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.
Early BPA exposure linked to hyperactivity, depression and anxiety in boys
New study investigates effect of prenatal and childhood BPA exposure on behavior in school aged children
NGO: REACH dossiers on EDCs incomplete
NGO publishes report on the REACH registration of five EDCs including food contact substances, identifies gaps between dossiers and scientific research
EU food risks alert annual report 2017
EU publishes annual report of its rapid alert system for food and feed (RASFF); 119 notifications related to food contact materials, 34 classified as serious health risks requiring immediate action
Opportunities and limitations of bioplastics
11th European Bioplastics conference in Berlin, Germany discusses the role of bioplastics in the circular economy, presents new food packaging applications
WHO report on circular economy and health
World Health Organization publishes report on opportunities and risks to human health posed by circular economy; chemicals in food packaging identified as one ‘source of potential health implications’
FPF article on chemical risk assessment
FPF publishes new context article explaining chemical risk assessment, hazard identification, dose response assessment, exposure assessment and hazard characterization
Recommendations on implementation of EPR
Upstream publishes overview article discussing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging, sees recent improvements; views EPR as foundation of circular economy and calls for EPR policies to also focus on developing new reuse/refill systems, include targets for litter prevention and mitigation; advocates for binding reuse targets similar to EU’s recycling targets to create conditions for businesses to safely invest in upscaling reuse