
98. Should we ban ‘plastic-free’ packaging?
From Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast by James Piper, Robbie Staniforth
June 11, 2026 · 60 min · Episode 98
About this episode
The episode discusses the implications and accuracy of the term 'plastic-free' in packaging and its marketing significance.
“Plastic-free” has become a powerful marketing claim, but is it always accurate? Following the EU’s formal definition of plastic, the term has come under greater scrutiny, raising questions about how it is used and understood. In this episode, we trace the origins of “plastic-free,” explore the nuances behind the label, and discuss why making the claim may not be as straightforward as it seems. Plus, is asbestos rubbish or not, what should we do with "presents" from the cat, and why is James ...
People in this episode
Hosts: James Piper, Robbie Staniforth
Topics covered
- plastic-free packaging
- marketing claims
- EU regulations
- environmental impact
- recycling
- sustainability
Keywords
- plastic-free
- packaging
- EU definition
- marketing
- recycling
- sustainability
- environment
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: EU
Products: plastic-free packaging, asbestos
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