European Chemicals Agency recommends adding nine substances of very high concern (SVHCs) to the REACH Authorisation list; non-profit organization Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec) criticizes omission of some substances as well as delays on behalf of European Commission
Call to ban oxo-degradable plastics
Statement from Ellen MacArthur Foundation calls for global ban on oxo-degradable plastic packaging; signatories include major businesses, trade associations, NGOs, scientists and government representatives
Revised EDC criteria released
European Commission releases revised draft criteria for identification of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs); Member States to discuss the revised proposals on November 18
Good Manufacturing Practices for China’s Food
Forbes reports on Chinese Food Safety law revision, review needs to address enforcement mechanisms to optimize food safety
Scientists warn over-production of chemicals altering planetary systems
Peer-reviewed study finds pollution from synthetic chemical production and plastics is now altering planetary systems vital to human survival; recommends implementing cap on chemical production and release similar to greenhouse gases
Ranking of U.S. retailers’ safer chemicals programs
Non-profit organization Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families evaluates 11 U.S. retailers regarding their efforts in removing toxic chemicals; overall retailers’ safer chemicals programs need improvement
SETAC North America 41st Annual Meeting
U.S. draft regulations take aim at packaging waste
Two draft bills from U.S. House representatives and senators focus on better managing packaging material waste and reducing marine pollution; current version of Senate bill introduces return deposit scheme, extended producer responsibility, bans
New requirements for trade secret claims
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires justification for confidential business information claims under reformed chemicals regulation TSCA
New study shows novel effects of low dose BPA exposures
Early life exposures to low doses of BPA studied in mice and linked to significant dose-dependent changes in animals’ biochemical response