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 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
Long-term migration from polyester coating
Scientists analyze long-term migration from polyester can coating, find hydrolysis of oligomers after long storage; modification of testing protocols suggested
Challenges and developments in plastic converter industry
Food Contact Plastics Seminar 2019 discusses use of the mutual recognition principle, improved supply chain communication, analysis of non-intentionally added substances, and regulation of recycling for plastic FCMs
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
Single-use plastics directive coming into force
EU’s single-use plastics directive now published in the Official Journal of the EU
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