Drug store chain Rite Aid expands its chemicals policy to cover food contact materials (FCMs); restricted substances list sets concentration limits, does not allow intentional use in food packaging of various heavy metals, all ortho-phthalates, all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Dollar Tree joins Chemical Footprint Project
U.S. discount retailer Dollar Tree joins Chemical Footprint Project; survey results to be published in project’s 4th annual report in 3rd quarter of 2019
Call for binding packaging quotas in Germany
German NGOs and industry associations urge national government to introduce binding quotas for reusable beverage containers; say national target of 70% by 2022 will not be achieved unless progressive steps introduced, discount stores adapt, consumer habits change
Update: India’s ban on single-use plastic items
India officially adopts Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021; bans import, manufacture, and sale of plastic candy and ice cream sticks, plates, cups, cutlery, trays, and certain wrapping films after July 1, 2022
India plans ban on single-use plastic items
Government authority publishes draft ban set to come into force in three phases; would ban import, manufacture, and sale of plastic candy and ice cream sticks after January 1, 2022; expands ban to include plates, cups, cutlery, trays, certain wrapping films after July 1, 2022; proposal open for public comment until May 2021
German television channel finds diethylhexyl phthalate in food
A sampling of different food stuffs by a northern German broadcast finds the phthalate diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) in packed cheese, butter and cream.
EU observatory for nanomaterials now online
ECHA launches European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials website; provides information on nanomaterials on the EU market for consumers, workers, regulators, and scientists
Environmental toxicity of nanomaterials
German Environment Agency releases reports on aquatic toxicity and environmental fate of nanomaterials
ECHA: Guidance on REACH registration of nanomaterials
European Chemicals Agency publishes and updates several guidance documents for REACH registration of nanomaterials
Toolbox for nanomaterial safety assessment
JRC develops inventory of tools for assessing nanomaterial safety; toolbox freely accessible on JRC’s website