Packaging of the future
Zurich University of Applied Sciences holds annual symposium; developments in sustainability, migration, and active and intelligent packaging discussed
Public consultation on marine microplastic pollution
EU Commission launches public consultation on policy options to reduce microplastics entering the oceans; consultation open to all citizens until October 16, 2017
"BPA free" may not equal safe
Center for Environmental Health research into sippy cups finds BPA-free cups with higher estrogenic activity
HBM4EU: 2nd prioritization round
European Human Biomonitoring Initiative holds stakeholder workshop, presents strategy for the 2nd prioritization round, discusses short list of substances
SusChem updates Sustainable Plastics Strategy Report
The European Technology Platform for Sustainable Chemistry (SusChem) publishes an updated version of sustainable plastics report; discuss challenges, scope, technical readiness, and impact; many projects still in the pilot or research stage
Database sheds light on thousands of chemicals in food contact materials
Peer-reviewed study and freely available interactive tool provides systematic overview of food contact chemicals measured in migrates and extracts of food contact materials and articles
JRC publishes case studies on single-use versus reusable packaging
European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) publishes life cycle assessment (LCA) case studies covering five single-use versus reusable packaging scenarios; incorporates 16 impacts; paper production practices and consumer behavior play significant role in final, single impact score; reuse tended to perform better in most scenarios, significantly so when comparing reusable glass bottles versus single-use glass
Roadmap for evaluation of EU FCM regulation
EU Commission publishes roadmap for evaluation and fitness check of food contact materials regulation 1935/2004; stakeholder feedback accepted until December 26, 2017
Replacing phthalates in plastic packaging
Swedish non-governmental organization ChemSec publishes practical advice to business operators on why and how to replace phthalates, discusses alternatives, regrettable substitutions, and policy options