Targeted analysis demonstrates widespread contamination of Chinese baby foods with traditional and novel antioxidants; plastic food packaging identified as one source; prevalent and high migration of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol from different types of plastics
Maine phasing out PFAS in all products by 2030
US State of Maine passes LD 1503, the most comprehensive PFAS regulation in the United States; manufacturers must report the uses of PFAS in the state; by 2030 all uses of PFAS will be prohibited unless designated “currently unavoidable”; Maine already prohibits PFAS in food packaging
Critical review discusses biobased plastics
Article evaluates pros, cons, and improvement potential of biobased polymers looking at production, end-of-life, environmental, and toxicological impacts; regards bioplastics as promising alternative but not without issues; emphasizes importance of considering economic, social, environmental, and legislative issues when scaling up biobased plastics
First proposals put forward for global treaty to end plastic pollution
Countries are submitting proposals to the UN Environment Program to guide Plastics Treaty development; US proposes treaty focus on downstream effects – reuse and recycling; proposal from 40-nation ‘high ambition coalition’ proposes setting up limits on polymer production, eliminating certain polymers and products; over 60 proposals received so far; stakeholder registration is open for the next negotiating meeting for the Plastics Treaty in Paris, France in May 2023
New textbook on designing safer and more sustainable chemicals
Academic scientists from ETH Zürich publish textbook teaching fundamental tools, methods, and concepts for designing chemical products and processes; includes life cycle assessment, product and process risk assessment, thermal safety, key regulations, societal dialogue; features workable case study developed with industry partners
FDA approves fluoropolymer additive for use in FCMs
Oil, grease and water resistance additive Cartaguard® KST approved for use in paper and board packaging
EFSA publishes draft BPA opinion, part II
EFSA launches public consultation on BPA risk assessment opinion; recommends lowering of TDI; exposure levels considered safe
REACH investigation flags non-compliant companies
German NGO BUND uses freedom of information request to identify substances and companies implicated in incomplete REACH dossiers, calls on ECHA to increase transparency of substance registrations
EFSA considers 2 new substances safe for use in FCM
EFSA publishes scientific opinions on perfluorinated processing aid and monomer for can coating