EcoWatch article presents evidence that manufacturers knew since 1970s that plastic recycling is not viable economically; recent survey finds only 1/3 of UK food product packaging locally recyclable; manufacturer singles out PET as way forward towards circular economy
ChemSec: REACH authorization process requires improvements
Authorization process shall be smooth and efficient, strong focus on REACH’s original intentions is a must
Study identifies chemicals driving semen quality deterioration
Scientists perform mixture risk assessment on 29 chemicals capable of affecting semen quality; show exposure to chemicals that lead to declined semen quality highly exceed tolerable daily intake in Europe; identify bisphenols, polychlorinated dioxins, paracetamol, and phthalates as risk drivers
EFSA conference 2018: Values in risk assessment
Opening session at EFSA conference 2018 addresses recognition and management of values in risk assessment and decision making, discusses factors important for fit-for-purpose risk assessment
It’s time for regulating high persistence chemicals, scientists find
Viewpoint article points out high persistence of chemicals as the main driver for global chemical pollution footprints; urge development of chemicals regulation addressing high persistence alone
Report on chemicals in food packaging
U.S. groups Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund publish report on food packaging chemicals; address health hazards and regulatory failures; call for greater transparency to drive changes in the Californian market place
US Plastics Pact launched
Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Plastics Pact network expands to include US Plastics Pact collaborative with over 60 signatories
Plastics Global Commitment progress report 2021
Finds global virgin plastic production for signatory brands and retailers has likely peaked; progress so far driven by recycling, but warns recycling is not the solution and elimination of single-use packaging urgently needed; separate reports find US polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle recycling rates decreasing and Australia not meeting plastic recycling targets
Coalition signs open letter to EU advocating for reuse systems to reduce packaging waste
Civil society organizations and reuse businesses concerned about lobbying for packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR); urge for well-designed reuse systems in PPWR; emphasize the scientific evidence in accompanying fact sheet; Euroconsumers presents checklist with five criteria to consider for a robust PPWR
Communicating and reducing SVHC use
EU project survey finds half of companies do not have ready information to respond to consumer requests about substances of very high concern (SVHCs); Swedish Chemicals Agency develops app to improve SVHC communication; Danish report finds current legislation has reduced SVHC use in Nordic countries