Food Packaging Forum creates video tutorial to guide users through its newly released FCC database; explains methodology behind database structure, how to find chemicals of interest and extract related information
Bioplastics
Biobased polymers and biodegradable plastics are both referred to as bioplastics. In contrast to non-degradable petrol-based plastics, materials such as starch-based polymers and polylactides are biobased and compostable under controlled conditions. Types, applications, toxicity and regulation of biobased polymers and biodegradable plastic used in food contact materials are summarized in the dossier.
Plastic recycling
The dossier article addresses plastic recycling processes and legal requirements that have to be fulfilled for recycled plastic to be used in FCMs. Further, market and recycling data, as well as safety issues, are discussed. A special focus is given to the recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Food packaging fact sheet now in 18 languages
Food Packaging Forum translates its fact sheet on food packaging and human health into 18 different languages, provides introductory overview of chemicals in food packaging; pdfs available for download in all languages
Can coatings
Metal cans are coated to protect the cans from degrading due to chemical reactions with the food. Coatings also prevent unwanted chemical interactions in the food, caused by migrating metal ions. In this dossier, we provide information on different types of can coatings for direct food contact. Further, the toxicity and exposure assessment of chemicals migrating from can coatings, as well as the regulatory background, are also addressed.
Melamine
Melamine is used to make resins and tableware, amongst other applications. The dossier summarizes applications, risks and regulations of the substance.
Microplastics
Microplastics have been found in all environmental compartments and in biota. Food is one source of human exposure to microplastics, and initial studies have shown that food packaging and processing equipment can contribute to this contamination. Risk assessment of microplastics that is based on exposure and toxicity data is currently hampered by insufficient data.
ECHA extends data access
ECHA publishes data on 15,000 chemicals registered under REACH; including physical-chemical properties and toxicological data; database available for download
Formaldehyde and melamine migration from tableware
Italian scientists investigate migration of formaldehyde and melamine from children’s tableware made of melaware and other amino resins; specific and overall migration limits exceeded in some products; aging increases migration; migration cannot be predicted from product’s appearance
Modeling migration of oligomers from PET
Scientists derive diffusion coefficients for PET oligomers under swelling conditions; compare predictions by Piringer and Welle migration models