McKinsey report investigates consumers’ attitudes toward sustainability in food packaging; finds hygiene & food safety, as well as shelf life are most important aspects to consumers; consumers think compostable and plant-based packaging is the most sustainable, metal containers among least sustainable
Analysis of chemically non-compliant products
European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) analyzes European RAPEX database on non-food products, finds 92% of tested and non-compliant REACH chemicals found in products were imported from outside of Europe; calls for improved enforcement and tools
Researchers detect chemicals present in and migrating from PET bottles
Two studies analyze polyethylene terephthalate (PET) chemicals; identify several volatile chemicals present in and migrating from new PET bottles as well as from bottles commercially available in Japan; develop online method for quantifying non-intentionally added substances (NIAS)
Nestlé & TÜV Rheinland: “EU regulatory landscape for FCM, the latest developments and compliance process. Nestlé’s regulatory approach on Biodegradable and Compostable Materials”.
EU EDC framework coming soon
European Commission will adopt communication defining its framework on endocrine disrupters November 7, 2018
Companies submit incomplete chemical safety data
Environmental Defense Fund uncovers how companies omit toxicological data in notices to U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval of food additives and food contact substances; focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Half of tested dollar store products contain chemicals of concern
The Ecology Center and the Campaign for Healthier Solutions find 53% of 226 tested products from US and Canadian dollar stores contain one or more chemicals of concern; PFAS in 100% of microwave popcorn, some pans and cookware; banned phthalates in PVC products
EU Commission held roundtable meeting on EDCs
700 potential EDCs to be screened, final deadline to set criteria for identifying EDCs not established
EFSA publishes mixtures methodology
European Food Safety Authority launches guidance on assessment of ‘combined effects’ of chemical mixtures in food and feed
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