European drinking water association calls for harmonized EU-wide implementation of the Drinking Water Directive and common approach for acceptance of materials and products in contact with drinking water
EU moves forward with TiO2 carcinogen classification
EU Commission reported to soon propose classification of titanium dioxide in liquid and powder forms as category 2 carcinogen; EU Parliament and Council to have two months to review; will enter into force if no objections arise
China publishes third food contact additive list
China extends list of approved food contact substances, soon to publish list of substances prohibited from use in food contact
Prenatal cadmium levels associated with lower IQ in children
Cohort study in rural Bangladesh finds that maternal cadmium levels are linked to IQ in 5-year-olds.
ECHA public consultation on proposing 4 FCCs as SVHCs
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launches public consultation on identifying eight new substances of very high concern (SVHCs); four are food contact chemicals (FCCs): bisphenol B, 1,4-dioxane, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCP), and phenol alkylation products with C12-rich branched or linear alkyl chains from oligomerization (PDDP); open for public comment until April 23, 2021
National Geographic's packaging challenge
“Ocean Plastic Innovation Challenge” to reward innovations in food packaging, focus on using easily recycled materials without additives; submissions due June 2019
Consultation on flexible packaging guidelines
Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging (CEFLEX) initiative calls for comments on polyolefin-based packaging design guidelines; online consultation open until January 17, 2020
Effects of phthalates on reproductive function in young Swedish men
Swedish researchers find link between prenatal exposure to DEHP and DiNP and lower semen volume in adolescent males
EPA identifies alternatives for flame retardants
EPA publishes reports on alternatives for the brominated flame retardants HBCD and pentaBDE
EU plastics recyclers annual conference
Plastics Recyclers Europe holds annual meeting on October 11-12, 2018 in Cascais, Portugal; increased plastics waste collection to be discussed