The Recycling Partnership and SYSTEMIQ launch Plastic IQ, a free tool to help US companies make their plastic packaging strategy more sustainable; tool assesses current packaging impacts from consumption through end-of-life, builds customizable action plans, and compares “circularity of packaging strategy against industry best practices”
Scientists identify food packaging as organophosphate ester source
Scientists establish organophosphate esters (OPEs) baseline concentration in foodstuff across China and investigate the contamination sources; report extensive contamination of Chinese foodstuff with OPEs; uncover food packaging as source of these OPEs
Developing the science-policy panel on chemicals and pollution
National delegations meet in Thailand to discuss the objectives and responsibilities of the new science-policy panel on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention; in run up to the meeting group of chemical pollution scientists publish article highlighting ten aspects for delegates to consider; non-profit academic organization International Panel on Chemical Pollution hosts webinar on conflicts of interest in chemicals and waste governance
New NIAS detected in polyester-phenolic can coating extracts
Scientists analyze non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) extracted from six model polyester-phenolic can coatings; identify cyclic polyester oligomers and new aldehydes
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’
EU: Public consultation on chemicals legislation
European Commission announces public consultation on the regulatory fitness of chemicals legislation in the EU (REACH not included)