Scientific Communication Officer
How the Scientists’ Coalition brings independent science to policymakers
A perspective article explains why the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastic Treaty was formed and how it works; the Scientists’ Coalition employs a multi-faceted communication approach including a media strategy to reach all relevant stakeholders; member scientists must declare any conflicts of interests and publish peer-reviewed research related to plastic pollution
Stakeholders discuss global plastic treaty
Friends of Europe hosts online debate bringing together stakeholder groups from industry, regulatory agencies, and NGOs; considers how to achieve a circular plastics economy, discusses the necessity of a global plastic treaty, prevention of plastic waste trade and illegal waste dumping, extended producer responsibility schemes (EPRs), need for unified EU plastic waste market; discussions build on report by European Environment Agency, case study by Zero Waste Europe and report by Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Lisa Zimmermann
Scientific Communication Officer
5th retailer report card on chemical safety
‘Mind the Store’ campaign publishes updated report card scoring 50 major North American retailers on their actions to remove toxic chemicals from their products; finds improvement over last year in 70% of companies reviewed, focus has remained on eliminating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ortho-phthalates, and bisphenols from products
FPF Workshop 2019: How to improve FCM law and enforcement in the EU
Konrad Grob criticizes FCM regulation and enforcement in the EU, suggests future actions for improvement
Guidance on packaging definitions
American Institute for Packaging and the Environment publishes guidance document comparing varying definitions that currently exist within packaging materials management
Klosters Forum podcast features FPF director
Latest episode of the Feed and Flourish podcast developed by The Klosters Forum discusses food packaging and the global food system with Jane Muncke from the Food Packaging Forum; examines interconnectedness of global issues, steps consumers can take
Petition urges US FDA to ban lead in FCMs
Formal petition requests revision of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lead standards, calls for banning lead in all FCMs; argues simple measures could significantly decrease lead level exposure from food
Polystyrene loophole criticized in EU Single Use Plastics Directive
Perspective article highlights extruded polystyrene loophole in the EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive (SUP); SUP bans expanded polystyrene for single-use applications but not structurally similar extruded polystyrene; manufacturers and retailers can switch to alternate material with little net change to hazard or pollution potential