Erasmus+ project FitNESS launches interdisciplinary e-learning platform; independent learning resource about food packaging and related topics from food science and technology, packaging technology, material science, toxicology, mass transfer, thermodynamics
FCM chemicals within EU assessment programs
Wide range of hazardous chemicals being evaluated across EU programs for industrial chemicals are also potentially used in food contact materials (FCM); analysis by the Food Packaging Forum reviews recently added chemicals, urges prioritizing known hazardous chemicals in FCMs
EC’s roadmap on sustainable products initiative
European Commission (EC) opens public consultation on new sustainable products initiative; aims to expand scope of Ecodesign Directive across product types, create sustainability principles, requirements to link climate and environmental impacts to resource and energy use
Plasticizer contents evaluated in coffee powder and coffee
Comparison of plasticizer levels in coffee powder and brewed coffee from capsules, pods and mocha pots
UN report addresses single-use plastics and LCA
Life Cycle Initiative led by UN Environment publishes synthesis report investigating impacts of single-use plastic products through life cycle assessment (LCA) approach; finds concept of ‘single-use’ more problematic than ‘plastic’; encourages countries to promote and incentivize replacing single-use products with reusable products; keep products at highest value in economy for as long as possible
Nanoclay migration from FCM
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
Assessment of EDC authorizations by ECHA
European Chemicals Agency to work on authorization applications for octylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates; both threshold and non-threshold assessment approaches can be considered
Obesity increased tenfold in children and teens
New WHO study finds worldwide rise in childhood and teen obesity between 1975 and 2016; NGO discusses metabolic disruptors as contributing factor to obesity epidemic
ECHA sets thresholds for plasticizers
ECHA publishes information on new risk assessment method for Substances of Very High Concern based on Derived No Effect Levels
Report on residential access to recycling in the US
Sustainable Packaging Coalition publishes updated report on the availability of residential recycling in the United States for 32 types of packaging materials; steel food cans, aluminum beverage cans, corrugated cardboard, paperboard, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles accepted by > 84% of facilities surveyed; foil and rigid polystyrene (PS) had fewest recycling options; access to recycling declined since 2016