Fashion retailer H&M and Danish retailer Coop join ChemSec initiative calling for phase-out of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from products and supply chains; Belgian premier of film ‘Dark Waters’ includes panel debate in European Parliament with director and lead actor
Further research on BPS safety needed
The Washington Post interviews senior scientist about BPS effects on zebrafish embryo development; comparison to BPA shows that BPS is not necessarily safer
Opinion: New FDA study on BPA is flawed
FDA study does not find low dose effects of BPA, other scientist criticize study as flawed
FPF Webinar: Brand owners tackle chemicals of concern
Register now for the Food Packaging Forum’s webinar on brand owners’ list of best practices regarding chemicals of concern in food packaging, to be held on June 11, 2018
Melamine migration above EU limits in some children’s cups
Danish Consumer Council reports melamine migration from five of eight tested children’s cups are above legal limits; migration tests undertaken after cups were washed 20 times and filled with a hot drink to simulate use; melamine classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans in the EU
Measuring trade-offs between packaging waste and food waste
Australian Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Center surveys consumer perceptions of packaging’s role in encouraging or preventing food waste; United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) breaks down results from 33 life cycle analyses comparing packaging and food waste; makes structured recommendations for when packaging or food waste costs are higher based on food type, consumer and regulatory support, and strength of local waste management systems
More eco-friendly takeaway containers
Bangkok Post informs about a community campaign encouraging food vendors in Bangkok to use bio-based, biodegradable food containers instead of styrofoam and other plastic packaging
ECHA recognizes PFBS as substance of very high concern
European member states agree to recognize perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) as a substance of very high concern (SVHC); cite equivalent concern to carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic substances, high mobility in environment
New form of PLA seen as beneficial for application in hot food packaging
Researchers develop a more thermally resistant form of polylactic acid (PLA) plastic; provides clear, tough, and heat resistant material with the potential to expand PLA market application and reduce price
Cost of EU chemicals regulation
European Commission publishes study assessing the cost of regulation on EU’s chemical industry; CHEM Trust and Cefic release commentaries