World Economic Forum (WEF) releases report on the Future of Reusable Consumption Models; aims to clarify “an alternative plastic waste-reduction model… beyond the recycling of waste”; Upstream publishes design principles for reusable packaging materials; The Consumer Goods Forum publishes nine “Golden Design Rules” for plastic packaging to increase recyclability
France to launch glass deposit system
French government has announced plans to establish glass deposit system; aims to phase out single-use plastics by 2040; incentivizes reusable glass with dedicated fund of 50 million Euro
BPA: predictor of prostate cancer?
New study detects high urinary BPA in prostate cancer patients, cellular changes in prostate cells at low levels of exposure
Reverse causation bias in PFOA studies
Scientists suggest increased perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) blood levels are consequence of early menopause and kidney disease, not cause
New method for analysis of BPA in recycled food contact paper
Spanish study shows new and fast method allows for an accurate determination of bisphenol-type compounds and measured BPA in all analyzed recycled materials.
EFSA: Updated risk assessment of five phthalates
European Food Safety Authority publishes updated risk assessment for the phthalates DBP, BBP, DEHP, DINP, DIDP; retains developed group and individual tolerable daily intake limits; finds no current public health concern but cautions that values set are temporary due to uncertainties
Migration from aged polycarbonate plastics
Scientists examine influence of ageing on the migration of oligomers and coloring agents from polycarbonate tableware; higher migration of degradation products from older and damaged plastics, colorants from newer products
Study measures PFAS in UK food packaging
Fidra publishes report testing for presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 92 samples of fiber-based food packaging from UK supermarkets and take away restaurants; finds 18 have total organic fluorine levels above background concentration; highest concentrations in molded fiber take away boxes
Plastic straws to be banned
UK Environment Secretary pushes for ban on plastics straws; EU Commission’s vice-president says EU law on single-use plastics expected before summer 2018
Tracking action on plastic pollution
National Geographic raises awareness about the global plastic waste crisis, publishes running list of actions against plastic pollution