News
The Food Packaging Forum reports on recent developments across the food packaging and health field.
March 8, 2022
150 chemicals have been measured to migrate from PET bottles into drinks; 18 chemicals exceed EU migration limits, only 41 included in EU’s regulations on plastic food contact materials; most migrating chemicals are non-intentionally added substances (NIAS); systematic review includes 91 studies
Reading time: 2 minutes
March 7, 2022
Food Packaging Forum publishes fact sheet about bioplastics; clarifies the meaning of the terms “bio-based” and “biodegradable;” discusses aspects of bioplastic production, chemical safety, and implications for bioplastics use and disposal
Reading time: 1 minute
March 7, 2022
Over 500 stakeholders call in to virtual workshop to hear initial thoughts on incorporating the essential use concept into EU chemicals legislation, and to provide feedback
Topics: chemicals strategy, essential use
Reading time: 2 minutes
March 4, 2022
Fifth meeting of the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi unanimously agrees to the development of a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution; development process including consultations to begin by end of 2022, treaty expected by the end of 2024
Reading time: 2 minutes
March 2, 2022
European Commission (EC) opens consultation period on the use of styrene as a food contact material; considering developing migration limit for styrene into food; stakeholder survey open until April 11, 2022
Reading time: 1 minute
March 2, 2022
UK Plastics Pact publishes second round of ‘problem plastics’ to eliminate by end of 2022; includes non-compostable fruit and vegetable stickers, non-compostable tea and coffee bags, PVC film; longer term goal to remove packaging from whole fruits and vegetables; Pact has reduced consumer packaging 10% between 2018 and 2020
Topics: plastic ban, plastics
Reading time: 0 minutes
March 1, 2022
UK civil society organization Wrap finds selling produce without plastic packaging and date labels would save 100,000 tons food and 10,300 tons plastic in UK yearly; fruits and vegetables studied have the same shelf life without packaging; packaging sizes encourage overconsumption; date labeling encourages early disposal; Foodwatch petitions German government to ban plastic packaging for produce by 2026
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 28, 2022
Scientists with expertise on the effects of chemicals and pollution from plastics urge the United States to support a binding plastics treaty; promote Rwanda and Peru’s resolution as one considering the entire life cycle of plastics
Reading time: 1 minute
February 28, 2022
Civil society organization Foodwatch Germany is petitioning the German government to follow the lead of France and Spain in banning plastic packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables; claims ban would save more than 60,000 tons of plastic waste; French ban went into effect January 2022, Spain plans ban for 2023, Foodwatch petitions Germany for ban by 2026
Topics: plastic, plastic ban
Reading time: 0 minutes
February 28, 2022
South Korean Ministry of Environment announces disposable cups from chain cafes and fast-food restaurants will have 300 KRW deposit beginning June 10, 2022; applies to chains with more than 100 branches, 38,000 stores total; plan includes production standards for plastic and paper cups to ensure recyclability; part of South Korea’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal
Reading time: 2 minutes
