News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
February 12, 2021
Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) recommends 13 key investments for US federal action; includes funding for multi re-use facility infrastructure, Environmental Protection Agency , research, government, and educational institutions; discourages further investments in chemical recycling, waste-to-energy/fuel technologies, carbon sequestration, downcycling, production, distribution and export of plastics
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 12, 2021
Civil society organization develops resources webpage dedicated to recent scientific research and policy initiatives related to chemical mixtures; provides overview and links to scientific projects and policy reports
Reading time: 1 minute
February 11, 2021
European Parliament approves report calling for European Commission to adopt binding targets and expanded EcoDesign Directive within Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), aims to reduce overall consumption and material use; proposes solutions to problems of higher prices for recycled materials and low availably of high-quality recycled materials
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 10, 2021
Study in Environmental Science Technology on adapted General Unified Threshold model for Survival (GUTS) for environmental risk assessment of chemical mixtures; includes time dimension, approach can be extended to multiple compounds, evaluate synergistic or additive interaction
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 10, 2021
Study in Environmental Science Technology Letters investigates presence of semi-volatile organic chemicals (SVOCs) and associated changes in microbiome of 79 children with 43 SVOC biomarkers detected; study includes phthalates, phenols, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); less abundant microbes replaced due to higher sensitivity to chemicals, increased abundance of dehalogenation bacteria observed; more extensive studies needed to verify results and understand human health implications
Reading time: 3 minutes
February 9, 2021
Safer States releases analysis on anticipated US toxic chemical regulation; 27 states considering policies across more than 180 bills, primary focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); 11 states could eliminate PFAS from food packaging
Reading time: 1 minute
February 9, 2021
Recycling Leadership Council releases recycling blueprint, identifies role of US federal government in modernizing and standardizing recycling system; suggests three areas for political action: clearer data collection and reporting, nationwide standards and definitions, targeted investments in the recycling sector
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 5, 2021
Reproductive epidemiologist Shanna Swan publishes book discussing link between declining sperm count and chemical pollution; describes observed changes in sexual development, effect on long-term health; offers advice on how to protect oneself and unborn life from chemical exposure; upcoming webinar scheduled for February 23, 2021
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 4, 2021
PAC Packaging Consortium free online tool scores product packaging based on factors including material type, weight, reuse/recyclability, renewable/recycled content; provides single score with recommendations for improvement
Reading time: 1 minute
February 4, 2021
European Commission presents plan aimed to better prevent and treat cancer; includes focus on reducing exposure to hazardous substances, links to Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability; Health and Environment Alliance calls on Commission to use the plan in supporting revision of outdated EU food contact material regulations
Reading time: 1 minute
