U.S. fast food chain announces new global packaging commitments; plans to remove PFAS, phthalates, BPA from its consumer packaging by 2025
Plasticizer contents evaluated in coffee powder and coffee
Comparison of plasticizer levels in coffee powder and brewed coffee from capsules, pods and mocha pots
Kraft Heinz aims for sustainable packaging
Food and beverage company Kraft Heinz announces goal to make 100% of its packaging recyclable, reusable, compostable by 2025
Study finds microplastics impact colon cancer cells, could increase metastasis
Study of colon cancer cell lines finds polystyrene micro and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) can be absorbed into cancerous cells in experimental settings; the more aggressive cell line absorbed the most MNPs and presence of MNPs increased cell movement; evidence of persistence and bioaccumulation; authors argue MNPs fit criteria as substance of concern under REACH
European Parliament against recycling of DEHP
European Parliament passes non-binding resolution banning the recycling of plastics containing phthalate DEHP
South Korean study investigates chemical exposures from food contact plastics
Scientific study examines chemical migration from seven types of food contact plastics available in South Korea; finds overall migration within national regulatory limits; considers estimated human exposures to terephthalic acid, acetaldehyde, 1,4-butanediol, and lead to be safe
ACC: New principles for chemical risk assessment
American chemical trade association publishes new principles to guide chemical hazard and risk assessment; awaiting National Academy of Science reviews
Carton-based water bottle
Companies Tetra Pak and JUST Water launch beverage carton water bottle made largely from bio-based materials
Second survey on use of recycled plastics
European Plastics Converters Association launches second survey on recycled plastics use in Europe; special focus on quality issues with recyclates; survey open to all European plastics converters until May 2018
Soil microbes eat biodegradable plastic
Swiss and Austrian researchers show that soil microorganisms fully metabolize biodegradable polymer polybutylene adipate terephthalate; European Bioplastics deems doubts about biodegradable plastics clarified