Varying levels of the four major brominated flame retardants found in polystyrene food contact materials
BPA in air and surface water
New study finds high BPA concentrations in air and surface water near industrial sites; proposes new routes of exposure
FPF Workshop 2019: Perspectives on innovations
Innovations improving the safety of food contact articles discussed during afternoon session; panel with guests from academia, non-profit organizations, start-ups and industry
PlasticsEurope report on plastic demand and waste
Industry association’s annual report provides data on Europe’s 2019 demand for plastic and end-of-life management; presents consumption by country, resin type; identifies packaging as greatest demand sector for plastics; finds average European plastics recycling collection rate of 42%
State of raw materials in the circular economy
New JRC report analyses state-of-play for critical raw materials in the EU, finds current use “far from being fully circular,” discusses opportunities for improvement and future actions for aligning with circular economy principles
Plastic pollution and human health
Scientists argue that plastic debris is not merely an environmental, but also a human health problem; particle toxicity, chemical toxicity, and pathogen spreading issues are discussed
Behavior and labeling interventions to reduce plastic pollution
Three studies research plastic labeling shortcomings, effectiveness of behavioral interventions; article recommends plastic labels should include sustainability scale, provide regional disposal instructions, and list additives; review considers bigger picture, stakeholder diversity, and several techniques to increase effectiveness of behavioral interventions to reduce single-use plastic consumption; study finds social media does not affect consumer’s intentions to recycle plastics
Deciphering the differences in plastic particles reported in foods
Two studies investigate micro- and nanoplastics measured in foods; review the range of reported values and diversity of study methods; make suggestions to standardize research methodologies; one study outlines additional standards the micro – nanoplastics research community needs to develop in order to assist regulators
Health costs of PFAS estimated
Nordic Co-operation publishes socioeconomic analysis of environmental and human health impacts from exposure to PFAS; estimates EEA member countries incur 52 to 84 billion Euro in PFAS-related health costs annually
CEFLEX publishes flexible packaging guidelines
Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging initiative (CEFLEX) releases guidelines focused on polyolefin-based flexible packaging; includes recommendations on article’s size and shape, as well as on materials used, including barrier layers, coatings, inks, adhesives