Library

Our resources

Welcome to our library, where you can find the full range of infographics, reports,  position papers and videos on plastic pollution by the Rethink Plastic alliance and its member organisations. Browse our latest publications!

Filters

December 18, 2024

Evaluation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive

Effectiveness and Compliance across Europe.

At Rethink Plastic, we have carried out our own evaluation of the SUP Directive with the contribution of the Break Free From Plastic Network, building on the previous transposition and implementation assessments published by the Rethink Plastic alliance to monitor developments since 2019, as well as recent assessments from our members on the state of play in their respective countries. We will also take this opportunity to highlight the positive impact that the SUP Directive has had, both in raising general awareness about single-use plastic pollution and promoting a preventative approach to the global plastic pollution crisis, as opposed to relying on a clean-up and recycling-focused mitigation approach.

November 19, 2024

Why plastic pellets must be addressed in the treaty

To prevent pellet loss the treaty text must include:
All plastic feedstocks (including primary, recycled, fossil fuel and biomass derived plastic in flakes, powder or pellet forms.
All sectors & companies (including producers, converters, waste handlers, transporters and actors who handle pellets)
Mandatory loss prevention measures with specific minimum requirements
Requirements for independent standards and certification schemes to demonstrate compliance.

November 4, 2024

Risks of Plastic Pellet Losses along the value chain

Plastic pellets are lost at all stages of the plastics value chain. The EU needs to address this issue with an ambitious Plastic Pellets regulation.

October 23, 2024

Prioritising plastics and polymers in the ESPR – Briefing

By prioritising plastics and polymers in the first ESPR working plan, the EU will take a major step in addressing the plastic pollution crisis, and work towards minimising the environmental footprint of plastic and polymer production.

October 9, 2024

Strengthening EU Rules on Pellet Loss: A necessary move to prevent the damage and reduce the cost of microplastic pollution

Rethink Plastic’s position on the EU’s regulation to prevent pellet loss: To effectively reduce the environmental and economic burden of pellet loss, a comprehensive supply chain approach is essential to implement, with robust and binding measures for all operators at every stage of the supply chain, ensuring that those responsible for pollution are held accountable rather than leaving EU public authorities and citizens to pay.

October 9, 2024

PVC – Frequently Asked Questions

What is PVC and what is it used for? Why is PVC dangerous? If PVC has alternatives, why is it not already being replaced? What regulatory measures do NGOs ask for? Answers to frequently asked questions about PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

October 3, 2024

A holistic plastic strategy: Addressing polymers and plastics under the ESPR

Plastics and polymers should be included as an intermediate product in the first working plan under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (foreseen for early 2025). By prioritising plastics and polymers in the first ESPR working plan, the EU will take a major step in addressing the plastic pollution crisis, working to minimise the environmental footprint of plastic and polymer production.

June 13, 2024

PVC Problem Very Clear.

Why the ECHA report supports phasing out PVC as the most effective and future-proof risk management measure

May 23, 2024

Save us “Chemical Recycling” Man! Oh wait…you can’t!

Meet “Chemical Recycling” Man. Not your run-of-the-mill comic book superhero. This one is propped up by the petrochemical industries.

These industries like to claim that chemical recycling will create “virgin-like” quality plastic. But beware – this isn’t true! Because of low oil yields and contamination, pyrolysis oil must be diluted by a mixture made up of crude oil, derived from fossil fuel (in some cases by a ratio of over 40:1!). Chemical recycling treatment cannot process the diversity of post-consumer plastic waste.

Rethink Plastic