NEWS
EU moves towards tighter pellet rules
The EU Council and European Parliament have provisionally agreed on new regulations around the transit of plastic pellets by sea, setting out obligations in cases of accidental losses. Under the new rules,
prevention of plastic pellet losses would be the main objective for operators and EU and non-EU carriers. A clear framework sets out obligations for cases of accidental losses focusing on clean-up operations and a set of measures will be included in a risk manage- ment plan, prepared by each installation handling pellets. Such measures would cover packaging, loading and unloading, staff training, as well as necessary equipment. To provide for a level playing field between the EU and non-EU carriers and to ensure accountability and transparency for all carriers of plastic pellets, non-EU carriers will have to desig- nate an authorised repre-
Project on biopolymer properties
sentative in the EU and operators that handle above 1,500 tonnes/yr of will be required to obtain a certificate issued by an independent third party. PlasticsEurope said: “We
appreciate that policymak- ers seem to have taken account of our voluntary efforts to prevent plastic pellet losses via Operation Clean Sweep. This is a pragmatic approach to policymaking – where new regulation builds on established best practices – helping minimise additional regulatory burden on industry. As a result, first movers who have already
invested in on-site pellet loss prevention measures are well positioned to comply with new regulatory requirements despite ongoing competitiveness challenges for our industry.” The next step is for the
provisional agreement to be endorsed by the Council and Parliament. It will then be formally adopted by both institutions, following a legal and linguistic review, and published in the Official Journal of the EU. The regulations will then become applicable two years after publication. �
www.consilium.europa.eu �
https://plasticseurope.org
A new project aims to improve the long-term properties of bio-based polymers through tailored additivation, facilitating their use in technical applications. Currently, bio-based plastics are limited to short-life applications, such as packaging, as they have insufficient long-term properties. The new project “Bio-based polyesters for demanding long-term applications” is being run by Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF.
In the planned project, bio-based materials will be optimised through tailored additivation to be competi- tive with petrochemical- based plastics. The Fraunhofer LBF scientists are looking for partners along the value chain with a particular focus on developers and producers of finished components. �
www.lbf.fraunhofer.de
RACE event in India is postponed
The organisers of the RACE Recycling and Compounding Expo in India have postponed the event due to recent conflict between India and Pakistan in the Kashmir region. The expo and conference were scheduled to take place in Mumbai on 14-15 May. But co-organisers Polymer Update and AMI (publisher of Compounding World) have said they are now working to reschedule the event. In an announcement sent to
6 COMPOUNDING WORLD | May 2025
exhibitors and partners, the companies said: “Under current circumstances, our utmost priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of every indi- vidual associated with RACE – our exhibitors, our visitors, our partners and all our team members who have helped make this platform so signifi- cant and meaningful.” The announcement said: “This decision was not taken lightly. We fully understand the dedication, preparation,
and anticipation required when participating in an event of this nature. It is a shared journey, and we want to acknowledge the efforts and enthusi- asm that each of you brings to the table. “Please know that this is only a pause.
We are actively working on confirming new dates, and we promise to keep you informed every step of the way.” The RACE event covers plastics
recycling and compounding. �
www.compoundingexpoindia.com
www.compoundingworld.com
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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