Study investigates nanoclay migration from commercialized nanoclay-LDPE food bags; aluminum migrates in both dissolved and nanoparticle forms; also particles of assumed plastic origin found
Toxic effects of MOSH exposure
Dietary exposure of rats to mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) fractions similar to those accumulating in humans causes increase of liver and spleen weights; clinical significance needs further investigation
Many REACH registrations non-compliant
Study by German authorities finds 32% of high production volume chemicals non-compliant with REACH safety data requirements; 31% compliant, rest uncertain; European Environmental Bureau suggests actions for improvement
FPF Workshop 2020: Hazardous chemicals in FCMs
Stefan Merkel presents recent work of German Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR); Lisa Zimmermann discusses bioassay-based toxicity assessment of conventional plastics, bioplastics, and plant-based materials; Andrew Turner emphasizes presence of toxic brominated flame retardants in recycled plastics, uses of hazardous heavy metals in colored decorations applied to glass articles
Third round of UN plastics treaty negotiations conclude
Meeting in Nairobi ends with no consensus on intersessional work needed before next meeting; Scientistsβ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty represented by 37 scientists, including team members from the Food Packaging Forum; expanded and revised version of Zero Draft based on member state inputs to be published by December 31, 2023; next round of negotiations to take place in Ottawa, Canada on April 21 β 30, 2024
DG SANTΓ consults with stakeholders
Directorate General Health and Food Safety holds first stakeholder meeting under new Commission leadership; amendment to Plastics Regulation, plastics recycling and Biocides Regulation discussed; changes to working group announced
EU report on plastics innovations
EU Commission’s Directorate-General on Research and Innovation releases report on circular economy for plastics, summarizing research and innovation developments to provide reference information for future policy and funding decisions
Study investigates pace of bioplastic innovation
Clarivate report finds bioplastics still in early developmental stage, volume of filed patents increasing at same rate as other sectors; research focus being placed on improving mechanical properties to compete with petrochemical-based plastics
Safety of DEHCH
EFSA assesses safety of bis(2-ethylhexyl)cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate (DEHCH) for use as plasticizer in PVC; concluded to present no safety concerns; uncertainty remains about bioaccumulation potential in humans
Japan updates list of substances allowed for food contact articles
Draft introduces new definitions of polymers; revises usage allowances for some substances