German retailer EDEKA launches laser marks on fruit and vegetables instead of using sticker labels or plastic film
Regulation drives substitution of SVHCs
ECHA-commissioned study shows that REACH is important driver for substitution of hazardous chemicals in the EU; more resources and infrastructure required; education on substitution, collaboration within supply chains need improvement
EFSA approves polymeric additive for use in FCMs
New additive copolymer in nanoform to be used in PVC and PLA
BEF Germany brochure on FCMs and chemicals
Non-governmental organization Baltic Environmental Forum Germany (BEF) publishes brochure providing general introduction and overview of hazardous chemicals in food contact materials (FCMs), common material types, tips for reducing exposure
Hazardous substances in food contact
A new scientific publication by the Food Packaging Forum identifies hazardous substances legally used in food contact
EU food alert system annual report 2015
Rapid alert system for food and feed (RASFF) 2015 annual report published; 152 notifications for food contact materials; migration of chromium most notified issue
Substitution analysis for plastic packaging
Life cycle assessment study commissioned by American Chemistry Council finds packaging plastics to have more favorable environmental profile than alternatives made of glass, metal, paper, textile, wood
EFSA’s activities on emerging risks
European Food Safety Authority publishes report summarizing activities related to emerging risk identification in 2018; considers food contact additives and related challenges of substituting materials
Method for measuring nanoparticles
Scientific publication details new method for measuring the precise dose of nanomaterials in cells and fluids, important advancement for risk assessment of entire material class
FDA bans 2 more perfluorinated substances
Two perfluoroalkyl containing oil and water repellents can no longer be used in paper and board FCMs in the U.S.; petition to FDA claimed the substances’ use has been abandoned