Includes ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and bisphenol A in food packaging and general packaging reduction targets; decreases reuse obligations
World Circular Economy Forum 2019
Conference in Helsinki, Finland focuses on discussing how to scale up transition to circular economy, includes session on plastics and circular bioeconomy
ECHA regulation updates limits of DEHP in FCMs
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) adopts regulation recognizing bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate’s (DEHP) endocrine disrupting properties; substance now also requires authorization for use in food contact materials (FCMs) when levels exceed 0.1% by weight
EU surveys consumers on nanotechnology
European Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) publishes survey that reveals 87% of consumers from five EU countries wish for better labelling of everyday products containing nanotechnology
Webinar on migration testing for recycled plastics
Free webinar by Aspen Research on October 21, 2020 to present on chemical migration from materials, share case studies on recycling process testing often needed to achieve regulatory approval
EU citizens’ panel: 51 recommendations for climate change, environment, health
More than 40 representatives of the European public discuss concerns with EU institutions; panel on climate change and health adopts 51 recommendations for the EU; includes recommendation for ‘swift elimination of non-sustainable packaging’
Addressing ambiguity to improve the management of polymers
Researchers identify systematic ambiguity within CAS labeling framework as hampering public oversight on chemical safety; outline set of recommendations to close data gaps and increase transparent communication
EFSA CEP Panel updates from October 2022 to February 2023
Minutes available from recent meetings of the working groups on food contact materials (FCMs), bisphenol A (BPA), and recycling plastics, within the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP Panel); no further meeting of the BPA working group planned; specific migration limit (SML) for styrene in FCMs upcoming
Canada paves way for future regulations on plastics
Government lists plastic products in Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) as “toxic”; legal step required in order to move forward with new regulation, product restrictions; will support government in implementing national plastic plans
Petition urges US FDA to ban lead in FCMs
Formal petition requests revision of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lead standards, calls for banning lead in all FCMs; argues simple measures could significantly decrease lead level exposure from food