UPSTREAM publication answers seven frequently asked questions on the safety of reusable products such as packaging and food service ware; emphasizes that single-use products are not safer than reusable ones, food safety regulations ensure proper cleaning and sanitation of reusable products
COVID-19 challenging EPR and single-use legislation
Pandemic causing delays in advancing extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation across US states; increased demand for single-use packaging and plastic bags in Thailand hinders earlier efforts
COVID-19 to not delay EU single-use plastic directive
Industry association request to delay pending restrictions denied by European Commission; member states still expected to implement directive into national laws by original deadline
Article discusses toxic chemical exposure and COVID-19
Environmental Health News calls for reducing public’s exposure to toxic chemicals within food packaging, processed foods; cites studies linking COVID-19 death risk to existing chronic conditions, calls out chemicals as exacerbating the problem
Webinar on COVID-19 and zero waste
Zero Waste Europe webinar on April 7, 2020 to examine how to prioritize public health while still progressing towards zero waste lifestyle during pandemic, feature speakers from association for sustainable resource management (ACR+) and the Food Packaging Forum
Pandemic providing opportunity for packaging innovation, resilience
Episode of The Indisposable Podcast discusses coronavirus pandemic and how reusable packaging could expand and innovate to help businesses protect public health, save money, and increase resilience; argue that a shift backward to single-use packaging not needed
Packaging could be involved in spreading novel coronavirus
Study led by U.S. National Institutes of Health finds SARS-CoV-2 virus remains on plastic and stainless steel for up to three days, cardboard up to one day; raises concerns regarding packaging as a potential vector for spreading the virus, potential need to wash or quarantine packaged products at home
Reusable food packaging and novel coronavirus
UPSTREAM encourages consumers to continue using reusable items with regular washing using soap, expects zero-waste efforts and bring-your-own container programs to further gain momentum after pandemic ends; expanded business models needed to promote sanitizing and reusing packaging