Guest column in Chemical Watch criticizes the inclusion of resorcinol in the Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP) for 2019-2021 to be assessed by France due to potential thyroid effects; points out to previously concluded evaluation by Finland, lack of remaining data gaps or new information to justify re-evaluation
Webinar series: Current opportunities for better identification of endocrine disrupting chemicals at European level – Part 1
Safety assessment of biodegradable polymer
EFSA deems poly((R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate) safe for use in food contact materials for dry or solid food
German packaging register online
Central German packaging register ‘LUCID’ launched; registration of packaged goods possible until January 1, 2019, when new German packaging law enters into force
Scientists send letter about EDC criteria
Group of scientists express concern about proposed EDC criteria in open letter to EU Health Commissioner Andriukaitis and make recommendations for improvement
Study finds composite packaging causes more packaging waste
German Gesellschaft für Verpackungsmarktforschung finding paper composite packaging use will increase until 2025, uses 40% more material; paper composites cause more packaging waste, cause problems for recycling, replace hardly or non-recyclable or hardly recyclable plastic packaging, compete with improvement of plastic recycling; may be harmful to circular economy (in German)
Recycled materials: Food contact compliance considerations in the US
EC: draft proposal to restrict intentionally added microplastics
European Commission (EC) publishes draft proposal to restrict intentionally-added synthetic polymer microparticles < 5 mm; could ban use of microplastics in cosmetics, cleaning products, pesticides, and sport fields; environmental groups warn of shortcomings
Chemical composition of consumer products
Ensia article outlines efforts of U.S. states to demand information on chemicals of concern in consumer products from companies
What are bioplastics? New fact sheet answers common questions
Food Packaging Forum publishes fact sheet about bioplastics; clarifies the meaning of the terms “bio-based” and “biodegradable;” discusses aspects of bioplastic production, chemical safety, and implications for bioplastics use and disposal