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New research on chemical migration from plastic, paper, can coating, and reusables

Recent reports investigate whitening agents’ migration from disposable plastic containers; characterize 153 chemicals migrating from paper packaging and show estimated dietary exposure for children to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) exceed safety threshold; detect brominated flame retardants in repeat-use food contact articles; review metal can coating literature concerning coatings types, chemical migrants, detection methods, dietary exposure, and regulatory

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Study detects PFAS across US fast food restaurant packaging

Mind the Store campaign and Toxic-Free Future collect and test 29 food packaging samples from 6 US fast food chains for fluorine levels; find that burger wrappers and containers from McDonald’s and Burger King likely treated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); paper bags used for French fries and deserts have consistently high fluorine levels

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Opinion on polymers under REACH

Paul Ashford from Anthesis-Caleb consultancy discusses challenges in ‘dealing with polymers under REACH,” calls for clear guidance on substance identification of polymers; EU project aims to identify ‘polymers of concern’

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EU launches Beating Cancer Plan

European Commission presents plan aimed to better prevent and treat cancer; includes focus on reducing exposure to hazardous substances, links to Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability; Health and Environment Alliance calls on Commission to use the plan in supporting revision of outdated EU food contact material regulations

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Corporate plastic commitments not expected to meet 2025 targets

Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) reports progress, or lack thereof, on corporate packaging commitments set for 2025; plastic pact signatories increased portfolio of recycled, recyclable, or compostable products by 2% between 2019 and 2021; reuse decreased, and virgin plastic use increased; EMF calling for stronger governmental action and support of UN plastic pollution treaty