Karim Bschir from ETH Zurich argues that ‘good science is not value-free’ because scientists routinely make value-based judgments; he proposes that scientists should make their values explicit
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October 10, 2017
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June 29, 2020
UNEP and EU updates on marine plastic pollution
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) completes survey of South-East Asian consumers and businesses, finds ‘significant disconnect’ between expectations and actions taken to address plastic waste; European Commission (EC) and European Environment Agency (EEA) publish status reports on marine protection efforts in the EU, show mixed results with increase in plastics contamination
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December 9, 2020
EUBP panel: Biodegradable plastic’s contribution for climate-neutral economy
15th European Bioplastics (EUBP) conference panel discusses role of biodegradable plastics in achieving climate neutral circular economy, argues application should be limited to waste collection applications; notes many composters still reject plastics, communication and clarification needed
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January 9, 2020
California solicits comments on PFAS in food packaging
U.S. state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) calls for comments on uses, alternatives, and life cycle impacts of PFAS in food packaging; comment period open until January 14, 2020, public workshop to be held on the same date
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June 4, 2020
Critical commentary of mineral oil hydrocarbon study
Scientists from European government agencies publish comment reviewing Nestlé study comparing interlaboratory analytics of mineral oil hydrocarbons
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November 11, 2019
NGO letter to new EU Commission on chemical pollution
Group of 24 organizations call on incoming European Commission president to prioritize three zero pollution goals; highlight use of hazardous chemicals in food packaging, outdated EDC strategy, toxics in the circular economy
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March 20, 2020
South Korea amending food packaging standards
Notification submitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO); notes changes planned to common manufacturing standards, allowing use of additional recycled plastic resins; comment period open until May 30, 2020
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July 27, 2021
NIAS migration from plastic wine corks
Scientific study uses non-targeted chemical analysis to provide an overview of chemicals migrating from 8 wine corks made of ethylene-vinyl acetate; identifies 50 compounds, 84% non-intentionally added substances (NIAS); finds one cork not suitable as food contact material
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April 26, 2021
China requesting comments for five FCCs
China requests comments for five new food contact chemicals (FCCs); includes two additives, three polymer resins; consultation open until May 13, 2021
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May 7, 2021
Free tool helps companies design circular packaging strategy
The Recycling Partnership and SYSTEMIQ launch Plastic IQ, a free tool to help US companies make their plastic packaging strategy more sustainable; tool assesses current packaging impacts from consumption through end-of-life, builds customizable action plans, and compares “circularity of packaging strategy against industry best practices”
