ASTRX (Applying Systems Thinking to Recycling) project publishes report reviewing efficiency of packaging materials through recycling processes; highlights flexible films and shrink sleeves as problematic, calls for increased purchasing of recycled content to boost market demand
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
Study evaluates migration of silver nanoparticles from FCMs
Ionic silver but no silver nanoparticles migrated from FCMs into food simulants
Chemicals of concern in the circular economy
Scientists find one-fifth of brominated flame retardants’ content in recycling streams is transferred to new products; discuss trade-offs between consumer safety and resource efficiency; European officials maintain toxics can be managed within the circular economy
Study detects PFAS across US fast food restaurant packaging
Mind the Store campaign and Toxic-Free Future collect and test 29 food packaging samples from 6 US fast food chains for fluorine levels; find that burger wrappers and containers from McDonald’s and Burger King likely treated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); paper bags used for French fries and deserts have consistently high fluorine levels
Tox21 Update
Environmental Health Perspectives reports on Tox21 advances, issues from Phase I to be resolved in Phase II
The role of chemicals in the circular economy
Article explains principles of circular economy and highlights problem of increased chemical exposure
Chemical migration from silicone baking materials
European Consumer Organization (BEUC) finds that chemicals of concern migrate from silicone baking molds sold in Europe, including three siloxanes classified as SVHCs; 23% of 44 products tested release chemical constituents in high (>30 mg/kg) or increasing amounts over time; BEUC calls for stricter EU rules for silicone food contact materials
8th revision of GHS published
UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) publishes printed version of 8th revision of the Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS); electronic version and additional languages to be released in coming months
Launch of Plant Based Products Council
New industry council aims to encourage plant-based products, hosts products database containing food packaging alternatives