News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
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
June 12, 2026
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes draft contaminant list that may require regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act; list also covers microplastics; Food Packaging Forum (FPF) comments that measures to reduce microplastic exposure must begin now
Topics: microplastics, USA
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 11, 2026
European Commission drafts restriction on carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic substances (CMRs) in childcare articles; Food Packaging Forum (FPF) highlights inconsistencies with existing EU legislation that may result in lower protection against CMRs compared with plastic food contact materials
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 10, 2026
California law to only allow recyclability labels on packaging if > 60% of the population has access to suitable recycling facilities goes into effect October 2026; packaging and food industry suing that law is a violation of company free speech
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 9, 2026
Study identifies globalization, urbanization, and household dynamics as key socio-economic drivers behind the growing reliance on packaged food and food packaging; proposes degrowth policies and incentives for fresh, unpackaged food to reduce dependence
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 8, 2026
Nature Health study assesses over 100 brain samples for micro- and nanoplastic presence, their exact location, and potential entry pathways; particles present in almost all samples; disrupted blood-brain barrier suggested to facilitate particle entry into brain
Topics: human health, microplastics
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 3, 2026
Ghana to ban polystyrene foam products nationwide effective January 2027; covers virtually all applications including food contact materials (FCMs); products used for medical, scientific, laboratory and diagnostic purposes exempt
Reading time: 1 minute
