Wide range of hazardous chemicals being evaluated across EU programs for industrial chemicals are also potentially used in food contact materials (FCM); analysis by the Food Packaging Forum reviews recently added chemicals, urges prioritizing known hazardous chemicals in FCMs
India allows recycled plastics in food contact
India overturns 2016 amendment to Plastic Waste Management Rules; recycled plastics now allowed in food contact applications; change went into effect six days after official notification was posted
Consumers perceive compostable packaging as most sustainable, report says
McKinsey report investigates consumers’ attitudes toward sustainability in food packaging; finds hygiene & food safety, as well as shelf life are most important aspects to consumers; consumers think compostable and plant-based packaging is the most sustainable, metal containers among least sustainable
European Council conclusions for chemicals strategy
European Council recommends that EU Commission develops clear action plans to address REACH dossier compliance, minimize exposure to endocrine disruptors; calls for collection of information on nanoforms of low volume substances not yet registered under REACH
Coca-Cola and PepsiCo leave Plastics Industry Association
Both beverage manufacturers announce departure from industry association; environmental groups condemn association’s policy lobbying to block local plastic packaging bans in U.S., Greenpeace hails announcement as progress
Migration from bamboo-containing plastic FCMs
Scientists detect dozens of volatile and non-volatile substances migrating from ‘bamboo’ food packaging; melamine migration exceeding specific migration limit; conclude bamboo-melamine articles ‘a risk to consumer’s health,’ their promotion as biodegradable ‘a fraud to consumers’
Opinion: FDA reviews needed
Survey finds consumers increasingly value safety and transparency in their food; Tom Neltner argues that meeting these demands necessitates FDA review of all food product ingredients
NGO recommendations for sustainable chemistry
Position paper by several international NGOs calls for stronger definition of sustainable chemistry, phase-out of hazardous chemicals, internalization of pollution costs, full disclosure of chemical ingredients
Documents suggest plastic recycling never intended to work
EcoWatch article presents evidence that manufacturers knew since 1970s that plastic recycling is not viable economically; recent survey finds only 1/3 of UK food product packaging locally recyclable; manufacturer singles out PET as way forward towards circular economy
ChemSec: REACH authorization process requires improvements
Authorization process shall be smooth and efficient, strong focus on REACH’s original intentions is a must