As the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee of the UN Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution approaches, publications highlight the diverse effects the plastics supply chain has on human health and the environment, particularly the burden on vulnerable communities
Live: Ellen MacArthur Foundation summit 2017
Ellen MacArthur Foundation holds annual summit on the circular economy on June 15, 2017 in London, UK; event can be followed via live stream
Summary of latest EU events on FCMs
UK NGO CHEM Trust outlines EU Parliament investigation on FCM regulation, Food Packaging Forum workshop, Luxemburg FCM conference, EFSA public consultation on FCM opinion, fluorinated-free popcorn in Denmark
Tesco to exclude brands with non-recyclable packaging
UK supermarket chain announces it will reserve right to not list brands with too much non-recyclable packaging starting in 2020; non-recyclable materials in own brands to be eliminated
BPA labeling in foods and food packaging ‘inadequate’
‘Real-world’ dietary intervention study highlights inadequate labeling as a barrier to following individual-focused strategies aimed at reduction of dietary BPA exposure
Henkel organizes 4th Food Safe Packaging Forum
Stakeholders from the food packaging industry discuss food safety issues, report strategies how to increase food safety
LCA study investigates impacts of beverage packaging types
Scientists from University of Southampton publish life cycle assessment (LCA) estimating primarily environmental impacts of five types of packaging across three beverage categories; find lowest impacts caused by recycled aluminum cans for pressurized drinks, Tetra Pak for fruit juices, cartons for milk
Low plastic collection rates in U.S.
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