REACH restriction limits concentration of the four phthalates DEHP, DBP, DIBP, and BBP in consumer articles; restriction does not apply to food contact materials
European Parliament passes resolution on chemicals strategy
Calls for ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ principle, specific provisions for endocrine disrupting chemicals in food contact materials to be treated similar to substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction
European Council adopts position on Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
Maintains criteria that all packaging must be recyclable; introduces requirement for separate waste collection; tasks Commission with preparing a report on substances of concern and their impact on recycling, reuse, and chemical safety
New website on chemicals advocacy
Chemicals advocacy group Coming Clean launches website
8th International Seminar Biopolymers and Sustainable Composites
Vote on EDC criteria on hold
EU Commission presents latest revised draft of criteria to identify endocrine disruptors to Member States; no formal vote taken; next meeting not yet scheduled
Challenges and developments in plastic converter industry
Food Contact Plastics Seminar 2019 discusses use of the mutual recognition principle, improved supply chain communication, analysis of non-intentionally added substances, and regulation of recycling for plastic FCMs
China publishes amendment to standard on uses of additives in FCMs
National Health Commission publishes draft amendment to standard on uses of additives in food contact materials (FCMs) and articles; includes correction about specific migration limits of certain chemicals
The complexity of plastics recycling
Article by EcoWatch outlines some of the challenges in recycling plastics, deems recycling no simple solution to plastic pollution
Single-use plastics directive coming into force
EU’s single-use plastics directive now published in the Official Journal of the EU