Food packaging experts call for banning a new group of biodegradability promoting additives used in food packaging, cite concerns over uncontrollable degradation, migration of and human exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals; finds them distracting from real solutions such as new business models incorporating reuse
October 2, 2020
UN urges removing hazardous additives in plastics
Report by United Nations’ regional center investigates presence of toxic substances added into plastics; identifies key chemical classes and product categories of concern; calls for redesigning materials, transparent ingredient labelling, increased producer responsibility
September 9, 2020
HEAL report on hazardous chemicals in plastics
Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) publishes overview report on plastic types, additives, and associated health impacts; illustrates life cycle of contained chemicals and resulting exposures; calls for revisions to regulations to be protective, consistent, anticipatory, communicative
September 1, 2020
China approves new FCMs, additives, resins
National Health Commission announces newly approved additives for food contact materials (FCMs), expanded FCM uses, and resins for use in plastics and coatings
August 6, 2019
Mercosur positive list for FCM plastic additives
Latin American trade bloc publishes resolution defining additives allowed in food contact material plastics and polymeric coatings; aligns with EU regulations, defines specific migration limits, usage restrictions
July 19, 2018
Microplastic and pigment particles in water
Scientists detect thousands of small particles of microplastics, pigments, additives in bottled mineral water; higher particle content in reusable paper-labeled bottles; printing inks on labels identified as novel contamination source
June 7, 2018
Quantifying migration of whitening agents from plastics
EU reference laboratory for FCMs develops analytical method for quantification of fluorescent whitening agents migrating from plastic beverage cups
May 24, 2018
Many unknowns about biodegradable plastics
New scientific review points out shortcomings in biodegradability standards for plastics; lack of toxicity testing; no account for effects of plastic additives, microplastics formation
October 20, 2017
Plastics additives and recycling
Scientists review chemical additives in plastics, addressing migration and environmental impact during their use, disposal, and recycling; emission of toxics and contamination of recycled products should be avoided to ensure health and environmental protection
April 4, 2016
Opinion: Consumers want healthy food
Removing unwanted ingredients such as BPA from food products is good, however highly processed foods remain the less favorable diet option compared to fresh, unprocessed foods