Steve Toloken

More than 85 nations, including all 27 members of the European Union, are making a last-minute push to include caps on plastics production in any deal.

One point of agreement between plastics industry groups and environmental organizations is that neither side likes a U.S. proposal put forward at the global treaty talks related to chemicals and "problematic" plastics.

Plastics materials industry executives outlined their priorities for the plastics treaty during a virtual news conference.

The most immediate question may be how the U.S. approaches the global plastics treaty, which has its fifth and final scheduled negotiating session in late November in South Korea. Beyond that, Donald Trump's appointees could put forward big policy changes on chemical recycling, single-use plastics procurement and other areas at key agencies. And on economic policy, Trump has said he plans much bigger tariffs than enacted in his first term.

President-elect Donald Trump's second term could see Washington take different approaches to environmental policy for plastics, tariffs and the global treaty talks.

A Society of Plastics Engineers conference looked at the pace of change in finding alternatives to PFAS "forever chemicals" in the plastics industry.

Composites material supplier Toray said it has bought a Colorado company, Gordon Plastics, to expand its offerings in thermoplastic composite tape and other markets.

A group of 10 state attorneys general released a letter to the calling for President Joe Biden's administration to maintain support for production caps in the plastics treaty and elevate concerns of frontline communities.

Los Angeles County has sued consumer product giants Coca-Cola Co. and PepsiCo Inc., accusing them of misleading the public about plastics recycling and the environmental impacts of their packaging.

A researcher who closely follows PFAS business and litigation trends believes conservative courts will "dismantle" regulations but companies will face growing risk from lawsuits and insurance over the use of PFAS chemicals.

The heads of resin maker Borealis AG and plastics packaging makers Alpla Group, Amcor plc and Berry Global Group Inc. joined 18 other CEOs Oct. 28 in calling for the plastics treaty to phase out chemicals of concern and problematic plastics products as well as have a "strong mandate" to strengthen over time.

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Plastics News' Steve Toloken examines the debate over resin production caps in the plastics treaty, whether they are likely to be in any final agreement, and if they are, how caps could be implemented.

The Environmental Protection Agency said the company did not report a VCM release promptly, as required by federal law.

Kickstart: Microwaves to recycle plastics; Michigan tackles waste; dolphins breathing microplastics

Kickstart: Emergency response, EV battery recycling and a new injection molding award

Building products maker Carlisle said its purchase of the expanded polystyrene insulation business of Canada's Plasti-Fab will expand retail channels and lead to cost savings from Plasti-Fab's EPS resin making capability.

Maybe would-be plastics students aren't seeing enough of the plastics industry's more sustainable changes, whether it's recycled content or moving away from fossil feedstocks, that would attract them.

A new report from the Plastics Industry Association said the U.S. plastics industry saw a trade surplus in 2023 after three years of deficits. It also predicted that deficits will return.

Republicans in the Senate and House have sent letters to the President Joe Biden's administration protesting its position on the plastics treaty.