Recent reports examine transitioning the global food system within the circular economy; setting targets and strategies for achieving healthy diets from sustainable food systems
Thailand introduces standard for fluoropolymer coated cooking utensils
Thai Industrial Standards Institute publishes updated standard for metal, fluoropolymer coated utensils in contact with hot foods; standard borrows from EU overall migration test methods for plastic materials and ISO standards; comes into force April 2, 2023; Thai ministries introduce tax incentive to reduce fossil-plastic use
PAHs in polystyrene FCMs
Scientists detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in polystyrene FCMs; PAHs could be formed during production or absorbed during use; PAH contamination may require special attention to ensure safety of polystyrene FCMs
Critics call for review of US EPAβs final new use rule on PFAS
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes final significant new use rule (SNUR) for set of long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); final version omits language applying rule to interior-facing surface coatings, results in call for formal inspection of rule making process by government officials; Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) criticizes agency for non-transparent approval of new PFASs via process exemptions
Germany suggests horizontal European nano-registry
German Ministry of the Environment publishes impact assessment on European Nano-Product Registry; registry based on existing regulations most cost-efficient
PFAS alternatives have incomplete hazard profiles, says OECD
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports replacements for long-chain PFAS in paper and board food packaging have little or no available hazard information; examines 58 long-chain PFAS replacements: 10 have been formally reviewed by governmental authorities, 26 by industry, 18 have no hazard assessments; Environmental Health News reports US states to consider over 200 PFAS bills in 2022
Dollar Tree joins Chemical Footprint Project
U.S. discount retailer Dollar Tree joins Chemical Footprint Project; survey results to be published in projectβs 4th annual report in 3rd quarter of 2019
P&P conference 2019: Industry perspectives on FCMs
Recycling, biobased polymers, NIAS among the important topics discussed at Smithers Pira’s conference on plastics and paper in contact with food
JRC publishes case studies on single-use versus reusable packaging
European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) publishes life cycle assessment (LCA) case studies covering five single-use versus reusable packaging scenarios; incorporates 16 impacts; paper production practices and consumer behavior play significant role in final, single impact score; reuse tended to perform better in most scenarios, significantly so when comparing reusable glass bottles versus single-use glass
Washington state publishes PFAS action plan
Department of Ecology (DoE) for US state of Washington publishes final PFAS chemical action plan; outlines recommendations to reduce impacts of PFAS on public and environmental health; focuses on consumer products, drinking water, waste streams, environmental concentrations