UK government announces introduction of deposit return scheme for single-use drinks containers made of plastic, glass, metal; planned scheme subject to consultation later in 2018
UK supermarket removes plastic packaging
UK retailer Iceland to replace plastic packaging of own-brand products with paper and pulp by 2023; supports initiatives for plastic bottle deposit return scheme
UK to tax plastic packaging
UK government plans introducing tax on all plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled content by April 2022
UK announces approach for circular economy package
Adopts most of the text previously agreed while EU member; outlines small technical changes from Waste Framework Directive, confirms intention to continue transition towards a circular economy
Carcinogenesis by low-dose chemical mixtures: way forward
Scientists summarize the knowledge on the combined contribution of low-dose chemical exposures to carcinogenesis, identify research gaps, recommend novel methodologies for research and risk assessment
Microplastics in placentas: occurrence, sources, and effects
Three studies on microplastics and the human placenta; demonstrate particle presence in several intracellular compartments of placentas for the first time; assume breastfeeding and plastic toy usage as microplastic exposure sources to lactating infants; associate placental plastics with reduced fetal growth
Petition calls for UK version of single use plastics directive
More than 110,000 UK citizens sign petition asking government to create UK version of EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive and effectively ban single use plastics; UK was included in the EU directive prior to Brexit
Canadian identification of low hazard substances
Health Canada publishes updated document to support identification of substances with low human health hazard potential; application demonstrated through subset of 14 substances
Focus on plastic pollution
As microplastics are increasingly found in waters, lands and organisms, governments, businesses and institutions take action on single-use plastics
Scientists explore effects of micro- and nanoplastics on mammals, including humans
Research studies show maternal polystyrene (PS) particle exposure can cause testicular and hepatic toxicity in male mouse offspring; report PS microplastics affect rat ovary function; find correlation between human fecal microplastics levels and Inflammatory Bowel Disease; reviews summarize potential human health effects; study develops a tool to screen and prioritize micro-and nanoplastics toxicity studies for human health risks evaluation