European Food Safety Authority publishes guidance on communicating uncertainty to complement previously published guidance on uncertainty analysis in scientific assessments
Calls for reduced production instead of increased recycling
Greenpeace calls for reduction of single-use plastic production rather than promotion of recycling solutions; Plastic Pollution Coalition argues for promoting reuse rather than recycling; U.S. lawmakers discuss new bills under Save Our Seas Act, receive similar calls from stakeholders to favor reduction
2021 FPF Workshop: Understanding supply chains and improving policies
On the second day of the Food Packaging Forum’s annual workshop, speakers discuss the investments necessary to understand complex food and packaging supply chains and the benefits of taking the time to do so; assessing plastic circularity through a more honest assessment of the post-consumer life of plastics; the ongoing work of European Commission’s food contact materials policy revision
The Guardian investigates PFAS in blood, food packaging, and cookware
Journalist from The Guardian tests household items and his own blood for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in partnership with the University of Notre Dame and the Silent Spring Institute; analysis confirms presence of four types of PFAS in blood serum, 15 household products, food packaging and cookware; identified substances include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane-1-sulphonic acid (PFHxS)
Kenya revises draft EPR regulation
Ministry of Environment and Forestry releases new draft on extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations; would require mechanism to control banned or dangerous substances in products; applies to range of products including plastics, rubber, aluminum, glass, paper and carton
New paper product with mineral oil barrier
Smurfit Kappa launches board product blocking mineral oil migration across the entire surface
PEF production expected by 2023-2024
Company Synvina plans to operate commercial reference plant to produce FDCA, main building block for PEF, by 2023-2024
Washington State regulating chemicals of concern in food packaging
US state of Washington Department of Ecology publishes reports on phenolic compounds (e.g. bisphenols) and PFAS in certain food packaging types triggering countdown until new restrictions; phenolic compounds in drink can coatings to be restricted beginning June 2023; PFAS to be banned in bags and sleeves, bowls, flat serviceware, open-top containers, and closed containers by May 2024
EU policies’ contribution to circular economy
DG Environment publishes roadmap for evaluating contribution of current EU policies to circular economy; public consultation closes June 4, 2018
Washington state publishes draft PFAS action plan
Department of Ecology (DoE) for US state of Washington outlines recommendations to reduce impacts of PFAS on public and environmental health; focuses on drinking water, environmental concentrations, waste streams, consumer products; open for public comment until December 7, 2020