Scientists present and discuss ongoing projects and findings on microplastics; includes research focuses on environmental abundance and health
May 9, 2022
2022 buying green report finds interest in sustainable packaging is stable
Survey by Trivium Packaging of 15,000 consumers in Europe and the Americas finds demand for sustainable packaging remains high; 66% of respondents consider sustainable packaging materials important, 86% of consumers aged 18-44 willing to pay more for such products, 74% interested in buying refillable packaging; found purchasing behaviors aligned with values
May 5, 2022
Commentary on chemical pollution calls for prioritizing health
Author describes the planet’s chemical legacy and emphasizes need for targeted global approach to contend with chemical pollution
May 4, 2022
US states continue to develop local PFAS regulations
Maryland bans intentionally added PFAS in paper and board packaging, disposable plastic gloves by January 2024; Washington State accelerates PFAS Chemical Action Plan, Department of Ecology reported to be hiring more staff to undertake the accelerated timeline; Washingtonians say food related products should be main concern of state’s Safer Products for Washington Program; Vermont considers banning bisphenols in food packaging
May 4, 2022
Luxembourg Parliament passes “package” of circular economy laws
Five new circular economy laws coming into force in Luxembourg over the next few years; laws ban many single use consumer products, plastic packaging for produce under 1.5kg; Supermarkets with more than 400 square meters of floor space must make space for collecting used packaging; reusables will be mandatory for in store eating and take away
May 3, 2022
Taiwan bans PVC in food packaging
Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) announces food packaging made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) will no longer be allowed by July 2023 and it is strengthening its scheme to reduce use of single-use plastic cups
April 28, 2022
Politico presents concerns about the US FDA
Politico reports the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lacks clear leadership managing food safety in the country, leading to delays and impacting the health of those living in the US; Environmental Working Group study finds nearly 99% of food chemicals added to the US market since 2000 were introduced through the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) rule
April 28, 2022
Measuring plastic particles released from food packaging and in human lungs
Scientists investigate plastic particles released from store-bought food packaging as well as human and mice health impacts of exposure; report single-use plastic products release >1012 nano-sized particles during use; find microplastics to suppress lysosomal activity in mouse macrophages; first detection of microplastics within human lung tissue samples; in vitro neurotoxicity study finds microplastics negatively impact human forebrain organoid development
April 27, 2022
Packaging stakeholder guidance on converting to reuse, using safer additives
Sustainable Packaging Coalition publishes guidance for converting to refillable or returnable packaging systems; CHEM Forward releases tool to help identify safer additives to use in plastic packaging
April 26, 2022
Studies report on bisphenol exposure and health effects
Review summarizes plastic-associated bisphenol A (BPA) sources, exposure, and human health risks; dietary bisphenol exposure via packaged food consumption in Saudi Arabia is potential human health concern; review discusses bisphenols’ effects on the cardiovascular system and recommends human-relevant studies with bisphenols other than BPA; consensus scoring analysis identifies endocrine-disrupting food contact chemicals potentially interacting with nuclear receptors
