European Food Safety Authority publishes scientific opinion on oxygen scavenging active packaging material
Focus on perfluorinated chemicals
CHEM Trust summarizes concerns related to perfluorinated compounds, advocates for rapid phase out
EU plastics strategy published
European Commission adopts EU-wide strategy for plastics in the circular economy, aims to make all plastic packaging recyclable, reduce single-use plastics, ban intentional microplastics
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
Creating a new circular plastics economy for the South West
Toxic chemicals and reproductive health
International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics releases statement on effects of toxic environmental chemicals on reproductive health and calls for action to prevent further harm
Obesity increased tenfold in children and teens
New WHO study finds worldwide rise in childhood and teen obesity between 1975 and 2016; NGO discusses metabolic disruptors as contributing factor to obesity epidemic
Microplastics in human stool
Scientists detect microplastics in every human stool sample collected in eight countries, call for further research to better understand influence on gastrointestinal health
Opinion: EDC decision matrix not suitable
CHEM Trust analyzes “option 4b” to identify EDCs as proposed by German risk assessment institute and considers method as not adequate to set EDC criteria
Plastics additives and recycling
Scientists review chemical additives in plastics, addressing migration and environmental impact during their use, disposal, and recycling; emission of toxics and contamination of recycled products should be avoided to ensure health and environmental protection