Kenya Plastics Pact publishes roadmap to 2030 with four main targets to tackle plastic waste and pollution; targets focus on replacing single-use plastic packaging, reusability, recyclability; Pact now has 34 signatories
Studies suggest food packaging as exposure source to organophosphate esters
Two groups of scientists analyze occurrence and migration of organophosphate esters (OPEs) from hundreds of Chinese plastic and paper food packaging; one study reports higher concentration of OPEs in plastics and migration of 15 out of 23 targeted OPEs; another study identifies presence of 42 and migration of 26 OPEs and identifies seven new compounds
ZWE examines aspects and challenges of sustainable packaging in three reports
Reports by Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) and partners examine decarbonization pathways of beverage containers, urge rethinking single-use glass and transition towards reuse, and investigates the economic viability of reusable food packaging
Consumer goods companies abandoning 2025 plastic packaging reduction goals
Unilever reduces environmental pledges and sets new timeline; new approach is meant to be more focused, long term, and systemic; receives criticism from civil society
Studies detect microplastics in food and link it to packaging, processing equipment
Several articles published since the beginning of 2023 have analyzed plastic particles in packaged foods and beverages, including salt, sugar, canned fish, bottled water, soft drinks, and cold tea; draw a connection to packaging and food processing; migration studies demonstrate particle release from plastic food containers and breastmilk storage bags; review develops 10 criteria for data quality assessment and find most studies “unreliable” on one or more criteria
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
Chemical migration from plastic FCMs in China
Chinese scientists analyze migration from 120 domestic plastic FCM products; only 13% of detected migrants listed on EU positive list for plastic FCMs; widespread detection of antioxidant precursor 2,4-DTBP
Associations report European packaging recycling rates
Industry associations report recycling rates of packaging materials in Europe; average collection rate of glass bottles and jars hit 80% in 2020; paper packaging recycling over 80%; paper recycling rates close to theoretical maximum; plastic recycling has not increased despite increased demand by beverage companies; two-thirds of plastic-packaging pledges in Europe failed, supporting the change away from single-use likely necessary
How to achieve a robust chemical testing program?
A commentary paper recommends strong engagement of the scientific community
Plastics research project launches in UK
Kick-off meeting for new Exeter University research project EXeMPlaR brings together variety of different stakeholders; focus on solutions for circular plastics and economy in Southwest England