European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) article and position paper recognize chemical recycling as complementary solution to boost plastics recycling, support circular economy; call for greater supply chain collaboration, backing from policymakers
EFSA conference 2018: Engaging society
Presentations at EFSA conference 2018 address current challenges in societal engagement, inequalities limiting participation of citizens and NGOs in science and regulation in the EU
PFASs in consumer products
New Nordic Council study finds PFASs in various consumer products including FCMs, reveals large knowledge gaps on which PFASs are actually used in products
ECHA: Microplastics likely end up in soil and freshwater
ECHA’s risk assessment finds intentionally added microplastics more likely to accumulate in terrestrial and freshwater environments than in oceans
EU conference on chemicals policy 2030
European Commission hosts multi-stakeholder conference on chemicals policy; discusses setting criteria for green and sustainable chemistry, chemicals in the circular economy, and fair competition from foreign manufacturers
Effects of microplastics on fish
Polystyrene microplastics inhibit hatching, decrease growth rates, and alter feeding preferences and innate behaviors of European perch, according to new Science study
UK announces approach for circular economy package
Adopts most of the text previously agreed while EU member; outlines small technical changes from Waste Framework Directive, confirms intention to continue transition towards a circular economy
Green Alliance finds plastic-only strategies ‘not working’
Report cautions current regulatory approaches focused on plastics, instead encourages improving careful management of all materials; calls for urgent review of food contact materials, implementation of fiscal measures to reduce use across material types
NGO calls out top 12 PFAS producers
ChemSec reports on societal costs of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution; estimates costs of 16 trillion euros per year; says producers and investors need to take responsibility
EFSA BPA assessment protocol: 13th and 14th meeting
EFSA’s CEF Panel Working Group on BPA assessment protocol holds 13th and 14th meeting on the reevaluation of BPA safety; meeting minutes available online