Latest publications
Where and why: financing of the plastic waste trade
In our previous article, we provided a wide overview of the size and importance of international plastic waste (PW) trade. Subsequently, in this piece, we will shed light on why plastic waste trade is such a profitable sector and which are the incentives to perform this business outside of legality.
Court of Rotterdam sentences several people for illicit plastic waste trade from the Netherlands
On Friday 8th of August 2025 Dutch news outlets echoed about a sentencing on plastic waste smuggling from the Netherlands to various non-EU countries. NL Times, AD, local news outlets, and the Dutch Inspection (ILT) reported the criminal sentencing of 4 people and 3 companies for illicit plastic waste trade, with one of them being also charged with money laundering.
Belgian packaging industry already saved 465 million € in litter fees – at our expense
The Belgian packaging industry is outraged by the introduction of a new €102 million litter levy. But it conveniently forgets that its effective lobbying has already saved it no less than €465 million. This sum has been gained at the expense of local authorities and society. This levy is due to be approved today by the Walloon Council of Ministers. Fair Resource Foundation delves into the figures.
Call for binding treaty against plastic pollution
Ahead of the upcoming INC-5.2 negotiations, civil society organisations are calling for an ambitious and legally binding global treaty against plastic pollution. In a joint statement, they call for measures that address the full life cycle of plastics to protect people and the environment.
Circular economy must be part of European industrial policy
A broad coalition of European companies, industry associations and NGOs is calling on the European Commission to explicitly include circular projects in the Clean Industrial State Aid Framework (CISAF). Without financial support for circularity, a fundamental pillar of the Clean Industrial Deal risks going unused.
Why is The Netherlands a key player in the global plastic waste market?
Despite its small size, the Netherlands is one of the world’s largest exporters of plastic waste per capita. Thanks to the port of Rotterdam and a strong trading position, the Netherlands acts as an important transit country – even for shipments with shadowy origins and destinations. A lack of enforcement makes the system vulnerable to illegal exports, with waste often ending up in countries with weak environmental regulations. This article
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Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) – an overview
The entry into force of the revised Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) on February 11th 2025 brings large changes in the way packaging is managed in Europe. In this article, we give an overview of the main provisions of this Packaging regulation.
“Include Plastics and polymers into the first ESPR work programme” – Open Letter to Commissioner Roswall
Together with other NGOs, we urge the European Commission to include the plastics and polymer sector in the upcoming work plan under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
Open letter: Safety of food contact materials: 20 years of inaction on EU’s basic rules
In this open letter issued to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Fair Resource Foundation and 50+ organisations call for immediate revision of the Food Contact Materials (FCM) Regulation.
In the media
Failure of the sixth round of negotiations on a global Plastic Treaty
Our colleague Karl comes back on the failed INC 5.2. on NOS: “It is clear that consensus is impossible here. No agreement is better than a weak treaty that condemns us to further stagnation, or even regression.”
NPO Deposit may be increased to 1 euro: is that a good idea?
Our colleague Maarten van Heuven discusses the possible increase in the deposit to €1 on Dit is de Dag (NPO).
Als de hele wereld onze blauwe zak overneemt, is de plasticcrisis dan voorbij?
In an article on the Plastic Treaty and the importance to close the tap on plastic production, our colleague Chloé gives insights on what needs to happen in Belgium to contribute to solving the issue.