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IPCP calls for global science-policy body on chemicals

Academic scientists from the International Panel on Chemical Pollution (IPCP) publish article in journal Science, call for creation of new global science-policy body to address pollution from chemicals and waste; new body to provide scientific basis for international and national action via authoritative assessments, identifying emerging concerns, connecting policy makers to scientists

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Consumer perspectives on switching to reusable packaging

Four recent studies explore how to switch to reusable packaging; concerns related to hygiene and return logistics are barriers identified by all studies; cultural and socio-economic factors, the food items, and the setting play major role in the successful rollout; consumer desirability, business viability, sustainability, and technical feasibility are interlocked, and their combined analysis can support the roll-out of reuse systems

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Updated safety guidelines for metals used in food contact

European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare updates guidance document on metals and alloys used for food contact; sets updated Specific Release Limits; assesses safety of various metals based on scientific evidence; emphasizes need for collaboration between stakeholders to minimize health risks from released substances

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ZWE estimates lower recycling rates for beverage cartons

Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) estimates recycling of beverage cartons for Germany, Spain, Sweden, and UK; uses EU’s updated recycling calculation methodology, finds results lower than reported previously by Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE) ; ZWE recommends investment in reuse and recycling infrastructure, effective collection and sorting systems, widely recognized recyclability label

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Recommendations for EU’s Sustainable Products Initiative

European Environmental Bureau releases discussion paper and policy briefs with recommendations for European Commission’s Sustainable Products Initiative; discusses ideas to integrate the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability into product regulation; also identifies measures to increase value chain transparency

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German authorities seek comments for bisphenol restriction proposal

Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the competent authority for REACH in Germany, and the German Environment Agency launch second stakeholder consultation in preparation for a REACH Restriction Dossier for bisphenol A (BPA) and other similar bisphenols; seeking updated use information including tonnages, emissions, alternatives and transition costs, and limit values; authorities already have enough data to demonstrate hazards

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REACH regulation under scrutiny

European Commission acknowledges unfeasible deadlines; responds to European Ombudsman inquiry about efficiency and transparency concerns; Commission president intends to simplify REACH