European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) announces the launch of a new symbol for recycling on glass packaging; describes it as highlighting the brands’ commitments towards sustainability and health; to be promoted for use on all glass packaging applications including food and beverage, pharma, perfumery, cosmetic products
BPA found in human fetal livers, slower BPA metabolism in fetuses suggested
Researchers find free and conjugated BPA in human fetal livers from voluntary early pregnancy terminations confirming an earlier finding. Presented data is suggestive of a slower metabolism in fetuses relative to adults, however based on a limited reference group size.
Recent innovations in packaging
Companies present paper-based packaging for alcoholic beverages, multipack cans; new designs and materials for better recyclability; more products reported to use 100% recycled plastics
Estrogen activity-free baby bottles
Companies CertiChem and PlastiPure – previously sued and found guilty for claiming estrogen activity of plastic Tritan™ – launch their own estrogen activity-free baby bottle
90% of U.S. food cans BPA-free
Can Manufacturers Institute reports that 90% of food cans sold in U.S. use BPA-free can coatings; typical replacements are acrylic and polyester coating materials
Estrogenic activity of BPA-free products
New study investigates estrogenic activity of BPA-free polycarbonate plastics used in food contact
Ukraine aligning FCM regulations with EU
Ukraine’s Ministry of Health notifies World Trade Organization of a draft restriction on vinyl chloride in contact with food; restriction aligns with a 1978 European Council declaration on vinyl chloride in food contact materials (FCMs); ministry announces other alignments including on migration of lead and cadmium from ceramic FCMs
Tesco trials packaging-free produce
UK retailer launches trial at two stores to sell 45 produce products without packaging for one month; aims to keep reducing amount of packaging and ensure recyclability
Free tool helps companies design circular packaging strategy
The Recycling Partnership and SYSTEMIQ launch Plastic IQ, a free tool to help US companies make their plastic packaging strategy more sustainable; tool assesses current packaging impacts from consumption through end-of-life, builds customizable action plans, and compares “circularity of packaging strategy against industry best practices”
Studies investigate circular economy barriers, consumer perceptions
Recent set of articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals review current barriers in flexible plastics to achieving circular economy, recommends regulatory policies be tailored to individual steps in supply chain; consumers easily confused by plastic waste management system, recycling processes, biodegradability claims; researchers instead propose food system shift towards decentralization, shorter supply chains