German biomonitoring study finds mono-n-hexyl phthalate in majority of samples, indicating widespread exposure to substance of very high concern (SVHC) di-n-hexyl phthalate or related compounds; sources of exposure currently under investigation; contribution of food contact materials to human exposure possible, but only limited data available
EFSA: Rules for managing competing interests
EFSA publishes rules underpinning its new independence policy; rules to be first applied to renewal of Scientific Panels in July 2018
EC comments on EFSA’s communication of BPA risk assessment
DG SANTE informed CHEM Trust that communication on BPA risk assessment is EFSA’s responsibility, JRC works on EU regulation for non-plastic FCMs
EFSA conference 2018: Human health
Presentations at EFSA conference 2018 address advances and challenges in human health risk assessment; NTP official confirms that there will be a third CLARITY-BPA report integrating academic and regulatory studies
EFSA evaluates glass fiber sizing component for FCMs
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)propyl]trimethoxy silane safe for making glass-fiber-reinforced plastic food contact materials under certain conditions
Stakeholders pressure EU Commission on chemicals strategy
Corporate European Observatory concerned lobbying from chemical manufacturers will convince authorities to weaken ambition for reforms; EU member states send letter to Commission calling for long-term strategy for toxic-free circular economy; public petition launched calling for Commission to live up to its own commitments
Associations report European packaging recycling rates
Industry associations report recycling rates of packaging materials in Europe; average collection rate of glass bottles and jars hit 80% in 2020; paper packaging recycling over 80%; paper recycling rates close to theoretical maximum; plastic recycling has not increased despite increased demand by beverage companies; two-thirds of plastic-packaging pledges in Europe failed, supporting the change away from single-use likely necessary
ASEAN member actions on plastic and chemical pollution
Nations in Southeast Asia collectively working on reducing plastic pollution and related chemical hazards; Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signs off on project to “combat” marine plastic; Thailand plans ban on plastic scrap imports; new research available on sources of plastic pollution in Indonesia and Vietnam; Vietnam and Singapore implementing stricter chemical regulations; extended producer responsibility for plastic waste becomes law in Philippines
Recent innovations in packaging
Companies present paper-based packaging for alcoholic beverages, multipack cans; new designs and materials for better recyclability; more products reported to use 100% recycled plastics
EU Member States to risk-assess 117 substances in 2017-2019
ECHA and EU Member States propose list of 117 substances to be evaluated for risk to human health and environment; list features 4 substances relevant for FCMs