Zero Waste Europe compares three packaging life cycle assessment (LCA) studies; two are industry-funded, one is published by a university; finds that industry funding introduces heavy biases when making assumptions about reuse systems; also finds industry-funded reports lack transparency in methodologies
Workshop to support enforcement of EU FCM regulation
Article summarizes objectives and proceedings summary of a workshop series taking place in September 2021 helping EU agencies to strengthen enforcement of compliance work for food contact materials (FCMs) in Europe; 84 participants compile toolbox guiding enforcement agencies’
Viewpoint: Subthreshold effects need consideration in chemical risk assessment
Scientists point out chemical risk assessments worldwide neglect current scientific knowledge; advocate to consider potential subthreshold effects in regulatory risk assessment
New York banning PFAS in food packaging
New York governor Cuomo signs bill banning PFAS in all food packaging, effective from December 2022, follows Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) model registration; industry criticizes lack of alternatives
EFSA updates guidance on nanomaterials in the food chain
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) releases guidance documents on the technical requirements to establish the presence of small particles in food products, and how to perform risk assessments of nanomaterials in the food chain; includes migration of particles from food contact materials; agency reports on outcomes from the public consultation period
Coffee cups made from husk
Australian start-up creates reusable coffee cups from husk waste accumulating during coffee processing; cups intended for café and home environments as alternative to ceramics and single-use disposable cups
BPI guidelines for compostable FCMs
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) publishes set of guidelines for labeling and identifying compostable food contact materials (FCMs); aims to reduce contamination of composting waste streams; focuses on improved labelling and communication of compostable products
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
Coca-Cola bottle made of marine plastics
Company presents trial bottle with 25% of ‘recovered and recycled marine plastics’ content
FPF comments on integration of essential use concept
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) provides comments following a European Commission stakeholder consultation workshop on the essential use concept (ESU); finds integration of an ESU in EU’s food contact materials (FCM) regulation increases FCM safety by allowing easier and more efficient management of harmful chemicals; recommends integrating ESU into EU FCM regulations during current revision process