Four recent studies explore how to switch to reusable packaging; concerns related to hygiene and return logistics are barriers identified by all studies; cultural and socio-economic factors, the food items, and the setting play major role in the successful rollout; consumer desirability, business viability, sustainability, and technical feasibility are interlocked, and their combined analysis can support the roll-out of reuse systems
Webinar on drivers for change in FCMs
Chemical Watch webinar to discuss challenges, trends, and opportunities in food contact materials (FCMs); include presentations from Nestlé and HAVI
Nestlé and Havi: Drivers for change in FCMs and packaging
EDC criteria: Latest revision and next meeting
EU Commission publishes latest version of revised criteria to identify endocrine disruptors; NGOs and industry still dissatisfied with proposed criteria; next expert meeting, and possible vote, to be held February 28, 2017
Science-based proposals for reducing packaging and increasing recycling rates
Researchers investigate packaging use and recycling as well as improvement options; find globalization and time-deprived society to majorly drive food packaging use and recommend economic degrowth to reduce use; report 11% of Spain’s plastic waste efficiently recycled, well below official reports from waste management companies; emphasize need to change material and packaging design to reach circularity targets
BPA still in food cans
Extensive analysis in the U.S. and Canada finds most food cans still coated with BPA-based epoxy; BPA-free alternatives may be questionable
Consumer perception: the role of eco-labels and innovative packaging
Italian studies investigate consumer perception and attitude; find food- and packaging-related eco-labels to equally signal higher food quality and safety to consumers; demonstrate high willingness of consumers to buy active, intelligent, and sustainable packaging; survey in UK finds adding stickers with clear recycling messages increases recycling behavior
Detecting WEEE contamination in recycled FCM plastics
Scientists propose procedure for detection of contaminants from waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) in FCMs made of recycled plastics; call for regular screening to be performed by authorities to ensure compliance
Winning at sustainable food packaging: How to eliminate toxic chemicals to drive a safer future and a stronger business
REACH as possible innovation driver
ChemSec declares combination of hazard- and risk-based elements as world-leading regulatory example, criticizes halt in addressing substances from the Candidate List