Article by Civil Eats discusses the rise of bulk food dispensers in grocery stores to reduce food packaging and challenges they face; presents initiatives from larger chains including re-use of customers’ containers; addresses food safety concerns, need for educating consumers
How to avoid exposure to BPA?
Article in The Guardian discusses health risks associated with bisphenol A and ways to reduce exposure from food packaging
Swiss Symposium on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Reusable food packaging and novel coronavirus
UPSTREAM encourages consumers to continue using reusable items with regular washing using soap, expects zero-waste efforts and bring-your-own container programs to further gain momentum after pandemic ends; expanded business models needed to promote sanitizing and reusing packaging
Chemical migration from silicone baking materials
European Consumer Organization (BEUC) finds that chemicals of concern migrate from silicone baking molds sold in Europe, including three siloxanes classified as SVHCs; 23% of 44 products tested release chemical constituents in high (>30 mg/kg) or increasing amounts over time; BEUC calls for stricter EU rules for silicone food contact materials
Review of bioplastics highlights costs
Plastics News discusses PHA bioplastics; outlines production pathways, market development, price compared to traditional plastics
Coronavirus detected on food packaging
Packaging of frozen food tested positive for coronavirus in Chinese cities; no evidence of new infections after large-scale testing campaign; experts consider risk of transmission via food and packaging to be low
Food Packaging Forum 11th Annual Workshop
Glass industry launches sustainability label
European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) announces the launch of a new symbol for recycling on glass packaging; describes it as highlighting the brands’ commitments towards sustainability and health; to be promoted for use on all glass packaging applications including food and beverage, pharma, perfumery, cosmetic products
Perchlorate from food packaging
Civil Eats discusses the existence of perchlorate in foods as well as upstream sources from packaging and processing; decision from U.S. Food and Drug Administration on allowed use still pending