On October 25, 2016 the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) held its fourth public workshop themed “Modern science to inform regulation of food contact materials in the circular economy.” Over 80 participants from retailers, the food industry, the chemical industry, food contact material (FCM) manufacturers, trade associations, environmental, health and consumer organizations, and testing laboratories, as well as scientists, regulators, enforcement officers, and consultants came together to discuss recent scientific findings, regulatory challenges, and the implications of the circular economy on FCMs and their chemical safety.
The morning session covered the topics enforcement, migration, and toxicity of bisphenol A (FPF reported), as well as substitution and elimination of chemicals of concern (FPF reported). The afternoon session featured six speakers with different backgrounds who shared their perspectives on FCMs and the circular economy. The session concluded in a podium discussion focusing on the circular economy and the opportunities and challenges it presents for FCMs (FPF reported).
50+ participants also attended the pre-workshop dinner on the evening before the workshop to engage in lively conversation with different experts and enjoy casual dining.
The video recordings and presentation slides of the workshop are now available online. Next year’s workshop will take place on October 5, 2017 in Zurich, Switzerland.
