Dutch researchers introduce workflow to select chemicals for redesign and develop safer and more sustainable alternatives in a systematic, computer-aided way; illustrate and apply approach to identify and synthesize alternative to flame retardant with reduced persistency; emphasize need to improve knowledge and prediction on chemicals’ biodegradability
New European commissioner targets non-toxic material cycles
European Commissioner for the Internal Market (DG Grow) commits to removing hazardous substances from material cycles in first address to Parliamentary committee on environment; aims to harmonize rules for substances of very high concern (SVHCs), update REACH legislation to manage endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)
EU Commission announces annual activities for food contact materials in 2013
Plans include an impact assessment for food contact materials not explicitly regulated on EU level, new migration testing guidelines, an assessment of surface biocide regulation for food contact material use and preparations of a first positive list for active and intelligent materials and as well as of further authorizations of plastic recycling processes. Ongoing efforts are addressing the revision of the ceramics directive.
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
EC proposes revisions to packaging and waste legislation
European Commission (EC) publishes proposal to revise the EU legislation on packaging and packaging waste; includes mandatory targets for waste reduction, re-use, and minimum recycled content in plastic packaging; based on three problems identified by an impact assessment: growing packaging waste generation, barriers to packaging recycling and re-use, and low recycling quality in plastic packaging
Commission presents ‘European Green Deal’
European Commission publicly announces new deal to serve as roadmap for making EU’s economy sustainable; includes creation of chemicals strategy for sustainability, zero-pollution action plan, circular economy action plan, farm to fork strategy; timeline for actions published
China calls for comments on food contact substances
China’s National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment solicits comments on new food contact substances and resins, expanded uses
Commission breaches EU law and treaty
European Parliament passes resolution on endocrine disruptors and condemns Commission’s illegal delay in setting scientific criteria for EDCs
EU Commission to create top science advice panel
New science advisory system of the Commission to be operational by autumn 2015, seven top level scientists will be recruited to advise European policy makers
European Commission responds to NGO letter on EDCs
Commission agrees with EFSA’s definition of EDCs and rejects criticism regarding EFSA’s independence