Category
Environment

“Stop the Spread” business information line now open in Ontario

The province has launched a toll-free line to provide support to businesses that have questions about the recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces over COVID-19 fears.

“Superworms” that eat polystyrene might help plastic pollution problem

Researchers in Beijing have discovered that scavenger worms will eat Styrofoam, which is one of the most difficult plastic materials to biodegrade.

Project STOP wins oil and gas industry award

Co-founded by Borealis and SYSTEMIQ in 2017, the Project STOP initiative partners with cities to stop plastic waste leaking into the ocean.

Dow Chemical agrees to $77 million environmental settlement in Michigan

The proposed settlement compensates for damage to natural resources caused by pollution from Dow’s plant in Midland, Mich.

Consumer goods giant Unilever vows to halve virgin plastics use by 2025

The business, whose brands include Dove, Ben & Jerry’s and Lipton, said it would achieve this by cutting its “absolute use of plastic packaging” by over 100,000 tonnes and “accelerating its use of recycled plastic.”

Nova Chemicals just got even more sustainable

With the new position of director of sustainability filled by Sarah Marshall, the Calgary-based polyethylene resin maker is walking the walk when it comes to advancing the circular economy.

Sobeys plans to remove plastic bags from all stores in 2020

The Stellarton, N.S.-based national grocery chain said it will adopt paper and reusable bags at its 255 outlets across the country by January.

Nova Chemicals announces new sustainability strategy

The Calgary-based chemical maker’s new six-pronged sustainability commitment is designed to help eliminate plastic waste.

P.E.I. becomes the first province to ban plastic bags

The province’s Plastic Bag Reduction Act officially came into effect earlier this month, and prohibits businesses from offering single-use plastic bags at the checkout.

Sidel joins Ellen MacArthur’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment

This worldwide initiative was launched in 2018 with the goal of addressing the plastic waste and pollution crisis at its source and keeping plastics within the economy.

Straw maker Stone Straw fights back with bioplastic straws

Traditional plastic straws are an endangered species nowadays, which is why this well-known Brantford, Ont.-based extruder is making the move to an eco-friendly plant-based alternative.

Mexico City passes ban on plastic bags, single-use utensils

Set to come into force in December 2020 or January 2021, the ban will include such articles as non-biodegradable plastic bags, straws, cutlery, cups, and coffee capsules.

Thousands of responses to Newfoundland and Labrador plastic bag ban survey

The province’s Environment department says that a decision on the possibility of banning single-use plastic bags is coming in the “near future”.

Ocean Cleanup project hits a snag

98% of European plastics production covered by Operation Clean Sweep

The international program is designed to prevent plastic pellets, flakes, and powder from being lost from factory floors and winding up in lakes and oceans.

Newfoundland and Labrador seeking public input on possible plastic bag ban

The province has established a survey asking residents and others about their opinions on the possibility of banning single-use retail plastic bags.

Ontario government weighs ban on single-use plastics

In a new discussion paper, the Province is asking the public for input on how to reduce litter and waste.

Ocean Cleanup mission failed because of material fatigue, investigators say

The ambitious system failed on Dec. 29 when a 60-foot length of the device deployed in the so-called Great Pacific Garbage Patch between Hawaii and California broke off.

Britain to tax non-recycled plastic packaging by 2022

Under the new proposal, which will now go out for consultation, plastic packaging that contains at least 30 per cent recycled material will be exempt from the tax.

CPIA makes new commitment to Operation Clean Sweep

The industry association’s newest Clean Sweep initiative involves getting all CPIA member companies to be signatories participating in the program by 2022.