National Health Commission opens public consultation on 16 food safety standards; sets stricter limits for metals used in food contact materials (FCMs), removes use of 4% acetic acid as food simulant; comments accepted until October 20, 2020
September 11, 2020
Webinar on migration testing for recycled plastics
Free webinar by Aspen Research on October 21, 2020 to present on chemical migration from materials, share case studies on recycling process testing often needed to achieve regulatory approval
September 10, 2020
EEA briefing on biodegradable and compostable plastics
European Environment Agency (EEA) publishes report providing on overview of challenges and opportunities; includes introduction to relevant terminology, implications of use, and comparison of existing certifications; calls for clearer labeling and increased campaigns to inform consumers
September 10, 2020
ECHA consults on potential SVHCs
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) opens public consultation on the identification of dioctyltin dilaurate and stannane, dioctyl-, bis(coco acyloxy) derivatives as substances of very high concern (SVHCs) due to reproductive toxicity; comments accepted until October 16, 2020
September 9, 2020
HEAL report on hazardous chemicals in plastics
Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) publishes overview report on plastic types, additives, and associated health impacts; illustrates life cycle of contained chemicals and resulting exposures; calls for revisions to regulations to be protective, consistent, anticipatory, communicative
September 9, 2020
Study finds EU guidance could help identify other EDCs
Scientists from Danish Technical University (DTU) assess butylparaben according to EU guidance for assessment of pesticides; find that approach positively identifies butylparaben as endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) even with different data availability; suggest guidance could be applied to wide range of chemicals to identify other EDCs
September 8, 2020
Gulf states draft standard for polyethylene bags
Standard sets list of allowed additives and monomers in line with previous EU regulation, bans use of recycled materials; open for comment until November 2, 2020
September 8, 2020
California consults on carcinogenicity of substances
Seven substances set for consideration under state’s Proposition 65 legislation; includes bisphenol A and decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE); comments accepted until October 19, 2020
September 7, 2020
15th amendment to EU plastic FCM regulation published
European Commission publishes final text further amending Regulation 10/2011 on plastic food contact materials and articles; includes introduction of approved use of new substances, updates specific migration limits, allows for migration testing of entire food processing equipment
September 7, 2020
Zero Waste Cities webinar series
Monthly webinars to feature expert presentations and discussion panels between October and June 2020; address topics such as COVID-19 pandemic impacts on zero waste, packaging-free stores, and effective systems for reuse; registration free