New survey of food cans purchased from 4 U.S. retailers finds 33-52% to still contain bisphenol A, 17-25% contain polyvinylchloride; NGOs call on retailers and food brands to remove BPA and ensure safety of alternatives
Where do collected recyclables go?
New York Times addresses China’s ban on waste imports, illustrates impacts on recycling programs in the U.S. and globally
New book on reducing exposure to toxins
The Vancouver Sun publishes interview with authors of groundbreaking chemical exposure book, follow-up book advises on how to reduce toxic exposures
Suggestion for EU FCM regulatory change
Koni Grob of the Official Food Control Authority of the Canton of Zurich publishes two articles proposing a new approach to FCM regulation in the EU; key elements are improved compliance work by industry thanks to better enforcement and dedicated database of approved substances and materials
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
Influence of consumer and retailer demands
U.S. state regulations, consumer and retailer actions on chemicals in food packaging more effective than FDA regulation, according to experts at Chemical Watch conference
ASEAN member actions on plastic and chemical pollution
Nations in Southeast Asia collectively working on reducing plastic pollution and related chemical hazards; Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signs off on project to “combat” marine plastic; Thailand plans ban on plastic scrap imports; new research available on sources of plastic pollution in Indonesia and Vietnam; Vietnam and Singapore implementing stricter chemical regulations; extended producer responsibility for plastic waste becomes law in Philippines
More government action on hazardous chemicals needed
UNEP calls for bolder government regulation of chemicals to boost development of safer compounds and phase out hazardous substances
Walmart evaluates its chemical footprint
Walmart becomes first retailer to participate in Chemical Footprint Project survey, measuring its use and reduction of chemicals of concern
Major retailers set chemical innovation priorities
Retail Leadership Council issues statement outlining priority product categories and chemical classes for safer chemical alternatives in products, sets roadmap for increasing transparency for data sharing between businesses and with consumers