Journalist from The Guardian tests household items and his own blood for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in partnership with the University of Notre Dame and the Silent Spring Institute; analysis confirms presence of four types of PFAS in blood serum, 15 household products, food packaging and cookware; identified substances include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane-1-sulphonic acid (PFHxS)
Article on trending phase out of PFAS in food packaging
Chemical Watch investigates trend of US states and retailers to phase out use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging; non-governmental organizations expect increasing momentum while PFAS manufacturers defends performance and safety of applications
New Zealand symposium on food safety
First session of the New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre annual symposium is a webinar on chemical contaminants in food; presentation on New Zealand-wide project to study impacts of microplastics on human health and natural resources; new project developing guidelines to help food industry navigate the use of food packaging containing recycled material
Study investigates quantity and risk of oligomers in PBT
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
EU policymakers push to address PPWR sticking points during final negotiations
Looming March 4th deadline pressures EU institutions to find agreement on open points within the draft Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR); steering note from Belgian presidency calls for compromises, highlights key topics; stakeholders express concerns over draft regulation’s lightweighting of materials, requirement for closed loop recycling processes, and handling of chemical safety
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
Corporate plastic commitments not expected to meet 2025 targets
Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) reports progress, or lack thereof, on corporate packaging commitments set for 2025; plastic pact signatories increased portfolio of recycled, recyclable, or compostable products by 2% between 2019 and 2021; reuse decreased, and virgin plastic use increased; EMF calling for stronger governmental action and support of UN plastic pollution treaty