New Plastics Economy progress report applauds steps taken by signatories, highlights reductions in virgin plastic use by corporations, new policies introduced by governments; reminds readers much still to be done by 2025; Break Free From Plastic publishes 2019 Brand Audit Report, calls on top brands to reduce single-use plastic items
Consumer attitudes towards nanotechnologies
New study investigates factors determining consumer attitudes towards nanotechnologies used for food
China outlines restrictions on single-use plastics
Ministry of Commerce announces increased oversight on use of disposable plastic items by businesses; sets ban on range of single-use plastic items including plastic shopping bags, tableware, hospitality products
Netherlands add tax for plastic takeaway packaging
As of July 1, 2023, single-use plastic takeaway packaging requires additional price in the Netherlands; reusable alternative must be offered; usage of single-use plastic for dine-in guests banned as of January 1, 2024
Nestlé trials in-store dispensers for reusable packaging
Following testing in three stores in Switzerland, company plans on expanding testing to additional locations; aims to support reusable and refillable packaging options to meet 2025 packaging commitments
Etienne Cabane
Scientific Officer and Scorecard Lead
UK supermarket coalition co-developing refill system
Four UK supermarket chains announce they are partnering to create a single food refill system that works across all their stores and delivery platforms; want to reduce single-use plastic packaging; details and trial locations to be announced later in 2022
US CDC releases updated biomonitoring data
New set of data tables from US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) published in four volumes; includes human exposure data for persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, and a focus on exposures of adult cigarette smokers; over 70 new chemicals measured including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Wrestling with the externalities of the plastics supply chain
As the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee of the UN Global Treaty to End Plastic Pollution approaches, publications highlight the diverse effects the plastics supply chain has on human health and the environment, particularly the burden on vulnerable communities
Evaluation of EU's chemical policies delayed
Open letter by 27 NGOs urges EU Commission to publish outcome of fitness evaluation of EU’s non-REACH chemical policies ahead of major conference, requests clarification of timelines to deliver strategy for non-toxic environment