Scientists review innovations in food packaging focusing on smart, active, sustainable packaging, list active packaging products available on the market; survey finds 11 companies currently marketing smart packaging products
BPA-free can coatings progressing slowly
Developing non-BPA can coatings challenges manufacturers; lower-production-volume raw materials result in higher cost; lower performance reduces shelf-life
Recycling challenges for McDonald’s paper straws
Restaurant chain working with waste management providers in the UK and Ireland to improve recycling of its paper straws; paper thickness initially causing recycling complications, straws being treated temporarily with general waste until solution found
Plastics and ocean protection
Marine pollution with plastics debris receives increased attention in the media, U.S. government issues new plans to protect oceans
EFSA: 6th FIP network meeting on FCMs
EFSA’s Food Ingredients and Packaging Scientific Network held 6th meeting on food contact materials on July 10-11, 2018, discussed ongoing activities, printing inks, paper and board FCMs
Mercosur updates plastic food packaging regulation
South American trade bloc to no longer allow bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic food contact articles designed for children under 3 years old, lowers migration limit from other plastic FCAs; sets migration limits for 9 metals from plastic FCAs; adds substances to positive list for plastics and for cellulosic materials
European Parliament against recycling of DEHP
European Parliament passes non-binding resolution banning the recycling of plastics containing phthalate DEHP
Opinion: Unlearn how to waste plastics
Article by Environmental Health News discusses increasing challenge of plastic waste driven by economic pressure and growth; recycling and bioplastics deemed ‘simple solutions’ incapable of meeting problem’s scale
UNEP calls for integrated chemical management
UN Environment Assembly adopts resolutions on chemicals and waste, plastics debris and microplastics, and 14 other topics
Study on chemical recycling in Europe
Zero Waste Europe publishes study on information availability and current state of chemical recycling implementation in Europe; sees chemical recycling as complementary to mechanical recycling but not as ‘real solution’