News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
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
May 28, 2026
UN Human Rights Council (HRC) Advisory Committee to prepare study on implications of plastic pollution for full enjoyment of human rights; Food Packaging Forum (FPF) responds to Advisory Committee’s call for inputs and provides information on impacts of hazardous chemicals from plastic food contact materials on human rights; suggests potential approaches to tackle plastic pollution
Reading time: 3 minutes
May 27, 2026
Deposit return system, volta, launches in Portugal ahead of new EU packaging rules; plastic and metal beverage containers collected for recycling at automated collection terminals; glass and reuse omitted
Reading time: 1 minute
May 26, 2026
Amendment clarifies terms; prohibits use of DEHP and DEHA in PVC materials; defines criteria for use of post-consumer recycled polypropylene for closed loop recycling
Reading time: 2 minutes
May 25, 2026
Greenpeace International-commissioned study finds microplastic and chemical contamination in baby food packaged in flexible pouches from Nestlé and Danone; detects plastic-associated hormone disruptor and potential obesogen in purees; calls on Gerber and U.S. Government to act
Reading time: 4 minutes
May 22, 2026
Publications outline process for post-market assessment of food chemicals, including in food contact; FPF comments on food chemical prioritization tool not addressed; FDA also reviewing safety of BHT and ADA as food additives
Reading time: 4 minutes
May 20, 2026
European Commission is drafting a regulation to restrict substances deemed to be carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) from childcare products; includes some food contact materials
Reading time: 2 minutes
May 15, 2026
Food Safety and Disclosure Act requires generally recognized as safe (GRAS) food additives on the New York market to be added to public database; aims to close Food and Drug Administration loophole allowing use of food additives without public knowledge; argues federal GRAS reform is too slow; other states considering similar bills while US House of Representatives remains divided
Reading time: 5 minutes
