European Commission publishes strategy aiming to change how Europeans value food sustainability; confirms that current EU regulations on food contact materials (FCMs) will be revised to reduce use of hazardous chemicals and support re-usable packaging solutions; proposed revision to be released end of 2022
Kraft Heinz aims for sustainable packaging
Food and beverage company Kraft Heinz announces goal to make 100% of its packaging recyclable, reusable, compostable by 2025
ECHA urged to share ‘strategic information’
ClientEarth report criticizes ECHA’s lack of transparency, requests more information on harmful chemicals in the EU, companies’ compliance, EU’s decision-making processes with regard to chemical safety
UNEP report assesses plastic packaging labels
Joint report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) maps and assesses global labeling schemes and claims related to recycling and disposal of plastic packaging; recommends global harmonization of definitions, better consideration of actual local conditions, restriction of chasing arrows symbol, labels being verified with enforcement of proper use
Discount retailers pushed to act on harmful chemicals
Center for Environmental Health and Campaign for Healthier Solutions urge U.S. discount retailers to take action on fluorinated chemicals in microwave popcorn bags
Ukraine aligns with EU packaging and chemical regulations
Ukraine moving to align chemical and packaging regulations with EU standards; proposes regulations to align with Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP), and Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations; World Trade Organization notifications open for comment until June 19 and July 4, 2023, respectively
Nestlé: 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025
Food company Nestlé reveals plans to implement recyclable or reusable solutions for all of its packaging by 2025
Produce stickers to extend shelf life
Food tech startup StixFresh develops solution for produce stickers that extends shelf life up to fourteen days; all ingredients generally recognized as safe in accordance with the U.S. FDA
Documentary on EDCs in food packaging
New documentary explains endocrine disruption, highlights presence of endocrine disruptors in food packaging, presents possible solutions to reduce exposure
EDQM guide on European paper and board FCM regulations
The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and Healthcare (EDQM) publishes “technical guidance relating to the requirements, compliance testing and supporting documentation for paper and board materials” used in food contact materials and articles; includes overview of European FCM regulations, aims to harmonize paper and board regulation; provides instructions to test compliance, detect recycled materials, prepare supporting documentation