Recycling Update Vlogs
The following Recycling Update Vlogs page serves as a summary of the latest news in the world of recycling. Typically, the news is presented as a snippet of all the news contained within our Recycling Intelligence Platform. A new edition to the series is released every two weeks and is presented by one of our international recycling experts.
Recycling Update Vlogs
The following Recycling Update Vlogs page serves as a summary of the latest news in the world of recycling. The news is presented as a snippet of all the news contained within our Recycling Intelligence Platform. A new edition to the series is released every two weeks and is presented by one of our international recycling experts.
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Topics from Edition 31:
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1. South Korea mandates 30% PET recycled content by 2030
South Korea announced new Circular Economy rules. These mandate that all colourless PET bottles used for beverages must contain a minimum of 30% recycled material by 2030. This has been increased from the current requirement of 10%. Read more on the topic here.
2. UAE expands in scope food contact polymers
The United Arab Emirates has extended the regulatory framework for recycled plastics in food-contact applications beyond PET. The additional polymers now include PE, PP and PS, that are required to meet specific safety and quality certifications. Biggest question will be what the exact safety rules will be and where material can be produced. Read more on the topic here.
3. New York EPR Bill Undergoes Amendments
Lawmakers have introduced nearly 150 amendments to the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. This is a proposed statewide EPR programme for packaging. Under the revised proposal, producers with over 5 million dollars in annual revenue must reduce packaging by 10% within three years and 30% within 12 years. The aim is to pass the bill within the year, however, all previous similar attempts have not been successful. Read more on the topic here.
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Topics from Edition 30:
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1. 20p deposit in the UK for DRS packaging
The UK’s DRS administrator has announced a 20p deposit for single-use beverage containers. Market research has indicated a deposit of below 15p would not provide significant behavioural incentive and a deposit of above 30p would present a disproportionate cost burden. This matches the highest DRS fees in the world. Read more on the topic here.
2. Austrian national plastic tax for Oct 2026 is off the table
The Austrian government has announced that it will not implement the proposed national plastic tax. The follows a successful appeal by the Austrian Trade Association citing that this would have led to further price increases, following the general price increase for oil related products. Read more on the topic here.
3. Iran war pushes recycled plastic market
The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a surge to virgin resin prices. While this closure presents considerable anxiety to plastics processors purchasing resin materials. This presents an opportunity to recycled plastics industry gain market share in this domain. Reducing the dependency on imported virgin materials, is in line with Circular Economy thinking of the EU. Read more on the topic here.
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Topics from Edition 29:
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1. Welsh DRS less crystal due to glass
The Welsh government has restarted the search for a DRS administrator, after rejecting the only bid from the “Exchange for Change” due to disagreements on the inclusion of glass, shortly before the governmental elections. The application window will close on the 2nd of June. An administrator can therefore not be appointed until the next government takes office. This creates significant time pressure for the planned launch in October next year. Read more on the topic here
2. Italy suggests compostable packaging exemptions
Italy has proposed a draft bill to exempt biodegradable and compostable packaging certified under EN13432 from upcoming EU bans on single-use plastics. This measure specifically targets packaging for fresh produce under 1.5kg, pre-filled food and beverage packaging intended for on-site consumption, and single service items used in the hospitality sector. The proposal also intents to expand the exemption to single-use flexible packaging for cosmetics and hygiene products. This is expected to be discussed by the commission and other member states within the next three months. If an exemption is allowed, this would set a strong precedent for other requests. Read more on the topic here
3. Singapore launches Southeast Asia’s first DRS
Singapore has launched Southeast Asia’s first DRS on April 1. The consumer will have to pay a 10-cent refundable deposit, in local currency, on plastic bottles and metal cans. Return vending machines are not only available in supermarkets and retail outlets but also in public spaces like housing estates and campuses. Read more on the topic here
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Topics from Edition 28:
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PPWR news
The European Commission has just released guidelines on the implementation of PPWR, which will apply from the 12th of August 2026. Today, we are going to highlight two main points and what they mean for you.
In the guidelines, the Commission goes into detail on the deadlines and requirements for packaging recyclability under the PPWR. Nothing has changed with the base requirement: all packaging placed on the market from August 2026, must be recyclable. However, specific "Design for Recycling" guidelines are only expected to be released by January 2028. The more important question is what you’re meant to do in the meantime. The guidance is now clear that manufacturers must comply through the already existing and harmonized EN 13430 standard. The good thing is, the RecyClass recyclability certificate for plastics, a CERTIFY assessment for paper, glass, and metal packaging, or a RECY:CHECK certificate for beverage cartons are all already following this standard.
The second topic cleared up by the guidance is concerning the definition of a manufacturer.
Per the commission, there is always only one manufacturer per packaging format. The main rule: if a trademark or specific brand name is on the packaging, that is considered the manufacturer. This also applies for final products sold through importers and distributors. In addition, for sales packaging and grouped packaging without trademark or brandowner visible, the manufacturer is the one that performs the final processing steps, such as cutting, filling, or sealing. For transport, service, and secondary packaging, the manufacturer is usually the company that produces the packaging.
Make sure to remember that if you are considered the manufacturer of packaging, you are not only responsible for placing recyclable packaging on the market but also for the declaration of conformity with information provided by your suppliers, and other sustainability and labelling requirements.
Do you need help understanding the specific requirements you need to comply with? Reach out to us, we are happy to support!
Read more on the topic here.
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Topics from Edition 27:
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1. Portugal launches DRS
Portugal will launch its DRS for beverage packaging in April 2026. For each beverage packaging up to 3 litres, consumers will pay a deposit of 10 cents. DRS machines will be set up in supermarkets and at manual collection points. Between the 10th April and the 9th August, only packaging with the scheme’s logo will be included. As of the 10th August, all plastic, aluminium and steel beverage packaging will be included. With their DRS, Portugal aims to be one of the digital forefront runners, with a move away from paper receipts to digital ones and instant money referrals through an app or a digital wallet. Read more on the topic here.
2. South Korea reports huge growth in Greenwashing cases
South Korea has reported a 172% surge in greenwashing cases involving consumer products over the past four years, primarily driven by the illegal use of the national "Environmental Label." According to a recent audit, violations jumped from 485 to 1322, with nearly all cases involving expired certifications. This sharp increase highlights regulatory blind spots in post-certification management. Read more on the topic here.
3. Vietnam plans to triple collection and recycling efforts
PRO Vietnam has announced a roadmap to triple its collection and recycling efforts compared to 2025. It has been 2 years since the formal EPR implementation and packaging volumes in the country have significantly increased. New policy adjustments are providing a strong incentive for businesses to move from compulsory compliance to proactively adopting a circular economy. Read more on the topic here.
