Dutch supermarket chain Ekoplaza opens food and drink aisle without plastic packaging in one of its stores; compostable biomaterials, glass, metal, cardboard used as alternatives to conventional plastics
Analyzing NIAS in paperboard FCMs
Scientists use effect directed analysis to detect and identify aryl hydrocarbon receptor-active substances potentially migrating from pizza box made of recycled paperboard
Fluorochemicals in popcorn bags worldwide
Scientists quantify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and their precursors in microwave popcorn bags sampled in Europe, Americas, Asia; short-chain PFASs prevalent in Europe and Americas, long-chain PFASs in Asia
Documents suggest plastic recycling never intended to work
EcoWatch article presents evidence that manufacturers knew since 1970s that plastic recycling is not viable economically; recent survey finds only 1/3 of UK food product packaging locally recyclable; manufacturer singles out PET as way forward towards circular economy
Opinion: Plastic recycling a ‘false promise’
Engineer estimates U.S. plastic recycling rate below 5% in 2018, calls for ‘real solutions’ to plastic pollution such as reduced production of single-use plastics, implementation of deposit schemes
Unwrapping Food Packaging Video Blog
Unwrapping food packAging video blog A video blog hosted by the Food Packaging Forum’s managing director explains scientific topics and explores new developments within the field of food packaging and health About the Blog Hosted by Jane Muncke, the Food Packaging Forum’s Managing Director and Chief Scientific Officer, this video series introduces viewers to fundamental topics and new scientific developments within the field of food packaging and health. This includes understanding the chemical composition of food packaging, how these chemicals […]
Phthalates found in diverse array of foods, from coffee to baby formula
Systematic review summarizes phthalate occurrence in different foods, discusses sources, and potential risk; researchers assess how coffee packaging and brewing method affects bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and di-butyl phthalate (DBP) levels in coffee; perform targeted analysis of 245 plastic additives in baby foods; report widespread contamination including a median of 46.1 ng phthalate esters per gram baby food
Advantages and risks of polymer nanomaterials
Conference on polymer nanomaterials unites scientists from all over Europe to discuss their research
CVORR analysis: Bio-based vs. conventional plastics
Scientists compile matrix to compare the sustainability impacts of fossil carbon-based with bio-based plastics in the food packaging value chain; apply Complex Value Optimization for Resource Recovery (CVORR) base-line analysis, social, economic, environmental, technical metrics; study highlights knowledge gaps; discusses land-use change, chemical migration, eco-labels, biodegradability standards
Ecorys report on evaluation of FCM legislation
European Commission publishes final report developed by consultancy Ecorys on ongoing evaluation of food contact material (FCM) legislation; identifies lack of harmonization across many materials, incoherent risk management measures across legislation; finds that health benefits of the legislation outweigh it costs