Article introduces recent research quantifying chemicals that could be present in packaging, testing chemical toxicity; emphasizes chemical unknowns, recommends tips for consumers to minimize chemical and plastic particle exposure
February 18, 2020
Flexible plastic packaging expected to grow
Market research by the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI) estimates 3,271 billion packaging units sold in 2018, led by flexible plastics and PET bottles; expects both material types to also see greatest increases by 2023
February 18, 2020
OECD webinar on EU’s PFAS strategy
Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) to hold webinar with representative from DG Environment on February 25, 2020; feature presentation on recent PFAS restrictions in EU, strategy for moving forward
February 18, 2020
EC solicits feedback on ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy roadmap
European Commission (EC) opens feedback period on the roadmap for strategy that aims to transition to a sustainable food system; comments accepted until March 16, 2020
February 18, 2020
Prototype of SVHC reporting database open for testing
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) releases prototype version of database, aims to help companies familiarize themselves with submitting notifications for substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in articles; final database to be launched in late 2020, become mandatory January 5, 2021
February 17, 2020
UBA study investigates BPA alternatives
German Environment Agency (UBA) identifies 44 environmentally relevant potential substitutes for bisphenol A (BPA); tests 26 substances in receptor and screening assays, identifies only one substance with both sufficient data and not displaying endocrine-active effects
February 17, 2020
Analysis of chemically non-compliant products
European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) analyzes European RAPEX database on non-food products, finds 92% of tested and non-compliant REACH chemicals found in products were imported from outside of Europe; calls for improved enforcement and tools
February 17, 2020
NIA calls for careful use of the term ‘nanoplastics’
Nanotechnologies Industries Association (NIA) urges public agencies and media to differentiate between intentionally produced plastics at nanoscale and nano-sized plastics present as secondary plastics from degradation
February 13, 2020
Conference on EU food contact regulations
Chemical Watch hosts conference covering European and global regulations on food contact materials, risk assessment, and circular economy; two-year delay in the evaluation of FCM legislation announced
February 13, 2020
Study measures PFAS in UK food packaging
Fidra publishes report testing for presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 92 samples of fiber-based food packaging from UK supermarkets and take away restaurants; finds 18 have total organic fluorine levels above background concentration; highest concentrations in molded fiber take away boxes