India implements extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for plastic packaging, effective immediately; recycling targets for plastic producers, importers, and brand-owners start at 25% and progressively get stricter; Indian standards authority strengthens regulations for recycled plastic in food contact after receiving pushback
Conjugated BPA is biologically active
New study by Health Canada questions key assumption of bisphenol A risk assessment, shows obesogenic properties of allegedly “detoxified” food contact substance
Scientist with industry ties quits EU advisory panel
Environmental Health News reports on resignation of co-author of Dietrich et al. editorial from European Commission panel
US EPA: Screening for hazardous chemicals
US EPA advances chemical testing: computer screening models and automated processes
Nanoparticles in food linked to cancer
Oral ingestion of titanium dioxide nanoparticles induces abnormal immune responses, preneoplastic lesions in the colon; scientists call for re-evaluation of risks from oral exposure to nanoparticles
Fighting climate change with food packaging
Climate Change Leadership Conference discusses the complexity of the chemicals in food packaging and hears about how being environmentally friendly involves more than just investigating carbon emissions
Final event: Hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging (HCPP) project
Food Packaging Forum to co-host event on September 12, 2019 in Gothenburg, Sweden presenting results from multi-year research project on chemicals in plastic packaging; registration open to attend in person or via live webinar
EU Commission plans EDC hazard classes within CLP
European Commission announces plan to create new hazard classes for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) within the EU’s Classification, Labeling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation; industry stakeholders criticize decision, call for addressing EDCs via REACH Regulation; civil society groups welcome change; further discussion planned for February 2021
Soil microbes eat biodegradable plastic
Swiss and Austrian researchers show that soil microorganisms fully metabolize biodegradable polymer polybutylene adipate terephthalate; European Bioplastics deems doubts about biodegradable plastics clarified
EU consultation on circular economy action plan
European Committee of the Regions launches stakeholder consultation to inform upcoming opinion on circular economy action plan, targets local and regional authorities and their stakeholder associations; comments due by May 29, 2020