Plastic recyclers comment on the ongoing problem of low plastic collection rates in the U.S.; criticize soft drink companies for fighting introduction of bottle deposit tax, call for collection rate to rise from 30% to 70%
Consumer perception: the role of eco-labels and innovative packaging
Italian studies investigate consumer perception and attitude; find food- and packaging-related eco-labels to equally signal higher food quality and safety to consumers; demonstrate high willingness of consumers to buy active, intelligent, and sustainable packaging; survey in UK finds adding stickers with clear recycling messages increases recycling behavior
New dietary intervention study on BPA planned
Year 12 students collaborate with academic researchers on unique outreach project at UK university; study of BPA body burden and health effects in 120 participants planned
Symposium on circular economy
University of Exeter and Ellen MacArthur Foundation host 2-day symposium on circular economy research and practice, discuss future challenges and innovation
How to avoid exposure to BPA?
Article in The Guardian discusses health risks associated with bisphenol A and ways to reduce exposure from food packaging
Perfluorinated chemicals may affect children’s neuro-behavioral development
New study investigates pregnancy serum concentrations of PFOS and PFOA and behavior and motor development of children aged 5–9 years
ECHA: Siloxanes D4 and D5 to be restricted
ECHA’s Committees for Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis decide to restrict siloxanes D4 and D5 in personal care products
Investment in fossil-based single-use plastics continues to grow
Minderoo Foundation publishes second Plastic Waste Makers Index; highlights top 20 companies responsible for producing the polymers to make single-use plastics; finds virgin plastic production increased 15 times more than recycled in two years; 1kg more single-use plastic produced per person on the planet; cradle-to-grave greenhouse gas emissions from single-use plastics in 2021 roughly equivalent to that of the UK
Sweden addresses ‘cocktail effects’ and grouping of chemicals
Government of Sweden investigates how to consider chemicals’ ‘cocktail effects’ and regulate similar substances in groups within EU chemicals legislation
EFSA: Updated risk assessment of five phthalates
European Food Safety Authority publishes updated risk assessment for the phthalates DBP, BBP, DEHP, DINP, DIDP; retains developed group and individual tolerable daily intake limits; finds no current public health concern but cautions that values set are temporary due to uncertainties