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China's Personal Information Protection Law Mandates In-Country Representatives for Overseas Data Controllers

China's Personal Information Protection Law Mandates In-Country Representatives for Overseas Data Controllers

China's Personal Information Protection Law Mandates In-Country Representatives for Overseas Data Controllers
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OECD Reports Halving of Global Plastic Waste Trade Between 2014 and 2024, Significant Decline in 2024

OECD Reports Halving of Global Plastic Waste Trade Between 2014 and 2024, Significant Decline in 2024

Global trade in plastic waste and scrap has more than halved between 2014 and 2024, according to a working paper by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2024 alone, reported trade saw a significant decline of 7.7%, reaching 6.2 million tonnes, marking the largest year-on-year decrease since 2020. This trend indicates a substantial shift in the international movement of plastic waste. Over the past decade, the destinations for plastic waste trade have also evolved. Exports to China and Hong Kong experienced a notable decline after 2017, while Europe and non-OECD countries in Asia have emerged as the primary destinations for plastic waste. The OECD's analysis tracks these shifts, providing insights into the changing geography of plastic waste trade and its implications for global environmental policies.
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New Study Reveals PVC Waste Recycling's Potential to Significantly Reduce China's Carbon Footprint by 2050

New Study Reveals PVC Waste Recycling's Potential to Significantly Reduce China's Carbon Footprint by 2050

A new modeling study indicates that recycling polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste in China could substantially decrease the nation's environmental footprint by 2050. Researchers developed an integrated material flow analysis and life cycle assessment for all 31 mainland provinces, tracking PVC waste from five sources: construction, household, industrial, agricultural, and medical. The study projects China's PVC waste to increase from 11.51 million tonnes in 2020 to 20.59 million tonnes by 2050. Mechanical recycling is identified as having the lowest environmental footprint among treatment options, while chemical recycling becomes more competitive as China's power grid decarbonizes. Construction waste accounts for the largest portion of PVC waste at 51.70%, followed by household waste at 25.83%. The study highlights that improved recycling rates, particularly for construction and household PVC waste, could lead to a 77.53% reduction in mismanaged PVC waste and a 778.61% increase in regenerated resources by 2050....
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Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations Extended to March 2027 Amidst Calls for Local Action

Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations Extended to March 2027 Amidst Calls for Local Action

The United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) has extended discussions for a legally binding global plastics treaty, with the next session now scheduled for March 2027. This delay means that even if an agreement is reached, implementation will take several more years, involving a diplomatic conference, ratification processes, and preparations for the first Conference of the Parties (COP1). Hiroshi Ono, Executive Director of IGES, highlighted that plastic pollution is a global challenge requiring international cooperation. The negotiations aim to harmonize regulations and encourage a transition to a circular economy, but face challenges in reflecting production and consumption limitations and bridging different national starting points. In the interim, cities and local governments are being urged to take proactive steps to address plastic pollution, demonstrating concrete success models from the ground up.
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Eunomia Study Identifies EPR Model for Marine Fishing Gear in Ireland to Comply with EU Plastics Directive

Eunomia Study Identifies EPR Model for Marine Fishing Gear in Ireland to Comply with EU Plastics Directive

Eunomia, in collaboration with Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Europe, has completed a study for the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications in the Republic of Ireland. The study analyzed the market for fishing gear containing plastic in Ireland and identified suitable Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) models to comply with the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). Fishing gear, along with the ten most common single-use plastic items found on European beaches, constitutes 70% of all marine litter in the EU, posing significant risks to marine ecosystems, biodiversity, human health, and economic activities. Under both Irish and EU law, producers of plastic-containing fishing equipment will be required to participate in an EPR scheme from 2025. The project team engaged with government and industry stakeholders to conduct market analysis on the quantities and types of gear in the Irish market, their end-of-life treatment, and to assess potential EPR models.
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Scientists' Coalition Advocates for Global Plastics Treaty to Curb Pollution

Scientists' Coalition Advocates for Global Plastics Treaty to Curb Pollution

The Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty is advocating for a comprehensive international legally binding instrument to address plastic pollution. This coalition emphasizes the need to reduce primary plastic polymer production, restrict unnecessary single-use plastics, regulate harmful chemical substances associated with plastics, and improve product design. Their recommendations stem from growing concerns about the environmental and biological impacts of plastics, including microplastics. Research by Arnaud Huvet at the Laboratory of Marine Environmental Sciences (LEMAR) highlights that microplastics can have toxic effects on marine bivalves, affecting their physiology, growth, and reproduction. The coalition also warns against the assumption that biodegradable or compostable products inherently eliminate environmental risks, as many require specific conditions to degrade and may still contain harmful chemical substances. Existing European and French measures are considered insufficient t...
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Seventh Circuit Court Considers Foreign Worker's Right to Sue U.S. Company Over Alleged Forced Labor in China

Seventh Circuit Court Considers Foreign Worker's Right to Sue U.S. Company Over Alleged Forced Labor in China

Seventh Circuit Court Considers Foreign Worker's Right to Sue U.S. Company Over Alleged Forced Labor in China
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China's New Anti-Cross-Border Corruption Law Imposes Compliance Obligations on Foreign-Invested Enterprises

China's New Anti-Cross-Border Corruption Law Imposes Compliance Obligations on Foreign-Invested Enterprises

China's New Anti-Cross-Border Corruption Law Imposes Compliance Obligations on Foreign-Invested Enterprises
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Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations Face Pushback from Oil Producers and Industry Lobbyists

Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations Face Pushback from Oil Producers and Industry Lobbyists

Negotiations for a global plastics treaty are underway, with over 100 countries advocating for significant cuts in plastic production. This international effort aims to address the widespread issue of plastic pollution, building on the success of local and national plastic bans. However, a coalition of oil-producing nations and numerous industry lobbyists are actively resisting these proposed measures. These groups are reportedly working to block progress in the treaty discussions, signaling their concern that such an agreement could pose a substantial threat to their business interests. The push for a global treaty has gained momentum from thousands of local initiatives worldwide that have demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of reducing plastic use. For instance, Canada's national ban on single-use plastics recently survived a Federal Court of Appeal challenge in January 2026, with the Supreme Court slated to hear a further appeal from industry. This legal battle highlights the ongoing tension ...
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Crowell Moring to Host Webinar on Microplastics: Science, Regulation, and Legal Risk

Crowell Moring to Host Webinar on Microplastics: Science, Regulation, and Legal Risk

Crowell Moring to Host Webinar on Microplastics: Science, Regulation, and Legal Risk
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Kenyan Waste Pickers Face Severe Health Risks Amidst Global Plastic Crisis

Kenyan Waste Pickers Face Severe Health Risks Amidst Global Plastic Crisis

In Nairobi, Kenya, thousands of waste pickers at the Dandora landfill site are enduring severe health risks while attempting to salvage recyclable materials from the 2,000 tonnes of waste dumped daily. These vulnerable workers frequently suffer injuries from sharp objects and are exposed to toxic fumes, highlighting the human cost of recycling in a country where the industry is still developing. Globally, 460 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, yet only 9% of this total is recycled, according to the United Nations. Kenya, a pioneer in banning plastic bags on the African continent, faces a significant challenge in managing its waste, with only 7% of the plastic at Dandora being successfully recycled despite the immense efforts of these workers.
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Youth Plastics Action Network Expands Influence in UN Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations

Youth Plastics Action Network Expands Influence in UN Global Plastics Treaty Negotiations

Shellan Saling, Interim Chair of the Youth Plastics Action Network (YPAN), has significantly expanded youth participation and influence in the ongoing UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, known as the INC process. YPAN, supported by the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP, was established to provide a structured voice for young people in these discussions. Under Saling's leadership, youth delegation participation has increased by 400 percent, now coordinating young individuals across more than 170 countries. This growth has transformed youth involvement from mere observation to active contribution, with young representatives delivering formal interventions, aligning positions with coalition partners, and contributing treaty language on critical issues such as extended producer responsibility and sustainable materials. Their proposals are now being incorporated into the negotiating text by member states, establishing youth as a recognized voice in the process.