Aluminum, glass, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging manufacturer associations ask US state governments to clearly communicate container return process to consumers, stress importance of recycling returned containers to meet currently high packaging demand during COVID-19 pandemic
TSCA and confidential business information
Court finds that U.S. EPA needs to revise substantiation required for companies to claim confidential business information under Toxic Substances Control Act; Environmental Defense Fund calls for new consultation on proposed rule
Tox21 Update
Environmental Health Perspectives reports on Tox21 advances, issues from Phase I to be resolved in Phase II
NGOs highlight importance of REACH in circular economy
Position paper calls for clean circular economy in Europe, presence of hazardous chemicals in recycled materials poses threat to public and market confidence
Nordic Council promotes sustainable plastic use
The Nordic Council of Ministers presents new program containing six strategic goals to reduce environmental impact of plastic
First annual EU forum on endocrine disruptors
Event brings together EU government agencies, research institutions, stakeholders to discuss endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs); Joint Research Centre (JRC) announces upcoming launch of stakeholder survey to inform ongoing fitness check of EU legislation
Study investigates pace of bioplastic innovation
Clarivate report finds bioplastics still in early developmental stage, volume of filed patents increasing at same rate as other sectors; research focus being placed on improving mechanical properties to compete with petrochemical-based plastics
Autistic features linked to prenatal exposure to EDC mixture
Research on mixture toxicity of phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers presented at Endocrine’s Society annual meeting
BPA found in human fetal livers, slower BPA metabolism in fetuses suggested
Researchers find free and conjugated BPA in human fetal livers from voluntary early pregnancy terminations confirming an earlier finding. Presented data is suggestive of a slower metabolism in fetuses relative to adults, however based on a limited reference group size.
Packaging could be involved in spreading novel coronavirus
Study led by U.S. National Institutes of Health finds SARS-CoV-2 virus remains on plastic and stainless steel for up to three days, cardboard up to one day; raises concerns regarding packaging as a potential vector for spreading the virus, potential need to wash or quarantine packaged products at home