Ministry of Production proposes technical regulation on plastic bags to reduce use of harmful substances, increase recycled content, and decrease microplastics production; also bans unsupported claims like “eco-friendly”, “green”, etc.; proposal open for comment until August 14, 2024
Yellowing of PET exposed to UV light
Study finds that sunlight exposure of post-consumer PET bottles leads to yellowing of recycled PET bottles
Five recommendations for cleaner food packaging
Environmental Defense Fund presents strategies for food manufacturers and retailers to improve quality of food, recyclability of packaging, public health
Opinion: Protecting children through labeling
Morning Sentinel comments on phthalates in products, calls upon Maine government to enforce product labeling to protect vulnerable populations
Good Manufacturing Practices for China’s Food
Forbes reports on Chinese Food Safety law revision, review needs to address enforcement mechanisms to optimize food safety
Opinion: FDA study on BPA receives unjustified criticism
Forbes reports on FDA publication finding BPA safe and opposes subsequent Mother Jones article arguing that FDA study borders on scientific misconduct
Maine publishes food contact chemicals of concern list, postpones PFAS ban
US state of Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) publishes food packaging chemicals of high concern list; mandated by state legislation and limited to 10 chemicals; DEP postpones ban on PFAS in food packaging originally meant to begin in 2022; phthalate ban went into effect January 1, 2022
Jamaica bans importation of many single-use plastic food containers
4th phase of Jamaica’s single-use plastics ban now in effect; no importation of single-use food containers made with PE, PP, PLA, or expanded PS; also covers plastic drinking straws; food service providers have until January 9, 2025, to use up existing stock
EFSA and WHO publish draft report on TTC approach
Report open for public comment until March 29, 2015
Innovating business models for the circular economy
Strategic innovation agency Switchrs discusses the importance of innovating business models to transition towards a circular economy; reviews recent EU report on the plastics value chain