Norwegian Consumer Council finds phthalates, bisphenols, brominated flame retardants, chlorinated paraffins leaching from reusable plastic drinking bottles into water
Chemical analytics of novel food packaging
Scientists review chemical analytical approaches for food contaminants originating from packaging, including active packaging and novel biopolymers; call for thorough characterization of substances migrating from active packaging, including impurities, auxiliary compounds, potential biotransformation products
US EPA announces national recycling strategy
New strategy sets out five objectives including improving markets for recycled commodities, increasing collection, and standardizing measurements; sets nationwide recycling rate target of 50% by 2030; agency to work with stakeholders over coming months on implementation
Scientists warn over-production of chemicals altering planetary systems
Peer-reviewed study finds pollution from synthetic chemical production and plastics is now altering planetary systems vital to human survival; recommends implementing cap on chemical production and release similar to greenhouse gases
Regulatory relevance of nonmonotonic responses
Scientists discuss different cases of nonmonotonic dose-response curves and their relevance for regulatory decision-making; nonmonotonicity occurring at low doses challenges current approach to determining low-dose ‘safe’ exposure levels from high-dose toxicity testing
Commission decides against EU nano register
European Commission declines EU register for nanomaterials and confirms that new information requirements for nanomaterials under REACH will not be introduced before 2018
Companies lack effective strategies to combat plastic pollution, report finds
Report by the World Benchmarking Alliance assesses companies’ measures to protect the environment; many companies do not follow through on commitments; finds lack of action to reduce plastic waste
ECHA publishes five-year REACH and CLP review
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) publishes five-year review on the operation of REACH and CLP regulations; discusses impacts and shortcomings; 71 chemicals added to harmonized classification and labeling list; in 90% of cases, chemical’s general safety assessment is performed and communicated down the supply chain but half are incomplete; 33% of safety data sheets for mixtures not compliant, 17% incorrectly classified; 44% of chemicals needing authorization due to health risks are being phased out likely due to REACH
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