Printed dates on food packaging found to be confusing for U.S. consumers and lead to food waste; date labels often communicate quality rather than safety; calls exist for further standardization
EU Committee comments on EDC roadmap
European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) submits opinion on ongoing review of EU rules for endocrine disruptors, calls for additional research funding, precautionary principle, consistent criteria across all regulatory fields
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
Public consultation on Swedish nano-registry
Swedish Chemicals Agency held public consultation on proposed register for nanomaterials; nano-industry association advises against Swedish registry and promotes ECHA nano-observatory
Chemicals in coatings of coffee to go cups
German TV program investigates composition of plastic inner coatings of coffee to go cups; finds samples to contain diisodecyl phthalate and long-chain hydrocarbons
Rethink plastic's open letter to EU Commission
Rethink plastic NGO alliance sends open letter to EU Commission, asks for a ‘strong and harmonized EU legislation’ within EU Strategy on Plastics
California governor vetoes recycled content bill
Bill AB-792 would have increased the required recycled content of containers in the state to reach 50% by 2030; governor cites concerns about amendments allowing manufacturers to appeal requirement if target not met
Conference: NIAS and mineral oils in FCMs
Italian Institute of Packaging hosts conference on NIAS and mineral oils in food contact materials on March 29-30, 2017 in Munich
Recent conferences on plastics recycling
Series of recent conferences on both continents focus on discussing challenges and opportunities surrounding plastics recycling, increasing recycled content in products; group of NGOs criticize Circular Plastics Alliance for overlooking hazardous chemicals; predicted lower prices of virgin PET seen as future test of commitment to set sustainability targets
Conference on NIAS and mineral oils
Italian Institute of Packaging to host conference on NIAS and mineral oils in food contact materials on March 28-29, 2018 in Munich