European Food Safety Authority publishes draft scientific opinion on risks posed by chlorinated paraffins in food, opens public consultation until September 17, 2019
Target presents new sustainable packaging goals
U.S. retailer Target announces new sustainability goals for its own-brand packaging, pledges efforts to improve recycling and increase demand for recycled packaging
EDCs, semen quality, and testicular cancer
Editorial in The BMJ discusses parallel trends in semen quality and testicular cancer rates, suggests that EDC exposures could be a risk factor, calls for detailed research on EDCs and male reproductive trends
EU Parliament debates single-use plastics
EU Parliament debates directive on reducing marine litter from plastics, including restrictions for specific single-use plastic products; final vote scheduled for October 24, 2018
Assessment of EDC authorizations by ECHA
European Chemicals Agency to work on authorization applications for octylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates; both threshold and non-threshold assessment approaches can be considered
Unknowns about drinking water pipes
Ensia article informs about plastic water piping material PEX; discusses what is known and unknown about the material’s composition and what leaches out into water
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
Ongoing efforts to prevent plastic pollution
Pacific island Vanuatu to ban single-use plastic bags and bottles to prevent ocean pollution; Press of Atlantic City calls on visitors and residents of New Jersey shoreline to reduce use of plastic convenience items
Call for more transparent chemical assessments
3 EU Member States request more transparency in industry studies as well as resources for ECHA and EFSA to undertake independent studies in case of inconsistencies
Canada Plastics Pact launched
Canada most recent country to launch a plastics pact within the Ellen Macarthur Foundation’s global initiative; aims to by 2025 achieve 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable plastic packaging, 50% effective recycle or compost rate, minimum 30% recycled content