Industry associations report recycling rates of packaging materials in Europe; average collection rate of glass bottles and jars hit 80% in 2020; paper packaging recycling over 80%; paper recycling rates close to theoretical maximum; plastic recycling has not increased despite increased demand by beverage companies; two-thirds of plastic-packaging pledges in Europe failed, supporting the change away from single-use likely necessary
TSCA evaluation of 1,4-dioxane criticized
Comments on draft risk evaluation question cancer hazard assessment; pending study raises concern for stakeholders regarding transparency; comments being accepted until August 30, 2019
EC: Strategy on plastics in circular economy
EU commission publishes roadmap for strategy on plastics in a circular economy; aims to decouple plastics production from fossil fuels, boost recycling and reuse, and reduce leakage into the environment
Recent innovations in packaging
Companies present paper-based packaging for alcoholic beverages, multipack cans; new designs and materials for better recyclability; more products reported to use 100% recycled plastics
Steep decline in sperm counts of Western men
New study finds 50-60% decline in sperm counts between 1973 and 2011 among men from Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand; authors see declining sperm counts as signal of risk to men’s overall health
EFSA reviews phenol and lowers TDI
EFSA asks European Commission to consider multiple routes of exposure when setting limit for phenols in food contact materials
Bisphenol analogue contamination of Chinese food
New study surveys Chinese food contamination with BPA substitutes, detects bisphenol A, S and F in majority of food stuffs, BPA exposure lower than in Europe
Childhood obesity and other chronic diseases
Obesity, asthma, autism, ADHD among U.S. children have continuously increased over past decade, new studies find; Mother Jones article discusses nutrition, chemicals and physical activity as key factors in childhood obesity
Plastics Global Commitment progress report 2021
Finds global virgin plastic production for signatory brands and retailers has likely peaked; progress so far driven by recycling, but warns recycling is not the solution and elimination of single-use packaging urgently needed; separate reports find US polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle recycling rates decreasing and Australia not meeting plastic recycling targets
Strategies for a new plastics economy
New Plastics Economy initiative launches new report at World Economic Forum and presents 3 strategies for a more sustainable plastic packaging market: redesign & innovation, reuse, and recycling