As part of our pre-referendum debate, Neil Grundon, Deputy Chairman of Grundon Waste Management, argues that the environment is a global, not a European issue.

A poll of environment and sustainability professionals has revealed that 82 per cent believe European Union membership has been positive for businesses and the environment in the UK.

A broader definition for ‘biowaste’ and obligatory separate collection of organic waste should be included in a revised Circular Economy Package, according to the Bio-Based and Biodegradable Industries Association.

Spain has become the first European country to set a national reuse target as RREUSE calls for similar targets to be included in the revised Circular Economy Package.

Resource industry heads have welcomed the EAC’s report into the EU’s effect on environmental policy in the UK, emphasising that Brexit would threaten investment in the industry.

The European glass manufacturers’ trade association has called for mandatory separate collection schemes in order to realise circular economy ambitions, but says that reuse targets are ‘counter-productive’.

European Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella says that the implementation of the Circular Economy Package’s action plan is ‘on track’, but has warned that a progress report will not be carried out for another five years.

The UK’s membership of the EU has been a ‘crucial factor’ in the shaping of its environmental policy, an Environmental Audit Committee inquiry has found.

The European Commission is working on an energy-from-waste communication that will address how the process can be optimised without compromising higher reuse and recycling rates, says European Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella.

A ban on single-use plastic bags in France will create around 6,000 jobs in the country’s bio-based industries, says Minister of Ecology Ségolène Royal.