CDC release updated human exposure data from NHANES on food contact substances
UNEA: 175 nations agree to develop plastic pollution treaty
Fifth meeting of the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi unanimously agrees to the development of a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution; development process including consultations to begin by end of 2022, treaty expected by the end of 2024
Benelux demand market withdrawal of bamboo plastics
Belgium, Luxembourg, and Netherlands (Benelux) publish joint letter calling for market withdrawal of ‘bamboo melamine plastics’; reminds readers that products do not comply with article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 10/2011; Benelux national authorities plan to reinforce market controls from second quarter of 2021, pursue violators
PFASs in the environment
Scientists characterize global patterns of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the environment; emissions likely to continue for years to come; more research needed to cover PFASs other than PFOS and PFOA
Restaurant review site now includes packaging as search filter
The restaurant review and search site Yelp now includes search filters for packaging; when searching for a restaurant, customers can filter for reusable tableware, plastic-free packaging, accepting of bring-your-own containers; restaurant owners can update the settings, customers can suggest changes to Yelp
Plastic bottle recycling in U.S. continues to fall
Latest report from industry groups shows decrease in amount of post-consumer plastic bottles collected for recycling
Global estimate of plastic production, use and fate
8,300 million tons of plastics produced to date, according to new study; only 9% of plastic waste recycled; 12,000 million tons of plastic waste expected to accumulate in landfills or environment by 2050
Chemical migration from plastic FCMs in China
Chinese scientists analyze migration from 120 domestic plastic FCM products; only 13% of detected migrants listed on EU positive list for plastic FCMs; widespread detection of antioxidant precursor 2,4-DTBP
Emerging chemical risks in food
Study by European Food Safety Authority identifies 212 substances fully registered under REACH to pose ‘potential chemical risks’ in the food chain
Declaration on nanomaterial regulation
Five European countries issue ‘Berlin Declaration’ calling to address gaps in nanomaterial regulation