EU Competent Authorities for REACH and CLP (CARACAL) subgroup members debate on the identification of polymers requiring registration and their grouping; consider different opinions of stakeholders on group size, acceptable hazard variation within a group and options to deal with the variety of molecular weights one polymer can have; discussions to continue until end of 2021
PC-replacements: Genotoxicity of NIAS
Decision tree applied to investigate genotoxic potential of 48 migrates from ‘BPA-free’ baby bottles; more data needed for unequivocal classification
OECD on policies for sustainable plastics design
Global forum discusses design of sustainable plastics from chemicals perspective within circular economy, publishes meeting report and working paper investigating policy approaches, identifying gaps and opportunities
Quantification of metal migration
EU reference laboratory for FCMs tests different methods for quantification of metals migrating from plastics and ceramics into acidic food simulants
Microplastics in bottled water
New study finds microplastic particles in popular bottled water brands, detects on average 10 larger-sized microplastic particles and over 300 smaller-sized, likely also plastic particles per liter; WHO to launch review of health risks
FPF Workshop 2018: Improving chemical safety by new science
Presentations at Food Packaging Forum 2018 workshop cover predictive toxicology, computational methodologies, green chemistry
FPF Workshop 2016: Substitution and elimination of chemicals of concern
Experts from industry and academia explain fundamental concepts and legal background of chemical substitutions; discuss practical challenges in replacing chemicals of concern in food packaging materials
Scientists present and apply spectral database on plastic additives
Researchers develop high-resolution spectral database and method for the identification of 56 selected organic plastic additives; indicates presence of multiple additives when applied to polypropylene and polylactic acid food packaging; highlight chemical signature not polymer but product dependent and “bioplastic” just as conventional plastics contain harmful additives
Emerging chemical risks in food
Study by European Food Safety Authority identifies 212 substances fully registered under REACH to pose ‘potential chemical risks’ in the food chain
Lead and arsenic in food contact paper
Low migration of lead and arsenic measured in food contact paper bought in Korea; resulting human exposure estimated to be within safe levels