News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
October 16, 2019
Large group of scientists denounce U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s plans to end animal testing by 2035; dispute agency’s claims that better methods exist to predict hazards of chemicals; publish open letter available for signing
Topics: non-animal testing
Reading time: 1 minute
October 16, 2019
Bill AB-792 would have increased the required recycled content of containers in the state to reach 50% by 2030; governor cites concerns about amendments allowing manufacturers to appeal requirement if target not met
Topics: recycling
Reading time: 1 minute
October 15, 2019
Marine biologist criticizes inconsistencies and unrealistic techniques used to study microplastic pollution; recommends avoiding nets for sampling, microscopes for counting; promotes using non-spherical microplastics and allowing time for elimination; researchers should focus on quality over quantity
Topics: microplastics
Reading time: 2 minutes
October 15, 2019
New documentary follows the life cycle of plastics, interviewing stakeholders across five countries; screenings scheduled at film festivals in the U.S., discussions underway for widespread distribution
Topics: plastics
Reading time: 1 minute
October 14, 2019
Silent Spring Institute publishes report investigating PFAS exposure, finds consuming home-cooked meals reduces exposure compared to restaurant consumption; U.S. state of Washington to focus on paper wraps and liners during alternatives assessment; U.S. presidential candidate pledges to label substance class as hazardous substances
Topics: PFAS
Reading time: 3 minutes
October 14, 2019
Community of brands developing paper-based bottles; aims to create 100% bio-based, recyclable paper bottle without use of polymers
Topics: paper & board
Reading time: 1 minute
October 10, 2019
U.S. Food and Drug Administration announces development of expanded database to contain packaging factors for 550 foods, considers advances in packaging technology since current factors were released 40 years ago; period for public comment and submission of additional data not yet announced
Topics: FDA, regulation
Reading time: 1 minute
October 10, 2019
ILSI North America publishes case studies comparing U.S. EPA in vitro ToxCast data with in vivo toxicity data for food contact chemicals, identifies potential as well as challenges integrating high-throughput screening data into safety assessments
Reading time: 1 minute
October 9, 2019
Independent testing and certification organization announces new voluntary standard for recycled materials in products with minimum 20% recycled content; standard applies to entire supply chain, inspects social, environmental, chemical practices, restricts use of SVHCs, other substances of environmental and health concern
Topics: recycling
Reading time: 1 minute
October 9, 2019
Project with the University of Sunderland develops edible label that can be applied directly to foods and provides scannable code for users to access further information; aims to reduce need for additional packaging
Topics: active packaging, labels
Reading time: 1 minute
