EU sues France for telling people how to recycle
The European Commission announced last week it will take France to court for overzealous waste-sorting regulations that it says violate the free movement of goods principle.
The EU executive made the decision after having warned Paris repeatedly that its mandatory waste-sorting labels are not compatible with the EU single market.
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Under French law, producers of goods like packaging, textiles, phones or even gardening equipment must include a sorting label — known in France as the 'Triman' logo or 'Info-tri' label — on their products, so citizens can be informed about how to dispose of them properly.
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CNBC
11 minutes ago
- CNBC
Trump arrives in Scotland for golf and bilateral talks as EU trade deal nears
U.S. President Donald Trump, dogged by questions about his ties to disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, arrived in Scotland on Friday for some golf and bilateral talks that could yield a trade deal with the European Union. Trump told reporters upon his arrival that he will visit his two golf properties in Scotland and meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whom he called a "highly respected woman." As hundreds of onlookers cheered his arrival, Trump reiterated his earlier comment about a 50-50 chance of securing a deal with the EU, adding that it would be his administration's largest trade agreement thus far, if it came together. However, he said there were still "sticking points" with Brussels on "maybe 20 different things." Trump said his meeting with Starmer would be more of a celebration of the trade deal already reached than continued work on it, adding, "It's a great deal for both." Before he left Washington, Trump stated that his administration was working diligently on a potential trade deal with the EU, and Brussels was eager to finalize a deal. Von der Leyen said later she would meet Trump in Scotland on Sunday. EU diplomats say a deal could result in a 15% tariff on EU goods, mirroring a framework accord with Japan reached this week and half of the 30% Trump is threatening to impose by Aug. 1. Trump has sought to reorder the global economy after imposing a 10% tariff on nearly all trading partners in April and threatening sharply higher rates for many countries to kick in a week from now. Trump says the moves will reduce the U.S. trade deficit and generate additional revenue, but economists warn that the new trade policies could drive up inflation. Trump, facing the biggest domestic political crisis of his second term, expressed frustration about ongoing questions about his administration's handling of investigative files related to Epstein's criminal charges and his 2019 death in prison. "You make it a very big thing over something that's not a big thing," Trump told reporters in Scotland, urging them to focus on other prominent Americans with ties to Epstein, including former President Bill Clinton. "Talk about Clinton. Talk about the former president of Harvard. Talk about all of his friends. Talk about the hedge fund guys that were with him all the time. Don't talk about Trump," he said. "What you should be talking about is the fact that we have the greatest six months in the history of a presidency." The Epstein issue has caused a rare breach with some of Trump's most loyal Make America Great Again supporters, and majorities of Americans and Trump's Republicans say they believe the government is hiding details on the case, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling. White House officials are hoping the controversy dies down while Trump is abroad, two people familiar with the matter said. Trump will stay at his Turnberry property on Scotland's west coast this weekend, before traveling on Monday to a golf property in Aberdeen, where he will open a second 18-hole course named in honor of his mother, Mary Anne MacLeod. MacLeod was born and raised on a Scottish island before emigrating to the U.S. As he left the White House, Trump said he looked forward to meeting both Starmer and Scottish leader John Swinney, who had publicly backed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The trip provides Trump and Starmer with an opportunity to strengthen their already warm ties, with key issues on the agenda, including ending Russia's war in Ukraine, according to British and U.S. sources. The deteriorating situation in Gaza is also likely to come up. Starmer on Thursday said he would hold an emergency call with France and Germany over what he called the "unspeakable and indefensible" suffering and starvation being reported there, and called on Israel to allow aid to enter the Palestinian enclave. Gaza health authorities say more than 100 people have died from starvation, most in recent weeks. Human rights groups have said mass starvation is spreading even as tons of food and other supplies sit untouched just outside the territory. Since being elected last year, Starmer has prioritized good relations with Trump, stressing the importance of Britain's defense and security alliance with the U.S., while working to clinch the first tariff-reduction deal with the U.S. in May. The framework agreement reaffirmed quotas and tariff rates on British automobiles and eliminated tariffs on the UK's aerospace sector, but left steel tariffs in place. Starmer is expected to press for lower steel tariffs, but sources close to the matter said it was unclear if any breakthrough was possible during Trump's visit. Trump has described Scotland as a "very special place" and made a similar trip there in 2016 during his earlier presidential run, but he will not necessarily receive a warm welcome. About 70% of Scots hold an unfavorable opinion of Trump, while 18% have a favorable opinion, according to an Ipsos poll conducted in March. Scottish police are gearing up for protests on Saturday in both Aberdeen and Edinburgh, the country's capital. Trump will return to Britain from Sept. 17-19 for a state visit hosted by King Charles. It will make Trump the first world leader in modern times to undertake two state visits to the United Kingdom. The late Queen Elizabeth hosted him at Buckingham Palace for a three-day state visit in June 2019.
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How Western sanctions reshaped Russia's dairy packaging
The Russian dairy industry has faced profound challenges in recent years, particularly in the packaging sector. The imposition of western sanctions since 2022 disrupted supply chains and restricted access to essential materials and machinery. However, the country's response has been swift and adaptive, with the packaging sector undergoing a remarkable transformation. From initial shortages to near-complete localisation, Russia's experience offers insight into how industries can navigate geopolitical pressures while maintaining production. This article explores the journey of dairy packaging in Russia, focusing on the impact of sanctions, the strategies employed to overcome shortages, and the current state of the industry as it balances resilience with ongoing challenges. The impact of western sanctions on Russian dairy packaging Western sanctions, implemented in response to geopolitical tensions, have had a significant effect on Russia's supply chains, especially in industries reliant on imported raw materials and equipment. The dairy packaging sector was particularly vulnerable due to its dependence on specialised components such as laminated cartonboard, polymer films, inks, adhesives, and aseptic packaging technology—much of which was sourced from Europe and other western countries. Before the sanctions, approximately half of Russia's dairy packaging materials, including aseptic cartons commonly used for milk and juice, were imported. These materials are critical for preserving shelf life, maintaining product safety, and meeting consumer expectations. The sudden restriction on imports led to acute shortages, forcing dairy producers to confront the risk of interrupted production and distribution. Moreover, the packaging machinery itself, such as filling lines and sealing equipment, often required maintenance parts and technical support from western manufacturers. The sanctions complicated access to spare parts and technical expertise, increasing downtime and reducing efficiency. Consequently, many smaller converters and packaging suppliers faced financial strain, while larger companies were compelled to seek alternatives quickly. Strategies for overcoming packaging shortages and localisation efforts Faced with these constraints, the Russian dairy packaging sector embarked on a rapid import substitution and localisation drive. Government agencies, industry associations, and private enterprises collaborated to stabilise supply and support domestic production. This multi-pronged approach included several key strategies: Development of domestic materials: Russian manufacturers accelerated the production of laminated cartonboard and polymer films that could meet food safety and durability standards. Investments were made to enhance coating technologies, printing inks, and adhesives compatible with dairy products. Sourcing from alternative markets: Companies expanded procurement beyond traditional western suppliers to include countries less affected by sanctions, such as China, Turkey, India, and the United Arab Emirates. This diversification helped alleviate immediate shortages while domestic production capacity was scaled up. Stockpiling and inventory management: Dairy producers and packaging suppliers increased inventory levels of critical materials to buffer against supply disruptions. This shift improved operational continuity despite unpredictable import timelines. Upgrading local machinery and equipment: Efforts were made to modernise packaging machinery domestically, with some companies developing repair and manufacturing capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign spare parts. By early 2024, these strategies had yielded significant results. According to industry reports, mass-market dairy packaging types had become largely localised, mitigating the worst effects of the sanctions. Many major dairy companies reported a return to stable packaging supplies, although certain specialised formats—such as high-tech aseptic cartons—remained challenging to produce domestically at scale. The current landscape and ongoing challenges in Russian dairy packaging As of mid-2025, the Russian dairy packaging industry stands on a much more secure footing than it did three years prior. The widespread localisation of packaging materials has helped restore supply chains, ensuring that milk, yoghurts, and other dairy products continue to reach consumers reliably. The government continues to prioritise the dairy sector as a vital part of food security, encouraging innovation and investment in packaging technologies. Industry bodies have also promoted standardisation efforts and quality improvements to meet both domestic and export market requirements. Nevertheless, some challenges persist. The production of niche, high-tech packaging remains limited, particularly for aseptic cartons with advanced barrier properties and specialised designs. These formats are critical for extending shelf life and maintaining premium product quality. Importing such materials is still subject to regulatory hurdles and elevated costs. In addition, the price of packaging materials has increased due to inflationary pressures and higher production costs associated with localisation and alternative sourcing. This rise has, in turn, affected the overall cost structure of dairy products. The sector is also adapting to growing consumer demand for sustainability. While efforts are underway to develop recyclable and biodegradable packaging options within Russia, progress is gradual given the current economic and technological constraints. Looking ahead Russia's dairy packaging sector illustrates a compelling case of resilience and adaptation under duress. The sanctions imposed since 2022 exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains, yet the industry's rapid localisation, diversified sourcing, and strategic stockpiling have largely stabilised packaging availability by 2025. While some gaps remain in specialised packaging formats and cost pressures persist, the sector is moving toward greater self-sufficiency and sustainability. This journey underscores the importance of flexible supply chains and domestic capability in a globalised market marked by geopolitical uncertainty. As Russia continues to invest in its packaging technologies and materials, its dairy industry may serve as a valuable example for other sectors facing similar challenges worldwide. "How Western sanctions reshaped Russia's dairy packaging" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
M&S ad banned over ‘unhealthily thin' model
The UK's advertising regulator has banned a Marks & Spencer advert that appeared on the retailer's app and website, after ruling it 'irresponsible' for portraying a model in a way that suggested unhealthy thinness. This decision offers insight into how retail advertising standards address body image concerns in marketing campaigns. Why the ASA acted: breach of social responsibility in retail advertising According to the ASA, one specific image violated CAP Code rule 1.3 by presenting a model whose pose, outfit and camera angle emphasised slenderness. The model's prominent collarbones, the downward tilt of her head, and pointed shoes were all cited as contributing factors that made her appear unhealthily thin. M&S confirmed it had removed the image and pledged to prepare future adverts responsibly. Retailer's response and wider industry context M&S told the ASA that all its models are in good health, and that the pose and styling choices were intended to convey confidence, not to exaggerate slimness. The retailer also emphasised its inclusive sizing range, from UK size 8 to 24, and stated that other flagged images had been reviewed but not banned. This ruling follows similar ASA actions earlier in 2025, including bans on adverts by Next and Warehouse for comparable issues, signalling renewed scrutiny on body image in fashion retail adverts. Implications for retail advertising standards and future campaigns The ASA's decision underlines the growing enforcement of retail advertising standards relating to social responsibility and body image. Marketing teams across the UK's fashion industry are now under closer observation, especially regarding visual composition—including camera angles, styling and model selection. Industry experts say this is part of a broader pushback against unrealistic body ideals, which have been fuelled by social media trends and weight-loss drug culture. Retailers will need to ensure their advertisements comply with ASA guidance to avoid social irresponsibility rulings. This includes careful review of imagery for any indicators of unhealthy thinness, and may require stricter internal checks before launching campaigns. "M&S ad banned over 'unhealthily thin' model" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
