Consultancy McKinsey & Company publishes paper on consumers’ views towards sustainability in packaging, as influenced by COVID 19 pandemic; urges more focus on proactive communication with consumers and supply chain partners, holistic approach to sustainability and hygiene requirements
(Eco)toxicology of PFASs: a few highlights
John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight features plastics
Last Week Tonight episode focuses on plastic recycling, reports only nine percent of all plastics recycled, functioning systems only established for polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene; discusses Basel Convention restricting plastic waste trade, criticizes misleading closed-loop recycling claims; recommends targeted bans, introducing extended producer responsibility schemes
Peer-reviewed study finds chemicals in plastics induce adipogenesis
Researchers analyze plastic extracts for their chemical composition and promotion of obesity; find one-third induce fat production (adipogenesis); detect several thousand chemicals in the extracts, including known metabolism-disrupting chemicals
EFSA assesses monomer for polycarbonate FCMs
EFSA’s CEF Panel considers dimethyl carbonate safe for making polycarbonate repeated-use food contact articles, under certain conditions
PFAS and the essential use concept
Focus on recycling
Video and article discuss waste management and recycling practices in the U.S.; highlight PET bottle recycling and ways to shift responsibility from governments to manufacturers
Quantification of metal migration
EU reference laboratory for FCMs tests different methods for quantification of metals migrating from plastics and ceramics into acidic food simulants
Protypes of paper beer bottles presented
Community of brands developing paper-based bottles; aims to create 100% bio-based, recyclable paper bottle without use of polymers