U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalizes identification of next 20 high-priority substances for risk evaluation, includes 12 food contact chemicals; still reviewing public comments on low-priority substances
Restriction proposal for 6 PFASs
Swedish and German agencies propose restricting 6 per- and polyfluorinated substances, as well as mixtures and articles containing them; ECHA opens public consultation until June 20, 2018
Substances of concern in the circular economy
EU Parliament addresses the fate of chemicals in the circular economy, supports the development of non-toxic material cycles
Endocrine Society concerned about EDC criteria
Endocrine Society submits comment to EU Commission’s public consultation on EDC criteria; criticizes high burden of proof and advocates for EDC criteria reflecting state of science
ZWE report identifies climate benefits of reusable packaging
Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) publishes study comparing 32 life cycle assessments (LCAs) to evaluate single-use and reusable packaging; finds reusable glass bottles have 85% fewer carbon emissions than single-use with highest impacts from transport; breakeven point reached after two to three reuse cycles; suggests five key measures to increase sustainability of reusable packaging
Manufacturers share PFAS-free packaging recipe
Companies Zume and Solenis release recipe and manufacturing specifications to produce molded fiber packaging free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); alternative suitable for high temperatures, grease and water-resistant; decide to make the process freely available to speed the transition to safer packaging materials
Steel packaging recycling in Europe at 79.5%
Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging reports steel packaging recycling in Europe at record high 79.5% in 2016; ‘well on track’ for self-imposed target of 80% recycling by 2020
PET tight barrier for chemical migration, PE only sink for chemicals
Swiss researchers compare mineral oil, phthalate and UV initiator migration across different barrier materials
Huffington Post article on plastics and health
Article discusses hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging, highlights unknowns regarding health impacts, complexity of the issue
CHEM Trust and FPF respond to EFSA opinion
The Food Packaging Forum and CHEM Trust address non-intentionally added substances, substances of very high concern, and other issues in detailed responses to EFSA’s public consultation on the draft scientific opinion on risk assessment of chemicals in FCMs