German institute for risk assessment publishes position statement on melamine-formaldehyde resins, including tableware made with bamboo fibers; warns consumers against using such tableware with hot liquids; recommends lowering specific migration limit of formaldehyde in EU regulation from 15 to 6 mg/kg
US NGOs: FDA must reassess safety of BPA
US scientists, public health and environmental organizations submit formal petition to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting it to restrict or remove current bisphenol A approvals for use in food packaging; cite new scientific evidence showing safe exposure level 5,000-times below FDA’s current limit
What happens to micro- and nanoplastics in the body?
Study proposes a preliminary physiologically-based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model for micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs); polymer type, size, shape, surface chemistry, surface biofilms, and biocorona determine toxicokinetic rates; models for engineered nanoparticles are not appropriate due to heterogeneity of MNPs; uptake via inhalation and effects of absorbed chemicals need more investigation
Virginia bans polystyrene and single-use plastics
US state governor passes legislation banning polystyrene foam food packaging partially by 2023 and fully by 2025; sets penalty of $50 a day, civil organizations to be exempted; signed executive order regulating phase-out of non-reusable plastics from public institutions by July 21, 2021
New US chemical regulation on the horizon
Bipartisan bill reforms the Toxic Substances Control Act, gets support from industry and environmental groups
EDC criteria for biocides progressing
EU Member States hold final discussion on criteria to identify endocrine disruptors in the field of biocidal products; Commission to adopt proposed criteria soon
California governor vetoes recycled content bill
Bill AB-792 would have increased the required recycled content of containers in the state to reach 50% by 2030; governor cites concerns about amendments allowing manufacturers to appeal requirement if target not met
BEUC, CHEM Trust call for reformed EU FCM regulations
European Consumer Organization (BEUC) publishes position paper on current EU food contact material (FCM) regulation, calls for answers to known deficiencies, harmonized regulation; CHEM Trust letter to European Commissioner for Health outlines concerns, recommends following five key principles
Recycling of PET thermoforms
Petcore Europe updates on recent challenges in recycling PET thermoforms; collection and sorting of PET packaging need improvement; packaging design is key for recycling
Plastics and circular economy
New report by the Ellen McArthur Foundation presents strategies to achieve a more sustainable plastics economy