South Africa announces new ‘Source to Sea’ initiative to fight plastic pollution, considers actions on microbeads and single-use plastics, plans to boost recycling and consumer awareness
Risk of PFOA evaluated
PFOA, its salts and related substances warrant global action under the Stockholm Convention; Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee considers draft risk profile of PFOA during its 12th meeting
Global estimate of plastic production, use and fate
8,300 million tons of plastics produced to date, according to new study; only 9% of plastic waste recycled; 12,000 million tons of plastic waste expected to accumulate in landfills or environment by 2050
Phthalates in vinyl gloves
Study by NGO Ecology Center finds ortho-phthalates in vinyl gloves used to handle food, urges use of alternatives such as washed bare hands, polyethylene or nitrile gloves
Unwrapping Food Packaging Video Blog
Unwrapping food packAging video blog A video blog hosted by the Food Packaging Forum’s managing director explains scientific topics and explores new developments within the field of food packaging and health About the Blog Hosted by Jane Muncke, the Food Packaging Forum’s Managing Director and Chief Scientific Officer, this video series introduces viewers to fundamental topics and new scientific developments within the field of food packaging and health. This includes understanding the chemical composition of food packaging, how these chemicals […]
Study characterizes chemicals present within recycled products
Scientific study characterizes chemicals contained in 210 consumer products made of recycled or virgin material regarding identity, functional use, structural class, and origin and prioritizes chemicals; 65% of chemicals with greater concentrations in recycled materials, along with a higher number of flame retardants, biocides, dyes, and fragrances in recycled materials
Assessment of EDC authorizations by ECHA
European Chemicals Agency to work on authorization applications for octylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates; both threshold and non-threshold assessment approaches can be considered
Mapping microplastics in the male reproductive system
Study provides an in-depth look at microplastics in the male reproductive system, analyzes human and mouse samples to chart concentrations and polymer types; finds microplastics in all human testes samples and majority of semen samples; larger plastic particles may get trapped in testis, leading to higher concentrations; identifies correlation between urbanization, home-cooked meals, and body scrub used to microplastics concentration
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
“New” endocrine disruptors identified
Danish researchers produce list of 9 “new” endocrine disrupting chemicals identified according to EU EDC criteria; some substances relevant for food contact