US drinks maker will recycle less plastic and cut emissions more slowly than previously pledged
The US’s position is in doubt as nations convene in South Korea to negotiate first UN treaty on plastic waste
Plastics are ubiquitous in modern economies, yet they come with a high environmental cost. As the UN debates how to manage their impacts, this report looks at the factors shaping the industry, from oil companies’ efforts to diversify to scientists’ worries about microplastics
Rich countries that send rubbish to poorer countries for processing are compounding a global problem
Materials from organic sources could cut pollution, but there are potential downsides, too
Scientific research into how plastics affect the body is in its early days
To cut plastic pollution, simply cut plastic production — so many argue. Big fossil fuel producers beg to differ
Industry is latest manufacturing sector on the continent to shrink despite global growth
Allegations arrive as plastics play a growing role in supporting oil demand
Backing from one of world’s largest producers will boost prospect of UN agreement for manufacturing cap
Washington takes similar line to Russia and China as UN talks head towards conclusion without a deal
Campaign groups raise concerns that schemes will fund damaging solutions after complaints over plant involving Danone
Bond will fund recycling projects in Ghana and Indonesia that generate offset credits
‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’ is a familiar mantra, but there are sharp disagreements over which to prioritise
Companies can do more to improve recycling and ease the environmental damage from discarded bottles
Brussels’ proposals led many industries from plastic producers to Camembert makers to push for exemptions
Countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iran push for waste management rather than curbing plastic production
Today’s newsletter is the first of our new data-focused editions
Also in this newsletter: Why Hungary’s Orbán has forgotten his dislike of academia over the Nobel Prizes
The rush to meet self-imposed targets on reduction and reuse has yielded few results
Also in today’s newsletter, lessons from Florida for the world of biodiversity credits
Study identifies new stomach disease in seabirds caused by microplastics
Start-ups are raising funds to speed up process that uses microbes
Worries over outages and soaring energy costs are spurring chemicals groups to reinvest in coal-fired power plants. Plus: companies and eco-campaigners urge clarity on reform. To come: rising raw material prices add to supply chain strain
It’s versatile, affordable, magical — and lethal for the environment. An exhibition explores its glorious past and future solutions
