REACH restriction limits concentration of the four phthalates DEHP, DBP, DIBP, and BBP in consumer articles; restriction does not apply to food contact materials
European Parliament passes resolution on chemicals strategy
Calls for ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ principle, specific provisions for endocrine disrupting chemicals in food contact materials to be treated similar to substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction
European Council adopts position on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
Maintains criteria that all packaging must be recyclable; introduces requirement for separate waste collection; tasks Commission with preparing a report on substances of concern and their impact on recycling, reuse, and chemical safety
New website on chemicals advocacy
Chemicals advocacy group Coming Clean launches website
Vote on EDC criteria on hold
EU Commission presents latest revised draft of criteria to identify endocrine disruptors to Member States; no formal vote taken; next meeting not yet scheduled
China publishes amendment to standard on uses of additives in FCMs
National Health Commission publishes draft amendment to standard on uses of additives in food contact materials (FCMs) and articles; includes correction about specific migration limits of certain chemicals
The complexity of plastics recycling
Article by EcoWatch outlines some of the challenges in recycling plastics, deems recycling no simple solution to plastic pollution
EU advisory body recommends prioritizing chemicals legislation
European Economic and Social Committee publishes opinion on chemicals, products, waste in the circular economy, calls for full application of REACH and other chemicals legislation
Forbes: FCMs linked to fecundity problems, new safety laws to come?
Forbes reports on two studies linking BPA and plasticizers to reproductive problems, low dose testing may eventually modify safety tests and laws