News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
July 15, 2026
European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) publishes updated model estimating packaging placed on the market across 19 EU countries; finds plastic packaging volumes increased by about 11% between 2011 and 2025; identifies substantial differences in packaging material use and potential material shifts across product categories and countries
Reading time: 2 minutes
July 9, 2026
Report commissioned by the European Commission finds bio-based plastics could complement recycled content under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation; recommends binding targets and sustainability criteria
Reading time: 2 minutes
July 6, 2026
European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment adopts opinion on trifluoroacetic acid (TFA); recommends classifying TFA as persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT), very persistent and very mobile (vPvM), and toxic to reproduction; TFA is a degradation product of other PFAS, including some used in food contact materials
Reading time: 2 minutes
July 2, 2026
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) call for evidence for developing occupational exposure limits on bisphenols ended July 1, 2026; FPF submitted evidence for bisphenol exposure from food contact materials; emphasized real-world exposure to bisphenols and other hazardous chemicals happens in mixtures; highlighted recent scientific evidence for human exposure and potential health impacts of bisphenols
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 26, 2026
UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) publishes report on food safety aspects of recycled plastic and alternative food contact materials (FCMs); Food Packaging Forum (FPF) writes letter to FAO highlighting several concerns over report’s framing, interpretation of science, and risk assessment approaches
Topics: recycling, regulation
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 25, 2026
U.S. researchers and health professionals outline current evidence for childhood exposure to toxic chemicals from plastics, micro- and nanoplastics; highlight plastic-associated neurodevelopmental conditions as “a significant public health concern”; call for policy action to limit exposure to plastic-associated toxic chemicals, especially among children
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 18, 2026
PR3: The Global Alliance to Advance Reuse launches universal reuse symbol; symbol used to identify reusable packaging and reuse systems, including food packaging; distinct from recycling logo; reuse symbol can only be used if strict criteria are met
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 17, 2026
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) publishes report outlining “key areas of regulatory challenge”; includes protecting against most harmful chemicals, promoting safe circular materials; outlines steps for creating harmonized classification for neuro- and immunotoxicity
Topics: chemical safety, ECHA
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 16, 2026
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Western Region directs food businesses to stop using newspapers for food contact immediately; cites health concerns from chemical, bacterial contamination; suggests moving towards food-grade packaging to comply with regulations
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 15, 2026
International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) publishes report series with details of bisphenol and phthalate pollution, research, and regulations for 20 countries; country situation reports developed with local civil society organizations; series includes Bangladesh, Brazil, Cameroon, Congo, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Tanzania, and others
Topics: Argentina, Bangladesh, Benin, bisphenols, Brazil, Cameroon, Congo, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Philippines, phthalates, Serbia, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia
Reading time: 2 minutes
