Hard-To-Track News For Business Professionals

UNDP, Coca-Cola Foundation Collaborate On Plastic Waste

The United Nations Development Programme and The Coca-Cola Foundation launched a multi-country initiative to tackle plastic waste in Asia. It’s supported by a $15 million grant from TCCF and will run in nine countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The program aims to improve plastic waste management, reduce plastic leakage, and promote recycling, and will focus on developing innovative waste collection and recycling models, encouraging circular economy principles and supporting policy changes.[Image Credit: © United Nations Development Programme]

Top FMCG Companies Push "Waste to Value" Initiative In Sri Lanka

The "Waste to Value" initiative, a Public-Private Partnership involving GIZ, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Unilever, and Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Public Administration, aimed to strengthen plastic waste management in the Western Province. The collaboration focused on infrastructure improvements, behavioral change, and fostering a circular economy. Key outcomes included constructing Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in Gampaha, Kesbawa, Homagama, and Wellampitiya, alongside training local authority staff in sustainable waste management. Proponents claim the initiative demonstrates the potential of coordinated efforts across public and private sectors to build a sustainable plastic waste management system.[Image Credit: © Nestlé Group]

Advancing Plastic Waste Reduction: Insights from Engagement Efforts

A plastics and packaging engagement project from Triodos Investment Management targets 12 consumer staples companies, aligned with the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. It concludes that companies like Danone, Henkel and Procter & Gamble have made progress in reducing plastic use, but face challenges such as material scarcity. Danone excels in transparency and recycled content, Henkel focuses on packaging redesign and P&G works on improving recycling infrastructure. The PPWR plays a critical role by setting enforceable standards and driving systemic change. Additionally, deposit return systems and reverse vending machines are essential tools in advancing circular economy principles and reducing plastic waste. However, achieving ambitious 2040 goals will require greater collaboration and innovation across the industry. [Image Credit: © Brian Yurasits on Unsplash]

Unilever’s Tinsukia Factory Uses AI For Sustainable Transformation

Unilever's Beauty & Wellbeing factory in Tinsukia, India, was recognized as a World Economic Forum Global Lighthouse facility for its successful use of AI and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to drive sustainability and efficiency. It employs digital twin technology to accelerate sustainable packaging trials, achieving a 21% reduction in virgin plastic usage and scaling packaging trials from two to 30 per year. [Image Credit: © Unilever]

Innovation For Waste Management: 2nd Life Pakistan 2.0

United Nations Development Programme partnered with Unilever Pakistan and Seed Ventures for 2nd Life Pakistan 2.0, an initiative aimed at driving innovation in waste management across Pakistan. Building on the success of its first edition, the program now addresses a wider range of waste categories, including food waste, e-waste, textiles and paper. 2nd Life Pakistan 2.0 fosters collaboration among innovators, entrepreneurs and experts to develop scalable, sustainable solutions for repurposing waste into valuable resources. A centralised hub, 2ndlife.pk, provides access to resources, mentorship and networking opportunities for participants. [Image Credit: © Unilever]

Unilever Touts Its URefill Reuse Initiative in Bangladesh

Unilever provided some details on its refill pilot, URefill in Bangladesh that it ran in Dhaka in 2022. The URefill system promotes reuse by enabling consumers to refill containers, reducing plastic footprint by up to 90% and saving about 20% per serving compared to buying new packaging. In Bangladesh, 95% of sales occur in micro and small outlets, so Unilever developed a compact refill systems suitable for small retailers, which it says is a pioneering solution. A post-pilot survey revealed strong appeal among consumers, with 43% becoming repeat users and Unilever says it plans to expand URefill but did not provide details.[Image Credit: © Unilever]

Charges Dropped for Greenpeace Protestors at Unilever HQ

The UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropped charges against 34 Greenpeace activists who protested against plastic pollution at Unilever’s London headquarters. The protest, part of Greenpeace’s campaign against Unilever’s rollback of plastic reduction targets, included activists scaling the building and blocking entrances using models of Dove products and a parody logo. The charges, including aggravated trespass and "locking on," a new offence under the Public Order Act 2023, were dropped due to insufficient evidence. Activists had faced combined sentences of up to 15 years in prison.[Image Credit: © Unilever]

Unilever Merges Sustainability and Communications Teams

Unilever announced the merger of its sustainability and external communications divisions, a move reflecting CEO Hein Schumacher’s vision of integrating corporate priorities. The decision comes after Unilever scaled back some environmental and social commitments, including targets on plastic reduction and compensation, citing shifting global challenges. Rebecca Marmot, Chief Sustainability Officer, will now oversee external communications following the departure of Paul Matthews, the former Global Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs. [Image Credit: © Unilever]

Political Shifts Will Influence Plastics Sustainability Future

The plastics industry faces significant shifts in 2024 from political changes and the push for sustainability. Failure to negotiate a deal at the INC-5 summit highlights the challenges in creating a global plastics treaty. The return of Donald Trump as US President could influence policies that affect plastic manufacturing, with potential rollbacks of environmental protections. His 'America First' economic strategy involving tariffs could also affect the global plastics market.[Image Credit: © Mikhail Nilov on Pexels]

Switzerland Begins Nationwide Plastic Recycling Initiative

A new collection system for recycling plastic packaging and drinks cartons has started in select Swiss municipalities, with plans to expand nationwide in the coming weeks. Currently available in Bern, Dietikon, Greifensee, Oetwil an der Limmat and Schlieren, Recypac’s initiative is backed by major retailers, food producers and municipalities, including Aldi Suisse, Coop, Migros and Nestlé. Supported by a non-profit organisation, the program aims to improve recycling rates, targeting 55% for plastic packaging and 70% for drinks cartons by 2030. Consumers are provided with collection bags, which cost between CHF1 and CHF4, allowing them to gather their recyclable waste at home for drop-off at participating retailers or municipal collection points. The recycled materials will be processed in neighbouring countries, with a vision of creating a more sustainable circular economy within Switzerland’s borders.[Image Credit: © RecyPac]

UK Launches PackUK for Enhanced Plastic Waste Abatement

PackUK launched the UK’s new Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) programme, with the Statutory Instrument taking effect on January 1, which will set and adjust pEPR fees, facilitating payments to local authorities for collection and recycling services. PackUK will also lead public communications to promote proper packaging waste disposal. This initiative, overseen by an industry-led steering group, will collaborate with packaging producers to appoint a new Producer Responsibility Organisation. As part of its work, PackUK will drive innovation and job creation in recycling, supporting a more circular economy. [Image Credit: © Crown copyright]

National Efforts And Innovation Needed to Tackle Plastic Pollution

A World Economic Forum article suggests that while a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution remains elusive, national and innovative approaches are gaining traction. Chile’s public-private initiatives, such as eco-labelling and grassroots recycler training, are driving measurable progress in reducing plastic waste. In 2023, Mercado Circular collaborated with P&G in Mexico to expand reuse schemes, with plans to open 25 to 30 new points of sale by March 2025. Carrefour and Walmart have been piloting reuse solutions with market leaders like Loop and Algramo. However, the broader plastic waste challenge persists, with over 460 million tonnes of plastic expected to be produced in 2024, the majority of which will be mismanaged or sent to landfills. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports an 11% increase in virgin plastic use since 2018, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change and continued collaboration for a circular economy.[Image Credit: © Engin Akyurt from Pexels.com]

AEPW’s Playbook Promotes Practical Plastic Recycling Solutions

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste released a playbook, "Capturing Value Through Basic Mechanical Recycling of Mixed Plastic Waste," showcasing simple recycling models that it says transform mixed plastic waste into valuable products like furniture and construction materials. Designed for both low-income and advanced economies, the solutions emphasize low-capital investment, job creation, and environmental benefits and includes practical insights from projects in countries such as Ghana and the Philippines that aim to divert plastic waste from landfills and oceans.[Image Credit: © Alliance to End Plastic Waste]

Industry Insights on the Global Plastics Treaty, Post INC-5

INC-5 failed to deliver a Global Plastics Treaty that would curb plastic pollution through harmonized global policies. Representatives from Dow, SAP, and PepsiCo discuss this failure and review the importance of this treaty in establishing unified standards, enabling systemic changes, and fostering circular economies. The discussion reveals that fragmented policies, inadequate waste management, and industry misalignment are key barriers. It also makes clear that business leaders want clear global rules to reduce compliance complexities, scale solutions, and drive investments. Specifically, SAP highlighted the role of technology in enabling traceability, while PepsiCo and Dow stressed sustainable design and closed-loop systems.[Image Credit: © Dow]

CAA Expands Leadership To Advance US EPR Laws

Producer responsibility organization The Circular Action Alliance, welcomed Conagra Brands and Georgia-Pacific as new founding members, joining Amazon, Coca-Cola and Nestlé in supporting efforts to implement extended producer responsibility laws for paper and packaging in the US. [Image Credit: © Circular Action Alliance]

Most Brits Support Reuse And Refill Over Single-Use Plastics

A recent survey by GoUnpackaged revealed that 65% of Brits believe retailers should prioritize reuse and refill systems over single-use plastics. Conducted by Opinium on 2,000 UK adults, the survey showed particularly strong support among younger generations, with 77% of 18-24 year olds eager to incorporate reuse and refill into their weekly shopping routines. Half of all respondents expressed a preference for supermarkets offering these sustainable systems. Catherine Conway, Director at GoUnpackaged, emphasized the potential for customer loyalty and compliance with upcoming regulations such as Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility, but barriers remain, with nearly half reporting difficulty accessing systems in-store or online. Several UK supermarkets, including Aldi, M&S, Morrisons and Waitrose, are trialling reuse and refill stations.[Image Credit: © Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels]

The Rise Of Sustainable Consumerism

Consumers worldwide are driving a sustainability revolution, shifting from passive choices to active demands for ethical and eco-friendly products. With 82% of shoppers prioritizing brands that align with their values, sustainability is no longer optional but essential. Factors such as environmental awareness, ethical responsibility and health considerations are reshaping purchasing decisions. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are leading the charge, willing to pay extra for sustainable alternatives. However, barriers such as cost and skepticism remain, requiring brands to adopt transparent, traceable and purpose-driven practices. Partnerships with organizations like Plastic Bank are proving effective in building trust and delivering measurable impact. Companies like Patagonia, IKEA and Natura exemplify how sustainability not only boosts customer loyalty but drives innovation and growth. [Image Credit: © Kaboompics.com on Pexels]

Tackling Consumer Concerns About Tethered Plastic Caps

Tethered plastic bottle caps are intended to prevent litter and enhance recyclability but face widespread criticism. Consumers argue that they cause discomfort, injuries and are an unnecessary burden, especially for those with disabilities. Research highlights that plastic bottle caps are a significant component of ocean and land pollution, yet many remain skeptical about whether tethers truly reduce plastic waste. Critics worry about increased plastic use, potential leaks and the inconvenience of handling the caps. [Image Credit: © Krizjohn Rosales on Pexels]

Advancing Refillable Packaging Faces Obstacles

In an article featuring Parkside packaging, the author talks about refillable packaging presenting a promising but challenging solution to reducing plastic waste. Despite clear environmental benefits, challenges such as design, cost and consumer behavior hinder widespread adoption. Governments and businesses must collaborate to create infrastructure that supports refillable systems, especially as regulations like the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation push for more reusable packaging. [Image Credit: © Parkside Flexibles (Europe) Limited]

C-Care and Meadow Launch Circular Packaging Innovation in the U.S.

C-Care, a U.S. contract manufacturer, and Swedish startup Meadow are collaborating to introduce the Meadow Kapsul, a circular packaging solution for the personal care market. Product is pre-filled into lightweight aluminium packaging that is placed inside a reusable dispenser. The companies point to the elimination of the traditional pull tab on aluminium cans that reduces raw material use. Empty cans are placed in regular recycling bins for processing.[Image Credit: © Meadow]

Environmental Groups Sue FDA Over Phthalate Use in Food Packaging

Environmental groups filed a lawsuit against the FDA for its refusal to restrict the use of phthalates, toxic chemicals found in food packaging. Phthalates, used as plasticizers, are linked to severe health risks, including birth defects, reduced IQ in children, and infertility. Despite scientific evidence and petitions spanning eight years, the FDA has denied or ignored calls to revoke a 40-year-old authorization for phthalates. The agency argues that industry has largely abandoned food-contact uses for phthalates, a claim contested by advocates who allege FDA's stance aligns with industry interests. While Europe has restricted phthalates, the U.S. lags in regulations. The lawsuit seeks a judicial ban on the chemical class.[Image Credit: © Elena Rabkina on Unsplash]

Defra Releases Updated Packaging EPR Base Fees

The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has published the third iteration of illustrative base fees for the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme. The updated fees reflect packaging tonnage data reported during the first half of 2024 and are designed to provide clearer cost estimates for producers. Rates for 2025-2026 vary by material, with plastic (£485/tonne) and fibre-based composites (£455/tonne) being the most expensive, while glass (£240/tonne) and paper/board (£215/tonne) incur lower charges. Criticism from industries, especially glass, has influenced Defra’s refinements to earlier estimates. Despite this update, the fees remain subject to change as more data is reported by producers by the April 2025 deadline.[Image Credit: © Squirrel_photos from Pixabay]

Thailand Bans Plastic Waste Imports, Calling It 'Waste Colonialism'

Thailand has banned imports of plastic waste starting January 2025. The country had been a major destination for plastic waste from developed nations, importing over 1.1 million tonnes between 2018 and 2021. Poor handling of these imports—often burned or inadequately recycled—posed severe environmental and health risks. This ban aligns with global trends, as other Southeast Asian countries also resist being dumping grounds for richer nations’ waste. Campaigners label such practices "waste colonialism," with wealthier nations exporting waste to nations with weaker environmental regulations. [Image Credit: © Alex Fu on Pexels]

Some U.S. States Tighten Plastic and Waste Policies

A series of new state laws in 2025 reflects increasing focus on reducing plastic waste and enhancing reuse systems. Measures include bans on polystyrene foam containers in Rhode Island, Oregon, and Illinois, with expanded restrictions for smaller businesses. New York and Illinois have prohibited single-use personal care packaging in hotels, reflecting a broader shift towards reducing single-use plastics. Oregon’s updated bottle bill will cover canned wine starting July.[Image Credit: © J A Uppendahl on Unsplash]

CornNext-17, Possibly A Sustainable Alternative To Plastics

Corn Next introduced CornNext-17, a bio-based material designed to combat plastic pollution. Made from renewable corn starch, CornNext-17 is fully biodegradable, decomposing naturally within 30 days without leaving harmful residues. Unlike traditional and bio-plastics, it maintains a natural polysaccharide structure, ensuring superior versatility and high performance in various applications such as packaging, consumer goods and industrial components. CornNext-17 is cost-effective and exhibits excellent mechanical properties, including strength, flexibility and heat resistance.[Image Credit: © Marek Studzinski on Unsplash]

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CORPORATE ACTION: Coca-Cola