Literature review summarizes challenges regarding non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in plastic food contact materials (FCMs); describes 52 studies with their applied methodologies for NIAS extraction and identification, plastic types analyzed, and NIAS detected; highlights NIAS assessment as a challenge for scientific community and industry due to lack of hazard data, a missing harmonized methodology, and outdated regulatory guidelines
Successful packaging initiatives require more than changing materials
Consulting company Gartner Inc. predicts 90% of sustainable packaging commitments will not be met by 2025
Replacing hazardous chemicals with similarly toxic alternatives
New report by NGO CHEM Trust highlights necessity to regulate groups of similar chemicals to avoid regrettable substitutions, illustrates replacement of BPA with BPS and other analogues as example
How does the food and beverage sector address plastic pollution?
Scientists review 68 corporate sustainability reports of major food and beverage companies on plastic pollution and packaging; find most reports do not address plastic pollution and focus on end-of-life options instead of sustainable packaging solutions
FPF Workshop 2017: Ensuring the safety of FCMs in a global economy
Presentations and podium discussion at Food Packaging Forum 2017 workshop cover risk communication, the role of testing labs and enforcement, regulatory updates, and transparency issues
Inspections for REACH compliance begin
Inspectors and customs authorities to systematically check importers and manufacturers for registration obligations under REACH
Nestlé steps towards packaging commitment
Food and beverage company Nestlé outlines specific steps in reaching its commitment of 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025
EU governments consider actions on circular economy
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes literature review to find and evaluate risks that could come from a circular economy, actions the agency could take to mitigate any risks; suggests further research on exposure risks from shelf life extending materials as well as recycled, reusable, and biobased packaging; European Commission proposes ecodesign for sustainable products regulation; Ireland’s cabinet passes circular economy bill
Responses to draft EDC identification guidance
Responders to consultation on draft guidance for identification of EDCs criticize too high level of evidence required and too narrow scope
Bisphenol F disrupts thyroid endocrine system
Study shows bisphenol F disrupts hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and leads to body length reduction in zebrafish larvae