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
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
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
PolyTalk 2018
PlasticsEurope holds 2018 PolyTalk, a stakeholder forum to discuss plastics, on April 26-27, 2018 in Malta
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
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
Flame retardants in plastic waste
Study commissioned by Norwegian Environment Agency analyzes brominated flame retardants in post-consumer plastics intended for recycling, finds low levels of commercial decaBDE, HBCD, BDE-209, TBBPA, DBDPE
Food contact plastics seminar 2018
European Plastic Converters Association holds Food Contact Plastics Seminar on April 19-20, 2018 in Brussels
Supermarkets with ‘plastic-free’ aisles
Dutch supermarket chain Ekoplaza opens food and drink aisle without plastic packaging in one of its stores; compostable biomaterials, glass, metal, cardboard used as alternatives to conventional plastics
ECHA collects information for microplastics restriction
ECHA opens call for evidence on possible restriction of intentionally added microplastics; call open until May 11, 2018; informational webinar to be held on March 12, 2018