Opening session at EFSA conference 2018 addresses recognition and management of values in risk assessment and decision making, discusses factors important for fit-for-purpose risk assessment
It’s time for regulating high persistence chemicals, scientists find
Viewpoint article points out high persistence of chemicals as the main driver for global chemical pollution footprints; urge development of chemicals regulation addressing high persistence alone
Report on chemicals in food packaging
U.S. groups Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund publish report on food packaging chemicals; address health hazards and regulatory failures; call for greater transparency to drive changes in the Californian market place
US Plastics Pact launched
Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Plastics Pact network expands to include US Plastics Pact collaborative with over 60 signatories
Plastics Global Commitment progress report 2021
Finds global virgin plastic production for signatory brands and retailers has likely peaked; progress so far driven by recycling, but warns recycling is not the solution and elimination of single-use packaging urgently needed; separate reports find US polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle recycling rates decreasing and Australia not meeting plastic recycling targets
Coalition signs open letter to EU advocating for reuse systems to reduce packaging waste
Civil society organizations and reuse businesses concerned about lobbying for packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR); urge for well-designed reuse systems in PPWR; emphasize the scientific evidence in accompanying fact sheet; Euroconsumers presents checklist with five criteria to consider for a robust PPWR
Initiative for a circular bio-based Europe
EU Commission publishes roadmap outlining proposed initiative for developing research partnerships; aims to drive innovation, value creation from waste and biomass; open for public comment until August 27, 2019
FPF comments on UN food systems summit strategy paper
Food Packaging Forum director comments on report outlining food packaging opportunities for the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit; suggests including plastic pollution as a food systems issue for discussion
Multi-criteria framework to prioritize polymers of concern
Scientists develop holistic conceptual framework to characterize and rank the environmental risks of plastic polymers; tool can support targeted investment and mitigation strategies
Opinion: Plastic recycling a ‘false promise’
Engineer estimates U.S. plastic recycling rate below 5% in 2018, calls for ‘real solutions’ to plastic pollution such as reduced production of single-use plastics, implementation of deposit schemes