Review compiles 116 studies on chemical migration from polyethylene (PE); 211 chemicals detected to migrate into food or food simulants; 13 are authorized chemicals that exceed set EU specific migration limits, 53 others exceed migration limit of 10 μg/kg; study calls for further research and identifies gaps in current regulatory framework
March 17, 2023
Study shows plausibility of PFAS from fluorinated HDPE containers contaminating food
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame detect PFAS & PFCAs in food stored in fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers for one week; authors recommend regulations on food contact uses
November 18, 2021
Studies investigate how to improve plastic recycling
Researchers analyze options to increase recycling rates; laboratory study reports using untargeted migrants analysis as a feasible tool to discern recycled from virgin polyethylene (PE); stakeholder analysis finds equal involvement of all relevant actors needed to improve PET plastic recycling
March 24, 2021
John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight features plastics
Last Week Tonight episode focuses on plastic recycling, reports only nine percent of all plastics recycled, functioning systems only established for polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene; discusses Basel Convention restricting plastic waste trade, criticizes misleading closed-loop recycling claims; recommends targeted bans, introducing extended producer responsibility schemes
November 19, 2020
Tanzania proposes limits for polyethylene FCM additives
Includes hundreds of additive compounds used in food contact materials (FCMs) with corresponding restriction limits and detailed testing methods; restrictions planned to be implemented in summer 2021
