European Committee of the Regions (CoR) publishes resolution on European Green Deal; advocates against setting safe threshold levels for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), calls for a ban on bisphenols and phthalates in all food contact materials (FCMs)
Opinion: European Commission running behind on EDCs
Consumer groups urge European Commission to act on endocrine disruptors
Endocrine-active chemicals in baby bottles
Scientists test 65 chemicals migrating from ‘BPA-free’ baby bottles in a panel of in vitro assays for effects on seven receptors; 12 chemicals show no activity, 53 activate or inhibit at least one of the tested receptors
Review on food contamination
Scientific article summarizes sources of chemical contamination during food production, transport, storage, and processing
ExeMPLaR webinar series on plastics
University of Exeter research hub to host monthly webinars focusing on aspects within Regional Plastics project; first webinar takes place October 8, 2019; all events to be recorded and made available to registered members
Studies examine bio-based active packaging and drivers to mitigate pollution
Literature review explores opportunities of bio-based active materials in food packaging applications and the circular economy; demonstrates high research interest in the topic over last 20 years; finds agro-industrial waste as promising, renewable, and environmentally friendly resource for bio-based materials; study finds circular economy to be the focus of perspective articles to mitigate plastic pollution but mismatch with psychosocial research
U.S. bill to ban PFAS from food packaging
Representative Debbie Dingell from the U.S. state of Michigan introduces bill in U.S. congress to ban all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from food containers and cookware
KH reviews developments in Chinese regulations
Law firm Keller and Heckman LLP publishes summary of updates in Chinese regulations affecting food packaging; release of further regulations and standards expected in 2019
Projects launched to support GHS implementation in Africa
Kenya, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Rwanda implementing Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) in national policy; Sierra Leone and Malawi partner with the UN Environment Program (UNEP) to study chemical and waste management within the countries to design long term policies and projects
Chemicals and waste in the circular economy
Waste management industry and NGO CHEM Trust respond to EC consultation, discuss which EU restrictions should apply to chemicals in recycled materials