EU negotiators on Monday (March 4) reached an agreement to ban the use of single-use plastics in cafes and restaurants, starting in 2030. This decision was taken as part of new regulations aimed at reducing packaging waste across the bloc.

<h2>The single-use plastic ban</h2>

The European Union's 27 nations and lawmakers have agreed on a draft text which includes a target to reduce packaging waste by five per cent by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. This reduction will further be increased to 10 per cent by 2035 and 15 per cent by 2040.

Unprocessed fresh fruits and vegetables, individual servings of condiments and sugar, as well as miniature toiletries and shrink-wrap used for suitcases in airports will also fall under the ban on single-use plastic packaging. Additionally, ultra-lightweight plastic bags will also be banned, with some exceptions.

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The agreement also calls for establishments offering beverages and takeaway food to strive to provide 10 per cent of their products in reusable packaging by 2030.&nbsp;

Consumers should also have the option to use their own containers, said the EU parliament.

Additionally, lawmakers included a provision to ban "forever chemicals" in food packaging that come into contact with food to prevent adverse health effects, including various types of cancer.

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The agreement, as per AFP, is a key element of the EU's environmental objectives outlined in the Green Deal, a series of regulations designed to help the bloc achieve its climate targets.

The agreement will become law following formal approval by member states and the parliament.

<h2>Belgium lauds the agreement&nbsp;</h2>

Belgium, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, took to X to announce: "This regulation aims to reduce waste caused by packaging, making it more sustainable, while ensuring the highest waste management standards."

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🥡 Deal! <a href="https://twitter.com/EUCouncil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EUCouncil</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/Europarl_EN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Europarl_EN</a> reach a provisional agreement on a proposal for a regulation on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/packaging?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#packaging</a> &amp; packaging waste. 
 
This regulation aims to reduce waste caused by packaging, making it more sustainable, while ensuring the highest waste management standards. <a href="https://t.co/9yDA0ujeTS">pic.twitter.com/9yDA0ujeTS</a>
— Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU 2024 (@EU2024BE) <a href="https://twitter.com/EU2024BE/status/1764715924966216185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Frederique Ries, the Belgian EU lawmaker who championed the legislation, lauded the ban and said: "The ban on forever chemicals in food packaging is a great victory for the health of European consumers."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shocking-great-white-shark-washes-up-on-australian-beach-heres-what-happened-next-696454">‘Shocking’: Great white shark washes up on Australian beach</a>

"For the first time in an environmental law, the EU is setting targets to reduce packaging consumption, regardless of the material used."

"We call on all industrial sectors, EU countries and consumers to play their part in the fight against excess packaging," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

EU negotiators on Monday (March 4) reached an agreement to ban the use of single-use plastics in cafes and restaurants, starting in 2030. This decision was taken as part of new regulations aimed at reducing packaging waste across the bloc.

EU negotiators on Monday (March 4) reached an agreement to ban the use of single-use plastics in cafes and restaurants, starting in 2030. This decision was taken as part of new regulations aimed at reducing packaging waste across the bloc. The single-use plastic ban The European Union's 27 nations and lawmakers have agreed on a draft text which includes a target to reduce packaging waste by five per cent by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. This reduction will further be increased to 10 per cent by 2035 and 15 per cent by 2040. Unprocessed fresh fruits and vegetables, individual servings of condiments and sugar, as well as miniature toiletries and shrink-wrap used for suitcases in airports will also fall under the ban on single-use plastic packaging. Additionally, ultra-lightweight plastic bags will also be banned, with some exceptions. Also read | These Earth critters may be colonising the moon, all thanks to a 2019 crash. Here's all you need to know The agreement also calls for establishments offering beverages and takeaway food to strive to provide 10 per cent of their products in reusable packaging by 2030. Consumers should also have the option to use their own containers, said the EU parliament. Additionally, lawmakers included a provision to ban "forever chemicals" in food packaging that come into contact with food to prevent adverse health effects, including various types of cancer. Also read | A silent warning? Microplastics found in every human placenta, reveals new study The agreement, as per AFP, is a key element of the EU's environmental objectives outlined in the Green Deal, a series of regulations designed to help the bloc achieve its climate targets. The agreement will become law following formal approval by member states and the parliament. Belgium lauds the agreement Belgium, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, took to X to announce: "This regulation aims to reduce waste caused by packaging, making it more sustainable, while ensuring the highest waste management standards." 🥡 Deal! @EUCouncil & @Europarl_EN reach a provisional agreement on a proposal for a regulation on #packaging & packaging waste. This regulation aims to reduce waste caused by packaging, making it more sustainable, while ensuring the highest waste management standards. pic.twitter.com/9yDA0ujeTS — Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU 2024 (@EU2024BE) March 4, 2024 × Frederique Ries, the Belgian EU lawmaker who championed the legislation, lauded the ban and said: "The ban on forever chemicals in food packaging is a great victory for the health of European consumers." Also read | ‘Shocking’: Great white shark washes up on Australian beach "For the first time in an environmental law, the EU is setting targets to reduce packaging consumption, regardless of the material used." "We call on all industrial sectors, EU countries and consumers to play their part in the fight against excess packaging," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

EU to ban single-use plastic in cafes and restaurants by 2030

The global shortage of shipping containers has led to drastic inflation in shipping and container prices and increased delay times for companies. Watch full video to know more

WION Business News | World suffers from a major container surplus

India, in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, is trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as possible globally, the country's envoy said on Sunday, after the Indian government airlifted four containers from Singapore on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force on Saturday brought four cryogenic tanks, to be used for transporting oxygen, from Singapore as the country scrambles to meet the spike in demand for medical oxygen amid a surge in COVID-19 infections.&nbsp;

The containers were airlifted from Singapore by C17 heavy-lift aircraft of the IAF.&nbsp;

India's High Commissioner to Singapore P Kumaran said that there will be more consignments in the coming days.&nbsp;

"We are trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as we can from any part of the world," said Kumaran, adding that oxygen plants and concentrators are being contacted.&nbsp;

Acting swiftly to meet the high demand of oxygen requirements, India procured four containers of cryogenic O2 tanks from Singapore on Saturday.&nbsp;

The transfer of four containers of cryogenic oxygen tanks donated by Tata Group was moved from Singapore by the Indian Air Force, Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF), Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, LINDE GAS (Singapore) and the Changi Airport and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the Indian mission said in a Facebook post.&nbsp;

According to observers, Indian corporations with international network are supporting the Government of India's call in getting the cryogenic oxygen containers at the highest priority.&nbsp;

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.&nbsp;

Since Friday, the IAF has been airlifting empty oxygen tankers and containers to various filling stations across the country to speed up the distribution of the much-needed medical oxygen in treating COVID-19 patients.&nbsp;

On Friday, the Union Home Ministry said it was in talks for the import of high-capacity oxygen-carrying tankers from Singapore and the UAE. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

India, in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, is trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as possible globally, the country's envoy said on Sunday, after the Indian government airlifted four containers from Singapore on Saturday.

India, in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, is trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as possible globally, the country's envoy said on Sunday, after the Indian government airlifted four containers from Singapore on Saturday. The Indian Air Force on Saturday brought four cryogenic tanks, to be used for transporting oxygen, from Singapore as the country scrambles to meet the spike in demand for medical oxygen amid a surge in COVID-19 infections. The containers were airlifted from Singapore by C17 heavy-lift aircraft of the IAF. India's High Commissioner to Singapore P Kumaran said that there will be more consignments in the coming days. "We are trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as we can from any part of the world," said Kumaran, adding that oxygen plants and concentrators are being contacted. Acting swiftly to meet the high demand of oxygen requirements, India procured four containers of cryogenic O2 tanks from Singapore on Saturday. The transfer of four containers of cryogenic oxygen tanks donated by Tata Group was moved from Singapore by the Indian Air Force, Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF), Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, LINDE GAS (Singapore) and the Changi Airport and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the Indian mission said in a Facebook post. According to observers, Indian corporations with international network are supporting the Government of India's call in getting the cryogenic oxygen containers at the highest priority. India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. Since Friday, the IAF has been airlifting empty oxygen tankers and containers to various filling stations across the country to speed up the distribution of the much-needed medical oxygen in treating COVID-19 patients. On Friday, the Union Home Ministry said it was in talks for the import of high-capacity oxygen-carrying tankers from Singapore and the UAE. (With inputs from agencies)

India trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as possible, says envoy in Singapore  

The Government of Sri Lanka on February 2 scrapped a deal to develop a major port terminal with India and Japan amid weeks-long protests by trade unions and opposition parties.

Indian government has asked Sri Lanka to abide by its commitment to allow India and Japan to develop the east container terminal (ECT) of Colombo port.

Sri Lanka had previously agreed to develop the strategic East Container Terminal at the Colombo port with India and Japan. Under the deal, India and Japan were to own 49 percent of the terminal’s shares while Sri Lanka’s Ports Authority would retain the majority stake.

But on February 2, Sri Lanka’s government declared the East terminal “a wholly owned container terminal of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.”

The Indian embassy in Colombo said India expects the timely implementation of the agreement the three countries signed in 2019.&nbsp;

The Colombo port trade unions had opposed the proposal of investors from India and Japan buying 49 per cent stake in the ETC. They had demanded the ECT to remain 100 per cent owned by the SLPA as opposed to the 51 per cent.

Some 23 trade unions had joined hands to oppose the port deal.

India, Japan and Sri Lanka had signed the Memorandum of Intent for a trilateral arrangement for the project under the former Maithripala Sirisena-Ranil Wickremesinghe govt.&nbsp;

Under the arrangement, a Sri Lankan govt PSU - Sri Lankan Port Authority will hold majority share with the remaining share being held between Japanese and Indian entities.

The Indian reaction comes even as Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assured the local worker's trade union that the terminal will not be sold or leased to any foreign entity.&nbsp;

In a tweet, he said that the Lankan Ports Authority will maintain control of the ECT and the Sri Lankan govt "adheres strictly to its policy of retaining assets belonging to the govt". In fact, Sri Lanka cabinet three months ago took the decision to implement the project with foreign investors.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of Sri Lanka on February 2 scrapped a deal to develop a major port terminal with India and Japan amid weeks-long protests by trade unions and opposition parties.

The Government of Sri Lanka on February 2 scrapped a deal to develop a major port terminal with India and Japan amid weeks-long protests by trade unions and opposition parties. Indian government has asked Sri Lanka to abide by its commitment to allow India and Japan to develop the east container terminal (ECT) of Colombo port. Sri Lanka had previously agreed to develop the strategic East Container Terminal at the Colombo port with India and Japan. Under the deal, India and Japan were to own 49 percent of the terminal’s shares while Sri Lanka’s Ports Authority would retain the majority stake. But on February 2, Sri Lanka’s government declared the East terminal “a wholly owned container terminal of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.” The Indian embassy in Colombo said India expects the timely implementation of the agreement the three countries signed in 2019. The Colombo port trade unions had opposed the proposal of investors from India and Japan buying 49 per cent stake in the ETC. They had demanded the ECT to remain 100 per cent owned by the SLPA as opposed to the 51 per cent. Some 23 trade unions had joined hands to oppose the port deal. India, Japan and Sri Lanka had signed the Memorandum of Intent for a trilateral arrangement for the project under the former Maithripala Sirisena-Ranil Wickremesinghe govt. Under the arrangement, a Sri Lankan govt PSU - Sri Lankan Port Authority will hold majority share with the remaining share being held between Japanese and Indian entities. The Indian reaction comes even as Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assured the local worker's trade union that the terminal will not be sold or leased to any foreign entity. In a tweet, he said that the Lankan Ports Authority will maintain control of the ECT and the Sri Lankan govt "adheres strictly to its policy of retaining assets belonging to the govt". In fact, Sri Lanka cabinet three months ago took the decision to implement the project with foreign investors. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka halts port deal with India and Japan amid protests by trade unions

India has called for early implementation of the 2019 trilateral pact for the development of Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo port even as Sri Lanka is seen as dragging its feet in the backdrop of local protests. Local media reported that on Monday evening, the Sri Lankan cabinet unanimously approved to operate the East Terminal of the Colombo port 100% by the Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA).

A spokesperson of the High Commission in Colombo in response to WION question "reiterate the expectation of Government of India for expeditious implementation of the trilateral Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) signed in May 2019 among the Governments of India, Japan and Sri Lanka for the development of ECT with participation from these three countries."

Pointing out to the "commitment of Government of Sri Lanka in this regard has been conveyed several times in the recent past, including at the leadership level... All sides should continue to abide by the existing understandings and commitment."

India, Japan and Sri Lanka signed the Memorandum of Intent for a trilateral arrangement for the project under the former Maithripala Sirisena-Ranil Wickremesinghe govt. Under the arrangement, a Sri Lankan govt PSU - Sri Lankan Port Authority will hold majority share with the remaining share being held between Japanese and Indian entities.

The Indian reaction comes even as Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assured the local worker's trade union that the terminal will not be sold or leased to any foreign entity. In a tweet, he said, that the Lankan Ports Authority will maintain control of the ECT and the Sri Lankan govt "adheres strictly to its policy of retaining assets belonging to the govt". In fact, Sri Lanka cabinet three months ago took the decision to implement the project with foreign investors.

India has called for early implementation of the 2019 trilateral pact for the development of Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo port even as Sri Lanka is seen as dragging its feet in the backdrop of local protests.

India has called for early implementation of the 2019 trilateral pact for the development of Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo port even as Sri Lanka is seen as dragging its feet in the backdrop of local protests. Local media reported that on Monday evening, the Sri Lankan cabinet unanimously approved to operate the East Terminal of the Colombo port 100% by the Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA). A spokesperson of the High Commission in Colombo in response to WION question "reiterate the expectation of Government of India for expeditious implementation of the trilateral Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) signed in May 2019 among the Governments of India, Japan and Sri Lanka for the development of ECT with participation from these three countries." Pointing out to the "commitment of Government of Sri Lanka in this regard has been conveyed several times in the recent past, including at the leadership level... All sides should continue to abide by the existing understandings and commitment." India, Japan and Sri Lanka signed the Memorandum of Intent for a trilateral arrangement for the project under the former Maithripala Sirisena-Ranil Wickremesinghe govt. Under the arrangement, a Sri Lankan govt PSU - Sri Lankan Port Authority will hold majority share with the remaining share being held between Japanese and Indian entities. The Indian reaction comes even as Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assured the local worker's trade union that the terminal will not be sold or leased to any foreign entity. In a tweet, he said, that the Lankan Ports Authority will maintain control of the ECT and the Sri Lankan govt "adheres strictly to its policy of retaining assets belonging to the govt". In fact, Sri Lanka cabinet three months ago took the decision to implement the project with foreign investors.

India calls for implementation of Eastern Container Terminal Pact by Sri Lanka

Malaysia on Sunday discovered 110 containers filled with toxic waste. Reportedly, the waste came from Romania and was on its way to Indonesia.

1,864 tonnes of toxic waste

Found at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas where it was dumped last month, the containers housed 1,864 tonnes of electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), which is a deadly remnant of steel production, and contains toxic elements such as lead and chromium.

Allegedly brought from Romania, the containers were falsely declared as concentrated zinc.

You might be interested in:&nbsp;<a href="/world/air-pollution-significantly-contributes-to-rise-in-coronavirus-infections-and-deaths-study-313148" hreflang="en">Air pollution significantly contributes to rise in coronavirus infections and deaths: Study</a>

The Environment and Water Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan man called it “the biggest finding of its kind”, and suggested that the shipment was on its way to Indonesia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/spain-to-enforce-tax-on-plastic-packaging-to-curb-pollution-302734" hreflang="en">Spain to enforce tax on plastic packaging to curb pollution</a>

Also, Malaysia is in the process of returning the shipment, while asking Interpol to investigate.

Ever since China banned import of plastic waste in 2018, other countries have become the dumping ground for Western countries. These include Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Basel Convention

In a bid to contain dumping of waste, 187 countries last year added plastic to the Basel Convention, a treaty which regulates the movement of hazardous materials from one country to another.

Under this convention, the shipment in Malaysia qualifies as toxic waste. Malaysia is a signatory of the convention.

You might be interested in:&nbsp;<a href="/world/plastic-pollution-is-booming-from-coronavirus-and-will-get-worse-after-the-pandemic-304641" hreflang="en">Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic</a>

Malaysia and the Philippines have now begun publicly naming countries that ship their trash to developing nations. In May 2019, Malaysia returned 450 tonnes of plastic waste to where it came from, including countries like the US, the UK, Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands.

"We urge the developed countries to review their management of plastic waste and stop shipping garbage to developing countries," said Yeo Bee Yin, Malaysia's then-minister of energy, science, technology, environment and climate change.

Just this year, Malaysian authorities identified and halted 28 such shipments. And with the onset of global usage of single-use masks given the coronavirus pandemic, the usage of plastic is expected to increase, creating havoc for the countries.

Malaysia on Sunday discovered 110 containers filled with toxic waste. Reportedly, the waste came from Romania and was on its way to Indonesia. 1,864 tonnes of toxic waste Found at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas where it was dumped last month, the containers housed 1,864 tonnes of electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), which is a deadly remnant of steel production, and contains toxic elements such as lead and chromium.

Malaysia on Sunday discovered 110 containers filled with toxic waste. Reportedly, the waste came from Romania and was on its way to Indonesia. 1,864 tonnes of toxic waste Found at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas where it was dumped last month, the containers housed 1,864 tonnes of electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), which is a deadly remnant of steel production, and contains toxic elements such as lead and chromium. Allegedly brought from Romania, the containers were falsely declared as concentrated zinc. You might be interested in: Air pollution significantly contributes to rise in coronavirus infections and deaths: Study The Environment and Water Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan man called it “the biggest finding of its kind”, and suggested that the shipment was on its way to Indonesia. Also read: Spain to enforce tax on plastic packaging to curb pollution Also, Malaysia is in the process of returning the shipment, while asking Interpol to investigate. Ever since China banned import of plastic waste in 2018, other countries have become the dumping ground for Western countries. These include Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Basel Convention In a bid to contain dumping of waste, 187 countries last year added plastic to the Basel Convention, a treaty which regulates the movement of hazardous materials from one country to another. Under this convention, the shipment in Malaysia qualifies as toxic waste. Malaysia is a signatory of the convention. You might be interested in: Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic Malaysia and the Philippines have now begun publicly naming countries that ship their trash to developing nations. In May 2019, Malaysia returned 450 tonnes of plastic waste to where it came from, including countries like the US, the UK, Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands. "We urge the developed countries to review their management of plastic waste and stop shipping garbage to developing countries," said Yeo Bee Yin, Malaysia's then-minister of energy, science, technology, environment and climate change. Just this year, Malaysian authorities identified and halted 28 such shipments. And with the onset of global usage of single-use masks given the coronavirus pandemic, the usage of plastic is expected to increase, creating havoc for the countries.

Malaysia discovers 110 containers with toxic waste shipped illegally from Romania

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