Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI) finds endocrine disrupting chemical bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) in 48 of 60 (80%) of tested paper/board food packaging items; detects also dibutylphthalat (DBP) and Bisphenol A (BPA)
NGOs request clarification on nanometal biocides in products
Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) with 12 other NGOs publish an open letter to European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) , request clarification on regulation and risk management of products treated with nanosilver, zinc oxide, copper biocides; antimicrobial resistance, human health effects unclear
PVC additive assessment tool
Industry initiative Vinyl Plus announces creation of tool to assess life cycle impacts of additives used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products; civil society groups criticize the approach as ‘greenwashing and misleading’
FPF webinar on reprotoxic food contact chemicals: Proceedings online
Food Packaging Forum held webinar on food contact chemical surfynol and its reprotoxic properties on March 27, 2018; video recording and presentation slides now available
Public consultation on EFSA’s nano-guidance
EFSA publishes draft guidance on risk assessment of nanomaterials in food and feed; public consultation open until March 4, 2018
Taco Bell to remove chemicals of concern from packaging
U.S. fast food chain announces new global packaging commitments; plans to remove PFAS, phthalates, BPA from its consumer packaging by 2025
Webinar on toxicity of paper and board FCMs
Collaborative on Health and the Environment holds webinar on in vitro testing of paper and board food contact materials, January 18, 2018; registration now open
Sweet potato and thyme used for bio-packaging film
U.S. scientists develop nanocomposite film from sweet potato starch, thyme essential oil, and nanoclay; potential applications include packaging of fresh fruits and vegetables
Nanoclay migration from FCM
Study investigates nanoclay migration from commercialized nanoclay-LDPE food bags; aluminum migrates in both dissolved and nanoparticle forms; also particles of assumed plastic origin found
Target presents new sustainable packaging goals
U.S. retailer Target announces new sustainability goals for its own-brand packaging, pledges efforts to improve recycling and increase demand for recycled packaging