Soft drink companies have limited commitment to reducing single-use plastic bottles, increasing recycled content in PET bottles, considering PET bottles’ contribution to ocean pollution, according to new Greenpeace report
EC’s proposal for regulating printed FCMs
EU Commission publishes proposal for new regulatory approach for Union measure on printed FCMs, discussed during May 2017 meeting of working group on FCMs with Member States
Microplastics in compost
New study finds microplastic particles in compost from supermarket and household waste; plastic fragments most likely remnants of food packaging; potential source of microplastic contamination in soil and freshwater
EU roadmap for EDCs
European Commission publishes roadmap draft, details options for regulation of endocrine disrupting chemicals used in biocidal and plant protection products
Guide to design for recycled content
New guide aims to support brands and suppliers in increasing recycled content in packaging; provides specific guidance for a range of packaging material types
Updates on global food contact legislation
Global regulatory news and industry initiatives presented at Smithers Pira conference on Global Food Contact; presentations focused on the harmonization of the European legislation and the mutual understanding of global regulatory frameworks
BPA and brain development
New study finds increased numbers of neurons formed during early development in mouse pups prenatally exposed to bisphenol A; altered social behavior and hyperactivity observed later in life
Upcoming webinar on microplastics
Collaborative on Health and Environment to hold third webinar within series on the effects on plastics on health; registration now open
Parabens increase BPA exposure
Parabens inhibit several biotransformation enzymes involved in steroid hormone metabolism and chemical detoxification; study in mice shows that co-exposure with butyl paraben results in elevated internal levels of estradiol and BPA
Studies review human exposures and effects of micro- and nanoplastics
Three studies investigate micro- and nanoplastics – source, organ deposition, and reproductive effects; detect up to 240,000 plastic particles/L in bottled water with 90% being nanoplastics; find microplastics in human lung, intestine, and kidney tissues; polyethylene particles found to affect placental function in mice