Latest publications
Customers pay the bill for McDonald’s pollution
For two years now, all hospitality establishments in the Netherlands have been required to serve food and drinks for on-site consumption in reusable packaging. However, since the summer of 2024, McDonald’s Netherlands has been violating the law by offering single-use cardboard cups with plastic coating in its restaurants. As a result, the country’s largest fast-food chain is not only non-compliant and wasting resources, but is even making customers pay extra
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Joint Brief to Preserve the Integrity of the PPWR (november 2025)
A coalition of 115 signatories, including the Fair Resource Foundation, has submitted a joint letter to the European Commission. We express concerns about reopening the PPWR, a key pillar of Europe’s circular economy and essential for unlocking investment in sustainable infrastructure across the Single Market.
PwC report for Stichting OPEN advocates a monopoly within EPR, but overlooks criticisms
Stichting OPEN (formerly Wecycle) is the only Dutch producer responsibility organization for e-waste. They commissioned a study by PwC which showed that a market with a single PRO is the most effective and efficient way to implement the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This outcome is favorable for Stichting Open, but how accurate is this conclusion?
Circular Economy Act consultation – input FRF
De invoering van Circular Economy Act is een belangrijke kans voor de Europese Unie om een alomvattend wetgevingskader te ontwikkelen dat de circulaire transitie versnelt die zo dringend nodig is in Europa. De huidige geopolitieke spanningen bieden de gelegenheid om de lineaire manier waarop de Europese economie traditioneel functioneert echt in vraag te stellen en te laten zien hoe een meer onafhankelijke, duurzame economie vorm zou moeten krijgen.
EPR-schemes that accelerate the circular transition: Requirements for the Belgian EPR for textiles
Ahead of the introduction of mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles across the EU, we are looking with great interest into the development of EPR for textiles in Belgium. Following France and the Netherlands, it is crucial that Belgium learns from existing EPR schemes to ensure that the new EPR for textiles supports and accelerates a true circular transition.
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.
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.