Public and political concerns related to chemical exposures, human health, and environmental pollution continue to grow; brief overview of some of the EU, US, and UN policies and projects that FPF is tracking in 2024
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
Chemical characterization of post-consumer and recycled plastics
Scientists perform target and non-target screening of recycled plastics and provide recommendations on methods; detect >280 organic chemicals and metals in 21 plastic flakes and pellets used in recycling; analyze several recycled polymers and find polyethylene terephthalate (PET) the only one currently complying with European circular economy requirements; compare analytical methods to assess the chemical composition of recyclates giving their strenghts and limitations
Microplastics impacts on the reproductive system and offspring
Scientists report human-relevant polystyrene (PS) microplastic concentrations change mice placental metabolism; show nanoplastics have variable effects on placental enzymes using simulations; find pre- and postnatal PS microplastic exposure affects male mice testis development and fertility; recommend future research to analyze multigenerational effects
Legal Challenges and Solutions for Food Packaging
Legal Challenges and Solutions for Food Packaging
Mercosur positive list for FCM plastic additives
Latin American trade bloc publishes resolution defining additives allowed in food contact material plastics and polymeric coatings; aligns with EU regulations, defines specific migration limits, usage restrictions
New solutions for innovative and sustainable food packaging
Innovative solutions for the circularity of plastic films
Food simulant affects nanoparticles
Scientists evaluate changes in size and dissolution of silver nanoparticles in food simulants; nanoparticles dissolve in acidic simulant but remain stable in water and alcoholic food simulant