With an initial mission to raise awareness of the benefits of a circular economy and to drive systemic change toward this new economic model, The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has since become a leading voice on the topic of the circular economy.

In 2018, the UK government announced the new UK Plastic Packaging Tax in their budget as a part of the government’s 25-year environmental plan, and 4 years later it finally came into play. As of April 1st, 2022, any company importing or manufacturing 10+ tonnes of plastic packaging components in the UK will be subject to this tax. And this time there’s no exceptions for large companies trying to avoid sustainability practices. 

The term “net zero” first came about from the concept of “carbon neutrality,” which refers to balancing carbon emissions with carbon removal. For years this term was highly regarded but the issue was it didn’t account for greenhouse gases, such as methane, besides carbon dioxide.

Just reducing carbon emissions was simply not enough, and architects, engineers, and supply chain professionals around the world saw this flaw.

The Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253) applies to reporting entities – partnerships, corporations, business entities, etc. – formed in California or operating under the laws of California with total annual revenues from the prior fiscal year that exceeds $1B. Companies that check these boxes will be required to report on their Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 GHG emissions to the state of California every year. 

Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on June 30, 2022, SB-54 sets ambitious targets for reducing single-use plastic packaging and foodware.

By 2032, California aims to cut single-use plastic packaging and foodware by 25%, ensure that 100% of these items are recyclable or compostable, recycle at least 65% of single-use plastic packaging and foodware.

These goals represent a significant shift in how we manage plastic waste, emphasizing reduction at the source rather than relying solely on end-of-life recycling efforts.

At its core, APCO (formerly known as the National Packaging Covenant) was established with the goal of uniting businesses, government, and industry stakeholders around sustainability initiatives. Initially, the organization took a voluntary commitment approach but has since become much more structured, introducing regulations and mandatory reporting to ensure compliance with sustainability goals. 

The main goal of The Spain Packaging Tax is to create a better waste management solution that limits contaminated soils and certain plastic products all while promoting a circular economy.

With effects throughout the entire Spanish territory, manufacturers, importers, and transporters of any single-use plastic containers and/or packaging are going to have to reevaluate their material usage to meet the law.