ASTRX (Applying Systems Thinking to Recycling) project publishes report reviewing efficiency of packaging materials through recycling processes; highlights flexible films and shrink sleeves as problematic, calls for increased purchasing of recycled content to boost market demand
Rite Aid expands chemical policy to include FCMs
Drug store chain Rite Aid expands its chemicals policy to cover food contact materials (FCMs); restricted substances list sets concentration limits, does not allow intentional use in food packaging of various heavy metals, all ortho-phthalates, all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Environmental toxicity of nanomaterials
German Environment Agency releases reports on aquatic toxicity and environmental fate of nanomaterials
ECHA: Guidance on REACH registration of nanomaterials
European Chemicals Agency publishes and updates several guidance documents for REACH registration of nanomaterials
Toolbox for nanomaterial safety assessment
JRC develops inventory of tools for assessing nanomaterial safety; toolbox freely accessible on JRC’s website
EU observatory for nanomaterials now online
ECHA launches European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials website; provides information on nanomaterials on the EU market for consumers, workers, regulators, and scientists
Modeling nanoparticles in the environment
Dutch institute for public health and environment releases computational model to determine concentrations of nanoparticles in the environment
EU symposium: Nanomaterials in food and FCMs
EU Commission and Member States discuss nanomaterials in food and food contact materials; summary report available
EU Commission solicits comments on draft REACH update requirements
European Commission draft implementing regulations specifies when registrants should update REACH dossiers following changes; public feedback period open until January 15, 2020
BPA and analogues: Multiple targets and effects
Scientists highlight BPA’s interactions with multiple molecular targets besides estrogen receptor; growing body of evidence demonstrates similar pleiotropic actions of BPA substitutes such as BPS, BPF, BPAF and others