Center for Environmental Health and Campaign for Healthier Solutions urge U.S. discount retailers to take action on fluorinated chemicals in microwave popcorn bags
Report critically reviews socioeconomic assessments
New Economics Foundation publishes report investigating use of discount rates in socioeconomic assessments for industrial chemicals regulations under REACH; recommends considering precautionary principle regardless of economic effects, questions whether effects should be monetized
Testing for developmental neurotoxicity
Special issue of Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology features 18 articles discussing alternative (non-animal) methods for assessing chemicals’ potential to harm neurodevelopment in children
Retailer removes unwanted chemicals from consumer products
U.S. retailer Target adopts new chemical strategy and policy, aims for full ingredient transparency; goal is to remove phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, and nonylphenol ethoxylates from various products
Taiwan bans PVC in food packaging
Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) announces food packaging made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) will no longer be allowed by July 2023 and it is strengthening its scheme to reduce use of single-use plastic cups
Target presents new sustainable packaging goals
U.S. retailer Target announces new sustainability goals for its own-brand packaging, pledges efforts to improve recycling and increase demand for recycled packaging
Call for binding packaging quotas in Germany
German NGOs and industry associations urge national government to introduce binding quotas for reusable beverage containers; say national target of 70% by 2022 will not be achieved unless progressive steps introduced, discount stores adapt, consumer habits change
India bans PET for certain pharmaceuticals
India phases out PET and other plastic bottles as packaging for medicinal products for pediatric, geriatric use and for use by women in the reproductive age