Opinion article by The Guardian highlights human health impact of plastic pollution, calls for reducing plastic production and banning classes of hazardous chemicals
April 4, 2018
UK to introduce bottle deposit system
UK government announces introduction of deposit return scheme for single-use drinks containers made of plastic, glass, metal; planned scheme subject to consultation later in 2018
April 3, 2018
China authorizes new substances for food contact
Chinese National Health Commission approves 4 substances for use in coatings and as adhesive, expands use of 2 existing food contact chemicals
April 3, 2018
EFSA working group on phthalates: 2nd meeting
EFSA’s CEF Panel working group on phthalates reassesses safety of DBP, BBP and DEHP for food contact plastics; updated meeting minutes now available online
April 3, 2018
CEF Panel: 74th plenary meeting
EFSA’s CEF Panel discusses PET recycling processes and new mandates for evaluating food contact chemicals at 74th plenary meeting held March 7-8, 2018
March 27, 2018
India restricts use of PET bottles
Indian state Maharashtra bans PET bottles smaller than 0.5 L, orders deposit-return scheme for PET bottles bigger than 0.5 L and for milk pouches, requests alternative packaging material for milk such as glass
March 20, 2018
Stakeholders discuss EU plastics strategy
EU Commission holds stakeholder conference on circular economy and plastics strategy; industry experts call for stronger legislative support to reach recycling goals
March 19, 2018
PolyTalk 2018
PlasticsEurope holds 2018 PolyTalk, a stakeholder forum to discuss plastics, on April 26-27, 2018 in Malta
March 15, 2018
Microplastics in bottled water
New study finds microplastic particles in popular bottled water brands, detects on average 10 larger-sized microplastic particles and over 300 smaller-sized, likely also plastic particles per liter; WHO to launch review of health risks
March 13, 2018
Opinion: Don’t undervalue plastics
UK MEP cautious about drastic measures to eliminate plastics use, highlights benefits of plastic packaging to ensure food safety and reduce food waste, calls for increased recycling and innovation to tackle plastic waste
