Comments to FDA petition on the use of ortho-phthalates as indirect food additives can be submitted until September 19, 2016
EU Commission restricts four phthalates
EU Commission adopts decision to restrict DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP in consumer products on EU market; food contact materials not covered
EUBP panel: Biodegradable plastic’s contribution for climate-neutral economy
15th European Bioplastics (EUBP) conference panel discusses role of biodegradable plastics in achieving climate neutral circular economy, argues application should be limited to waste collection applications; notes many composters still reject plastics, communication and clarification needed
Opinion: BPA in food packaging should be illegal
Member of European Parliament suggests banning bisphenol A due to findings of French study
How to increase the recyclability of paper packaging
Confederation of Paper Industries, publishes guide for packaging designers to increase recyclability of paper products; to improve recycling quality, suggests limiting laminates, coatings, inks, varnishes, and adhesives to no more than 10% of pack weight, aspirational goal of 5%; standard paper mills cannot process much laminate, e.g. coffee cups, cold cups, beverage cartons
UV-328 qualifies for screening as POP
Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) meeting finds antioxidant UV-328 (TINUVIN-328) fulfills all four criteria for screening as Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) under the Stockholm Convention; next step is the preparation of a draft risk profile for the widely used plastic additive
California solicits comments on PFAS in food packaging
U.S. state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) calls for comments on uses, alternatives, and life cycle impacts of PFAS in food packaging; comment period open until January 14, 2020, public workshop to be held on the same date
New members for EC scientific committees
European Commission seeks new members for scientific committees (2016-2021); application deadline is November 2, 2015
Reactions to EU EDC criteria
Industry, environment and health groups, as well as science community mostly express criticism and disappointment over European Commission’s proposal for EDC criteria
US military, European Commission planning action on PFAS
Bipartisan bill in US Congress aims to prohibit military purchase of food service ware and food packaging containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); draft set of action points for European Commission chemicals strategy reported to restrict all non-essential uses of PFAS