UN Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights issues report on the stages of the plastics cycle and their impacts on human rights; calls “the whole cycle of plastics… a global threat to human rights”
ECHA and Cefic to work on REACH implementation
European Chemicals Agency and European Chemical Industry Council cooperate on ‘effective implementation of REACH’; Cefic director calls for making REACH compliance a ‘global brand’
Anforderungen an die Lebensmittelverpackung der Zukunft
Industry survey on glass packaging and consumers
European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) reports results from recent survey on European consumers; finds increase in glass packaging purchases, decisions being driven increasingly by recyclability and environmental considerations
How to avoid exposure to BPA?
Article in The Guardian discusses health risks associated with bisphenol A and ways to reduce exposure from food packaging
Reusable food packaging and novel coronavirus
UPSTREAM encourages consumers to continue using reusable items with regular washing using soap, expects zero-waste efforts and bring-your-own container programs to further gain momentum after pandemic ends; expanded business models needed to promote sanitizing and reusing packaging
Review of bioplastics highlights costs
Plastics News discusses PHA bioplastics; outlines production pathways, market development, price compared to traditional plastics
Coronavirus detected on food packaging
Packaging of frozen food tested positive for coronavirus in Chinese cities; no evidence of new infections after large-scale testing campaign; experts consider risk of transmission via food and packaging to be low
Glass industry launches sustainability label
European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) announces the launch of a new symbol for recycling on glass packaging; describes it as highlighting the brands’ commitments towards sustainability and health; to be promoted for use on all glass packaging applications including food and beverage, pharma, perfumery, cosmetic products
Perchlorate from food packaging
Civil Eats discusses the existence of perchlorate in foods as well as upstream sources from packaging and processing; decision from U.S. Food and Drug Administration on allowed use still pending