News outlet Euractiv publishes special report on packaging and environment; featured articles and interviews address circular economy and plastics strategy unveiled by EU Commission
Conference of European masterbatchers and compounders
2018 European Masterbatchers and Compounders association conference to take place on May 17, 2018 in Brussels; draft program and registration now available
ECHA inspection: failures to communicate SVHCs in articles
European Chemicals Agency pilot enforcement project finds 12% of inspected articles contain substances of very high concern (SVHCs) with 88% of suppliers failing to sufficiently communicate to customers; calls for improved communication in the supply chain
Migration vs. solubility
New scientific study finds that in certain cases migration studies can be substituted by solubility measurements; modified OECD method shows solubility of select antioxidants, UV stabilizers in some food simulants is below SMLs
EU EDC fitness check – ‘another delay’ or ‘game changer’?
Platform article in Chemical Watch discusses EU Commission’s efforts to identify and address endocrine disrupting chemicals; calls for crosscutting regulatory framework, identifying and acting on suspected EDCs, considering all health costs; sees fitness check as chance to put words into action
European Parliament sends clear message to European Commission to act on EDCs
ENVI Committee of the European Parliament adopts DRAFT report on endocrine disruptors
FPF submits feedback on packaging and packaging waste regulation
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) responds to European Commission’s call for feedback on the proposed packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR); FPF highlights aspects of food packaging and chemical safety that should be included in future versions; primarily (i) considering presence of hazardous chemicals in packaging materials meant to be recycled or reused, (ii) clearly defining compostable packaging and guaranteeing safety, and (iii) defining inertness
Comparing EU and Chinese FCM policy
News provider and consultancy ChemLinked publishes article comparing Chinese and European food contact material (FCM) policies
ECHA committees adopt opinions on DMF, siloxanes
European Chemicals Agency committees for socio-economic analysis (SEAC) and risk assessment (RAC) adopt final opinions on restriction proposals for DMF, D4, D5, D6; opinions to be made publicly available soon
EDF's advice for new FDA commissioner on chemicals
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) suggests how new US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner can better address toxic chemicals in food; calls for systematic and regular reviews to update older assessments, follow Congressional mandate to consider cumulative effects, prohibit perchlorate, lead, and ortho-phthalates from food contact materials