​Portugal is gearing up to introduce a national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for single-use beverage containers in 2026, aiming to boost recycling rates and reduce waste. The system will be managed by SDR Portugal, a non-profit organization, with Sensoneo providing the digital infrastructure to support the scheme. Portugal's first DRS was initially planned...

​In March 2025, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) published a 182-page report summarising the results of the 2024 stakeholder consultation on waste sortation labelling. The original stakeholder consultation, which ran from 2 September to 30 September 2024, sought to gather perspectives from industry experts on the potential design of t...

​Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging exist in five U.S. states: Maine, California, Oregon, Colorado, and Minnesota. These laws make producers financially and logistically responsible for managing packaging waste. Eco-modulation fees, which reduce costs for sustainable packaging choices, are a key feature. Maine was first (2021), foll...

​Producers selling packaged goods in the EU will no longer be able to put the Green Dot on their packaging.We've all seen the Green Dot: a green circle made of two arrows, normally placed on the corner of packaging. But what does it mean?The original idea behind placing the Green Dot on packaging was to show that the producer had paid their EPR fees to a ...

​With only six months remaining until the first report is due to the Federal Plastics Registry, does your company feel prepared to complete it? This blog will explore who is required to report to the registry, what information must be included in the report, and the latest updates on the implementation of the Canadian government's reporting portal.The obl...

The EU Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which came into force on 17th August 2023, introduces stricter requirements for batteries and waste batteries. It aims to create a more sustainable, circular and responsible battery industry within the EU. This regulation repeals the Battery Directive 2006/66/EC with effect from 18th August 2025 and amends the W...

​Turkey is making significant strides toward environmental sustainability by implementing a nationwide Deposit Return System (DRS), locally known as the Deposit Management System (DYS). This initiative plays a crucial role in Turkey's Zero Waste Project, aiming to boost recycling rates and foster environmental awareness among its citizens. Although the DR...

The UK's new Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) system is transforming how businesses that manufacture, import, or sell packaging and packaged products are held accountable for the waste they generate. With 2024 bringing a whirlwind of updates and more expected in 2025, many companies feel overwhelmed by the definitions, terminology, and de...

To tackle the growing issue of packaging waste, the European Union has introduced the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This Regulation is a European Union initiative that aims to reduce packaging waste, promote recycling, and ensure the sustainability of packaging materials. It builds upon the existing Packaging and Packaging Waste Directi...

​We've heard about it many times. Expanded polystyrene (sometimes called Styrofoam) food containers are some of the most frequently banned items in the US. Businesses have used biodegradable alternatives, with varying degrees of success. However, the sticking point for both individual and business compliance is that each place in the US can make its own l...

​As 2024 comes to an end and we set our sights on an exciting 2025, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the incredible milestones and achievements our company has reached this year. From new beginnings to remarkable growth, 2024 has truly been a year to remember.One of the most significant milestones this year was moving into our brand-new offices. In J...

​We are all consumers of packaging. Increasingly, consumers reaching for their favourite product on the supermarket shelf may be swayed by promising on-pack claims regarding packaging recyclability or recycled content inclusion. Done well, environmental claims indicate to the eco-conscious consumer that a certain product or its packaging may have preferen...

​The world is at a tipping point in tackling plastic waste, and countries are increasingly turning to sustainable solutions. While mechanical recycling has been the dominant method, it struggles with complex or contaminated plastics that often end up in landfills or incinerators. Chemical recycling, a technology that breaks plastics into their core compon...

​A study in Science Advances has revealed a direct correlation between plastic production by consumer goods companies and environmental plastic pollution, indicating that a 1% increase in production results in a 1% increase in pollution. Southeast Asia dominates the list of the highest plastic polluters, with six out of the top ten countries located in th...

​Latvia has amended its Natural Resource Tax by establishing a tax on plastics that are typically not recycled in Latvia. Starting from 1st October 2024, any taxable person responsible for packaging made entirely or partially of non-recyclable plastic (polymeric) materials will be subject to this tax. The tax was introduced in response to the European Uni...

​The How2Recycle (H2R) label, launched in 2012, is a voluntary labelling program designed to make recycling guidance simple and consistent across brands, helping consumers make informed choices. As recycling regulations and consumer expectations evolve, H2R recently introduced two new label types—How2Recycle Pro and How2Recycle Plus—to offer even clearer,...