EurActiv reports that Commission president impeded endocrine disruptor criteria and other environmental legislation initiatives
JRC Symposium compares microplastic analysis methods
European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) symposium summarizes current approaches for microplastic monitoring; research institutions present results of 4 inter-laboratory microplastic analysis comparison studies; no ‘one-size-fits-all’ analytical method, presenters emphasize need for harmonization; Commission outlines policy needs
Industry association complains to EU Commission about French BPA ban
PlasticsEurope concerned that French BPA regulation will disrupt the EU market
New study shows impact of oral dosing on free BPA levels
Sublingual absorption leads to free BPA in serum of test animals, delivers plausible explanation for previous human biomonitoring findings
World Health Assembly adopts resolution on chemicals, waste, and pollution
Resolution calls on World Health Organization Member States to increase work on potential human health impacts of plastics, links between chemical exposures, and health; recognizes people are exposed to many chemicals but majority have not been well studied
Plastic-eating worms – a solution to pollution?
Scientific report on wax moth caterpillars munching polyethylene bags sparks hope for new solution to plastic pollution; closer look highlights long way ahead of transition from discovery to practice
EUBP panel: Biodegradable plastic’s contribution for climate-neutral economy
15th European Bioplastics (EUBP) conference panel discusses role of biodegradable plastics in achieving climate neutral circular economy, argues application should be limited to waste collection applications; notes many composters still reject plastics, communication and clarification needed
EU Commission plans EDC hazard classes within CLP
European Commission announces plan to create new hazard classes for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) within the EU’s Classification, Labeling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation; industry stakeholders criticize decision, call for addressing EDCs via REACH Regulation; civil society groups welcome change; further discussion planned for February 2021
Commission presents ‘European Green Deal’
European Commission publicly announces new deal to serve as roadmap for making EU’s economy sustainable; includes creation of chemicals strategy for sustainability, zero-pollution action plan, circular economy action plan, farm to fork strategy; timeline for actions published
FPF comments on EU’s Circular Economy roadmap
The Food Packaging Forum shared its perspective on the European Commission’s roadmap for the Circular Economy Action Plan; key consideration should be given to chemical safety in reused, recycled and biodegradable materials especially if intended for food contact