Researchers analyze oligomer in extracts and migrates of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) food contact articles also comparing levels in food and food simulants; report human exposure to oligomers can exceed daily threshold in some scenarios; express the need for toxicological evaluation of PBT oligomers
Plastics stay longer in the ocean than previously estimated, scientists report
3D-model study finds 3,200 kilotonnes of buoyant marine plastic litter in 2020, majority on the surface and >25 mm in size; projects annual growth of 4%; solves mystery on ‘missing’ sink for plastic pollution
Ultra-processed food intake can increase human exposure to phthalates and microplastics
Two studies analyzed ultra-processed foods for phthalates and microplastics; report that consumption of ultra-processed foods and fast food during pregnancy increases exposure to phthalates; link lower socioeconomic status to increased ultra-processed food consumption and phthalate exposure; find highly-processed protein products in the US to contain significantly more microplastics than minimally-processed products; hypothesize plastic processing equipment to be one main source
Recent innovations in packaging
Companies present paper-based packaging for alcoholic beverages, multipack cans; new designs and materials for better recyclability; more products reported to use 100% recycled plastics
EC report on biodegradable plastics in open environment
European Commission’s (EC) Scientific Advice Mechanism publishes evidence report and scientific opinion, discusses potential benefits and limitations of biodegradable plastics; finds no silver bullet for inappropriate waste management or plastic littering, only for specific applications; appropriate formulation, coherent testing and certification standards needed to realize full potential
Improving the chemical safety of food contact articles: Accelerating science and innovation
About the 2019 Workshop The 2019 Food Packaging Forum (FPF) Workshop took place on October 24, 2019 under the theme «Improving the chemical safety of food contact articles: Accelerating science and innovation.» The event featured high profile speakers and offered an international platform for exchanging views and ideas with stakeholders across the field of food contact materials (FCMs). The FPF Workshop is a one-of-a-kind annual event in the field of FCMs to learn about recent developments in science, business, advocacy, […]
Interlaboratory comparison of migration testing: Temperature control
EU Reference Laboratory for FCMs publishes a report on interlaboratory comparison for controlling the temperature during migration tests by article filling; results satisfactory only for 30% of the participating laboratories; follow-up study is planned
Letter from EU Health Commissioner on FCM concerns
European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety responds to CHEM Trust regarding concerns with current EU food contact material legislation, recognizes stakeholder concerns, promises to move ahead with prioritization of harmful substances including endocrine disruptors
Danish consumer products testing program might lose funding
The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals, testing consumer products for chemicals of concern, might not get its grant renewed for 2017
EC’s proposal for regulating printed FCMs
EU Commission publishes proposal for new regulatory approach for Union measure on printed FCMs, discussed during May 2017 meeting of working group on FCMs with Member States