Africa's No.1 Packaging, Printing, Plastics & Processing Industry Magazine
EUROPE – Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have backed a draft proposal for sustainable and durable products aimed at combating a rise in greenwashing from brands and retailers. The proposal aims to help consumers make environmentally friendly choices and encourage companies to offer more durable and environmentally sustainable products. With 544 votes in favor, 18 against and 17 abstentions,…
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CAMEROON – Namé Recycling in collaboration with the High Commissions of Canada, and the United Kingdom launched the ‘Walk and Clean’ campaign on 12 May 2023 to reduce plastic pollution in Yaoundé. The campaign, kicked off by the UK High Commissioner to Cameroon, Christian Dennys-McClure is essentially based on the collection of plastic and aluminium waste in the streets of…
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UK – A new report published by the sustainability charity Wrap has revealed plastic packaging of fresh produce increases food waste and plastic pollution. The study was conducted over several months and analyzed the relationship between plastic packaging and fresh food waste. Researchers examined various factors such as the shelf life of produce, consumer behavior and the environmental repercussions of…
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EUROPE – Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) has published a study examining the consequences of different approaches to allocating recycled content in plastic. The study proves that proportional allocation has the lowest impact on the level-playing field and the largest potential environmental benefits. National and European policymakers should implement regulations ensuring that mechanical methods remain the primary recycling option for maximum…
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NIGERIA – The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has launched the Hands-on Export Packaging and Labeling Intervention Sessions to improve packaging and labeling of Nigerian-made products. Poor packaging in particular is said to be one of the major reasons why Nigerian products are rejected in the international market, especially in Europe. Speaking at the technical session for Small and Medium…
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KENYA – The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has called on small business operators to avoid using flimsy paper bags to package their merchandise and embrace the use of recommended biodegradable bags that are friendly to the environment. NEMA through its Rapid Environmental Response Unit (RERU) conducted a crackdown in Eldoret town targeting bakeries and shops using banned plastic bags.…
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UK – The UK Government has proposed a reform of the Plastic Packaging Tax, which was introduced in April 2022, arguing that changes to the scheme could help raise funding to scale chemical recycling innovations. The tax applies at a rate of £200 (US$251.79) per tonne to plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content, covering imported packaging and that…
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USA – The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a draft strategy to combat harmful impacts on communities affected by plastic from production to waste across the country. Referred to as the ‘National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution’, the strategy was drafted by the EPA alongside industry leaders and additional stakeholders. The strategy focuses on three objectives, including a…
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SOUTH AFRICA – Paper and packaging group Sappi has been ordered to pay US$0.44 million (R8m) after pleading guilty to contravening environmental law by exceeding sulphur dioxide emissions at its Saiccor Mill in Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal, according to the National Prosecution Authority (NPA). The NPA said the Scottburgh Regional Court imposed an R8 million fine on Sappi for the emissions between…
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KENYA – E-commerce startup Jumia Kenya has announced that consumers will now receive their online orders in their original packaging from the manufacturer without any extra wrapping from Jumia. This follows the company’s recent announcement, which aligns with its ESG strategy aimed at environmentally friendly activities in the countries it operates in. Items like clothes and apparel, shoes, TVs, printers,…
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