Green Alliance report surveys retailers and brands on shift away from plastic packaging, finds concerns surrounding potential impacts of alternative materials; calls made for increased transparency and standardization in assessing and communicating impacts, addressing throw-away society
January 13, 2020
WHO calls for expert consultation on future microplastics report
World Health Organization announces expert consultation meeting March 2-3, 2020 in Geneva to inform new report on human health risks from exposure to microplastics in environment; applications due January 19, 2020
January 13, 2020
Turkey updates food contact plastic regulations
Turkey publishes two notifications specifying food simulants for migration testing, authorized substances, migrations limits; aligns more closely with EU 10/2011 regulation, enters into force December 31, 2020
January 9, 2020
California solicits comments on PFAS in food packaging
U.S. state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) calls for comments on uses, alternatives, and life cycle impacts of PFAS in food packaging; comment period open until January 14, 2020, public workshop to be held on the same date
January 9, 2020
Enhancing substitution of hazardous chemicals
Danish report investigates European efforts to substitute hazardous chemicals on the national level; provides recommendations for companies, organizations, and agencies to improve substitution efforts
January 9, 2020
EHN: EDCs threaten our health, finances and future
Article published in Environmental Health News (EHN) emphasizes need to innovate towards safer chemicals; argues that companies and investors face significant financial risks if they fail to do so; calls for ‘upending dangerous assumptions’ about low-dose effects and ‘one at a time’ chemical assessments
January 8, 2020
Study on alternatives to laminate packaging
Dutch Knowledge Institute for Sustainable Packaging (KIDV) publishes study on recyclable alternatives to laminate materials in food packaging; finds direct replacement difficult, design changes needed
January 8, 2020
Commission publishes roadmap for circular economy action plan
European Commission publishes roadmap for circular economy action plan; aims to accelerate transition away from linear economy, include sustainable products policy; public feedback period open until January 20, 2020
January 8, 2020
FDA adds 7 substances to food contact inventory
U.S. Food and Drug Administration adds 7 new entries to Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance (FCS) Notifications
January 7, 2020
EU initiatives to implement single-use plastics directive
Law firm Keller and Heckman provide overview of current initiatives related to SUP directive; outline recent and ongoing public surveys to inform policy development, includes timeline of upcoming guidance documents and implementing acts; current public survey open online until January 10, 2020