consulta nacional intersectorial El jueves 26 de junio, Ecuador fue sede de un espacio clave de diálogo intersectorial: la Consulta nacional sobre la contaminación por plásticos, un evento que reunió a más de […] GAIA (Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives) · 1 Jul 2025 Global Upcoming Events Explore the complete EXPRA calendar here, featuring all upcoming events and key updates. EXPRA · 1 Jul 2025 Global G20 Resource Efficiency Dialogue (RED) webinar on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) EXPRA participated in the G20 Resource Efficiency Dialogue (RED) webinar on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), held on 10 June 2025 under South Africa’s G20 presidency. The high-level discussion focused on the enforcement challenges of EPR in online sales. Mr. Quoden called for stronger global cooperation and binding obligations for digital marketplaces to ensure fair competition and prote… EXPRA · 1 Jul 2025 Global La CE insta a los Estados miembros a aprovechar las ayudas existentes para el reciclaje y la economía circular The post La CE insta a los Estados miembros a aprovechar las ayudas existentes para el reciclaje y la economía circular appeared first on FEAD - European Waste Management Association . FEAD (European Waste Management Association) · 1 Jul 2025