On 14 October 2020 the European Commission adopted the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. The Strategy is the first step towards a zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment announced in the European Green Deal.

The European Commission has decided to launch a €1 billion call for research and innovation projects that respond to the climate crisis and help protect Europe's unique ecosystems and biodiversity.

Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission, delivered a landmark speech on the State of the Union 2020.

On 21 July 2020 the European Council agreed €0.80 tax per kilogram on non-recycled plastic packaging waste starting January 1, 2021.

On 3 September 2020 the European Commission presented an Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials, the 2020 List of Critical Raw Materials and a foresight study on critical raw materials for strategic technologies and sectors from the 2030 and 2050 perspectives.

Improving efficiency and reuse of materials to construct houses and other buildings can open significant new opportunities to further reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing.

Ecomondo, the leading event in Europe for the new models of circular economy, will take place from 3rd to 6th november at Rimini Exhibition Centre, in Italy.

The European plastics recycling industry has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Plummeting oil prices have resulted in a sharp decline of virgin plastics prices.