News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
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
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
