European Trade Union Institute considers EU nanomaterial observatory insufficient monitoring tool, makes recommendations for improvement
U.S. draft regulations take aim at packaging waste
Two draft bills from U.S. House representatives and senators focus on better managing packaging material waste and reducing marine pollution; current version of Senate bill introduces return deposit scheme, extended producer responsibility, bans
More retailers commit to safer chemicals
Non-profit organization Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families publishes second annual ranking of retailers’ safer chemicals programs; 10 out of 30 retailers take adequate action on toxic chemicals
New requirements for trade secret claims
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires justification for confidential business information claims under reformed chemicals regulation TSCA
New study shows novel effects of low dose BPA exposures
Early life exposures to low doses of BPA studied in mice and linked to significant dose-dependent changes in animals’ biochemical response
SETAC North America
German TV channels sound a note of caution regarding plastic food packaging materials
2 German TV channels broadcasted programs in February investigating the use of chemicals in plastic food contact materials
New Plastics Economy progress report 2020
Ellen MacArthur Foundation summarizes progress made by business and government signatories since 2019; identifies focus towards increase of recycled content, phasing out problematic items; sees little development in increasing plastic packaging recyclability, reducing single-use packaging
Petition calls for McDonald’s to phase out PFAS
Drinking water contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the US motivates call for fast-food chain to cease use of the chemicals in its food packaging, reduce market demand
Nano applications in food
EFSA-commissioned study finds nanotechnology most often used for food additives, food contact materials; nanoencapsulates, silver, titanium dioxide, silica common; increasing use of organic nanomaterials