Hard-To-Track News For Business Professionals

Coca-Cola’s Plastic Move Criticized Amid Tariff Concerns

In response to potential US tariffs, Coca-Cola plans to shift toward using more plastic bottles instead of aluminum cans, a decision Greenpeace USA condemns as a setback in the fight against plastic pollution. Coca-Cola, already the world's biggest plastic polluter, and producing over 130 billion plastic bottles annually, also recently withdrew a commitment to selling 25% of its products in reusable packaging by 2030. [Image Credit: © engin akyurt on Unsplash]

Henkel’s DESIGNathon Highlights Innovative Sustainable Packaging

Henkel’s DESIGNathon event, held in January at its Inspiration Center in Düsseldorf, aimed to foster sustainable packaging innovations by challenging students to develop real-world solutions promoting reuse and aligning with European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations. The event featured 20 students and focused on ideas that could be implemented within five years. Winning designs included a recyclable blister pack for medical pills made of recyclable PEF material, reusable in-flight meal containers and biodegradable packaging from banana waste to reduce reliance on plastics. [Image Credit: © Henkel AG & Co. KGaA]

Olay Launches First Glass Jar Moisturizer To Combat Plastic Waste

Olay introduced its Super Cream with SPF 30, marking the brand's first moisturizer in a glass jar. The brand pioneered refillable plastic packaging in 2019 and has since taken steps to reduce plastic waste, including testing refillable jars for its Regenerist Whip moisturizer. [Image Credit: © Procter & Gamble / Olay]

Unilever Nears £230m Acquisition Of Sustainable Brand

Reports indicate Unilever is set to acquire Wild, a sustainable brand known for its refillable personal care products, in a deal valued at £230m. Wild offers natural deodorants, body washes and lip balms direct to consumers. It has seen impressive growth, with sales increasing by 77% to £47 million in 2023 and an operating profit of £560,000. [Image Credit: © Unilever]

Unilever Scales Refill Models To Reduce Plastic Waste

Unilever says it’s committed to making all its plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2030 for rigid plastics and by 2035 for flexibles. Since 2018, the company has conducted over 50 refill and reuse pilot projects globally, including in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It’s also advocating for supportive regulations and industry collaboration to scale up reuse solutions. [Image Credit: © Unilever]

"Human Side Of Plastics" Highlights Changemakers In Waste Battle

SC Johnson, in collaboration with Rainshadow Films and River Roots Productions, premiered “Human Side of Plastics: Babacar Thiaw” at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. It marks the start of a series showcasing changemakers fighting plastic pollution and focuses on Babacar Thiaw from Dakar, illustrating how individual passion and local, community-driven solutions can drive significant change.[Image Credit: © Wild and Scenic Film Festival]

Bob, The Refillable, Sustainable Body Wash Revolution

Bob, the world’s first refillable hard body wash, debuts as an innovative, sustainable alternative to traditional liquid body washes and soap bars. Developed in response to plastic waste from bottled products, Bob features a unique applicator with bristles, to aid lathering, and a refillable wash bar. Its design aims to reduce environmental impact while offering skin hydration with ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil. Each applicator lasts up to 3,650 washes. [Image Credit: © Bob]

Ecover Promotes Refillable Options

In response to the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles, UK consumers are encouraged to switch to refillable washing-up liquid products. Millions of plastic bottles are used annually for household cleaning items, with a significant portion not being recycled. In 2016, less than half of plastic bottles were collected for recycling, and only 7% were recycled, according to Ecover, which is leading the charge by offering refill stations across the UK and committing to eliminating virgin plastic from its packaging. Other brands like Fairy are also promoting refillable options.[Image Credit: © Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels]

Neat. Introduces Refillable Foaming Body Wash

Certified B Corp. neat. is innovating in the personal care industry with the launch of its refillable Foaming Body Wash, a sustainable solution aimed at reducing plastic waste in the UK. Available in three fragrances, the product features a concentrated formula that reduces transport emissions and storage space. Each 50ml concentrate creates 500ml of body wash, offering up to 55 washes per refill. The product uses plastic-free packaging, vegan ingredients and dermatologically tested formulas. [Image Credit: © Neat Home Ltd.]

Turkey's Plastic Waste Crisis: A Global Problem With Local Consequences

Plastic recycling, long touted as a solution to plastic waste, fails to address the root of the global waste crisis: unsustainable plastic production. Despite efforts like Turkey's "Zero Waste" initiative, which began in 2017, the country has become a major destination for plastic waste, largely from Europe, especially after China closed it borders to exported waste. The influx of discarded plastic, much of it ending up in landfills or incinerated, highlights the contradictions within the global waste trade. Meanwhile, Turkey plans to become a petrochemical hub, deepening its involvement in plastic production. [Image Credit: © Tom Fisk on Pexels]

Survey Shows Strong UK Support For Reusable Packaging

A recent survey of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by environmental charity City to Sea, revealed strong support for reusable packaging as a solution to single-use plastic waste. 75% of respondents believe reusable packaging should replace single-use plastic and 77% want retailers to offer long-term reusable, refillable and returnable packaging. 75% emphasize the need for businesses and the government to support a circular economy to combat climate change. City to Sea CEO Jane Martin highlighted the urgency for retailers to commit to sustainable packaging systems. [Image Credit: © Globelet Reusable on Unsplash]

US Public Supports Reducing Single-Use Plastics

A recent national poll conducted for Oceana found strong public support across political lines for reducing single-use plastics in the US. It revealed 81% of respondents support reducing plastic production, while 88% are concerned about microplastics in food and water. Despite this, the new administration plans to reverse Biden-era policies that promoted alternatives like paper straws in favor of plastics. Oceana and experts argue that reversing this direction undermines efforts to combat plastic pollution, which harms oceans, wildlife and local economies. [Image Credit: © Brian Yurasits on Unsplash]

Consumers Willing But Struggle To Engage With Refill Stations

Research conducted by Calvin Lakhan from York University, Toronto, highlights a significant gap between consumers’ openness to using refillable and reusable packaging and their likelihood of actively engaging with refill stations. The study surveyed 341 participants from Canada and the United States in 2024 across 22 product categories, including food, beverages, personal care and cleaning items. Although many consumers expressed interest in sustainable packaging, factors such as convenience, contamination fears and the availability of refill stations hindered active participation. [Image Credit: © Sarah Chai on Pexels]

Mondi Launches Paper-Based Pouches To Replace Plastic Packaging

Mondi partnered with Proquimia to introduce paper-based stand-up pouches for dishwashing tabs in Spain and Portugal, significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to previous plastic packaging. The pouches, made from Mondi’s re/cycle FunctionalBarrier Paper, contain 85% paper and are fully recyclable within local paper recycling systems. [Image Credit: © Mondi]

Berry Global Launches Sustainable Refillable Beauty Packaging Solutions

Berry Global is launching three smaller sizes (15ml, 20ml and 25ml) within its Exclusive Stick and Refill range for beauty and personal care products. Made from post-consumer recycled plastic and mono-material polypropylene, they offer easier recyclability and promote material reduction. The refill sticks are lighter, saving around 11.5g compared to earlier sticks, and can be made with up to 100% PCR PP. [Image Credit: © Berry Global Inc.]

Key Deadlines In EU's Packaging And Waste Reduction Regulations

The European Union's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation includes critical deadlines for reducing plastic waste and increasing recycling. By the end of this year, EU countries must reduce lightweight plastic bag consumption to under 40 per person annually, with specific recycling targets for various materials. Recyclable packaging requirements and mandatory reusable options for takeaway food will follow by 2028 and deposit return systems for plastic beverage bottles by 2029. By 2030, all packaging must be designed for recycling, and minimum recycled content targets will be enforced. The regulation aims for significant reductions in packaging waste per capita by 2040, with an emphasis on reuse, refill systems and achieving high recycling rates across the EU.[Image Credit: © Engin Akyurt on Unsplash]

India Mandates Plastic Packaging Traceability, Compliance

India’s Ministry of Environment updated its Plastic Waste Management Rules, requiring producers, importers and brand owners to label plastic packaging with a barcode, QR code or unique number, starting July 2025. These labels must contain information such as the PIBO’s name and a registration number from the Central Pollution Control Board. This initiative aims to improve traceability and accountability in the plastic lifecycle, supporting Extended Producer Responsibility. Non-compliance will incur fines and potential jail sentences. [Image Credit: © Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change]

Microplastics And Health: New Risks Emerging

Microplastics are increasingly found in human organs, posing serious health risks. Studies reveal microplastics in the brain, lungs, heart, arteries, gut and reproductive system, linking them to neurodegenerative diseases, respiratory issues, cardiovascular conditions and fertility problems. These particles can cross biological barriers, disrupt hormones and cause inflammation. Research underscores the urgent need to curb plastic waste. EARTHDAY.ORG calls for a 60% reduction in fossil-fuel plastic production by 2040.[Image Credit: © National Cancer Institute on Unsplash ]

Plastic Takeout Containers Linked To Heart Failure Risk

A new study links eating from plastic takeout containers to an increased risk of congestive heart failure, likely due to gut biome changes that cause inflammation. Researchers in China found that frequent plastic use correlated with heart disease in over 3,000 people. In lab tests, rats consuming water exposed to plastic chemicals showed gut microbiome disruption and heart tissue damage. Plastic containers release harmful chemicals, especially when exposed to heat. While the study offers no consumer recommendations, public health experts advise avoiding microwaving or adding hot food to plastic, opting instead for glass, wood or stainless steel. [Image Credit: © Jacoby Clarke on Pexels]

Microplastics Discovered In Human Brains

Researchers from the University of New Mexico discovered alarming levels of microplastics in human brains, with concentrations higher than in other organs. Over the past eight years, plastic accumulation in the brain has increased by 50%, a discovery that raises significant concerns, especially as microplastics were found to be smaller than previously believed, enabling them to potentially cross the blood-brain barrier. The study also links higher plastic concentrations to dementia, though the relationship remains unclear.[Image Credit: © Stijn Dijkstra on Pexels]

WPP Faces OECD Complaint Over Fossil Fuel And Plastics Ads

Climate groups filed a complaint against WPP, the world’s largest advertising firm, for enabling fossil fuel and plastic pollution. Filed with the OECD, the complaint highlights WPP’s work for major polluters like BP, Shell and Coca-Cola, accusing the company of violating corporate guidelines on climate and human rights. Campaigners demand WPP disclose emissions linked to its ads, cut ties with unsustainable clients and uphold its environmental commitments. With increasing scrutiny on greenwashing and growing calls to ban fossil fuel advertising, WPP risks reputational damage. [Image Credit: © WPP plc]

Global Plastic Waste Trade Worsens Environmental And Health Crisis

Despite the 1992 Basel Convention banning toxic waste exports, Western nations continue to offload plastic waste under the guise of recycling. Discarded plastics travel thousands of miles to developing countries, where they pollute ecosystems and harm human health. In Ghana, workers burn electronic waste to access valuable metals, exposing themselves to deadly toxins. Plastic waste floods Southeast Asia, releasing microplastics and toxic chemicals. Poorly regulated and often linked to organized crime, the global waste trade profits from environmental injustice. [Image Credit: © Jas Min on Unsplash]

Plastics

And The Corporate Response

Past Issues

CORPORATE ACTION: Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola’s Plastic Move Criticized Amid Tariff Concerns

CORPORATE ACTION: Henkel

Henkel’s DESIGNathon Highlights Innovative Sustainable Packaging

CORPORATE ACTION: Procter & Gamble

Olay Launches First Glass Jar Moisturizer To Combat Plastic Waste

CORPORATE ACTION: Unilever