Scientists measure content and migration of inorganic elements from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA); report higher levels in PHA produced from municipal waste and wastewater sludge fractions compared to PHA produced from fruit wastes; in all cases migration below set migration limits
Responses to draft EDC identification guidance
Responders to consultation on draft guidance for identification of EDCs criticize too high level of evidence required and too narrow scope
Chemical analytics of novel food packaging
Scientists review chemical analytical approaches for food contaminants originating from packaging, including active packaging and novel biopolymers; call for thorough characterization of substances migrating from active packaging, including impurities, auxiliary compounds, potential biotransformation products
Study assesses migration from recycled HDPE milk bottles
Paper in Resources, Conservation, and Recycling investigates chemical migration from recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE); when recycled milk bottles mixed with non-milk-bottle rHDPE, resulting plastic contaminated with chemicals of concern; rHDPE from well-sorted, decontaminated milk bottles may be clean enough for food contact; octocrylene and octinoxate still migrate at concerning levels, reduction may require further decontamination or changes in manufacturing or legislation
Forum on circular economy in Switzerland
Swiss Recycling to host forum on EU’s circular economy package; discuss status of Switzerland within the field; registration now open
Fluorinated chemicals in fast food packaging in U.S.
Scientists demonstrate high prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in U.S. fast food packaging; PFOA found despite phase out announced
WHO publishes report on EDCs
New report by the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe addresses the risks from exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, recommends actions at the country level
EU court rejects industry appeal on DEHP
EU Court of Justice dismisses industry appeal against ECHA’s identification of DEHP as endocrine disruptor for the environment; case sets precedent for other ongoing suits e.g. on BPA
Repercussions of PFOA at Teflon production site
Article discusses history of PFOA, focusing on environmental and public health effects, legal consequences and regulatory implications
New Jersey bans all carryout bags, polystyrene foam packaging
Legislature for US state of New Jersey passes bill banning both plastic and paper single-use bags, polystyrene foam food containers; plastic straw use to be limited; bill will be signed by governor and enter into force 18 months later