C&EN presents the debate on the costs of food packaging made of flexible plastics and multilayered structures: Less food waste and economic benefits vs. more difficult recycling and negative environmental impacts
India restricts use of PET bottles
Indian state Maharashtra bans PET bottles smaller than 0.5 L, orders deposit-return scheme for PET bottles bigger than 0.5 L and for milk pouches, requests alternative packaging material for milk such as glass
Update: BPA warning label in California
State of California holds point-of-sale warnings for food cans and bottles containing BPA in place until the end of 2017; manufacturers must list affected products in online database
San Francisco: Plastic bottle ban approaching
San Francisco supervisors back ban of plastic bottles on public grounds
US state policies on PFAS in food contact, Q3 and Q4 2023
Maine and Minnesota consult on draft policies concerning bans or reporting requirements on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact materials and articles; California Attorney General warns companies of penalties for selling or failing to disclose PFAS-containing food packaging and cookware; Nevada governor vetoes PFAS bill, state senator plans to reintroduce bill in 2024
Glass industry launches sustainability label
European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) announces the launch of a new symbol for recycling on glass packaging; describes it as highlighting the brands’ commitments towards sustainability and health; to be promoted for use on all glass packaging applications including food and beverage, pharma, perfumery, cosmetic products
Bisphenol S
Bisphenol S is used as a substitute of BPA in food contact materials, in a new context article the Food Packaging Forum reports on applications, toxicity, exposure and regulation of BPS
Studies discuss EDC sources, exposure, and human health effects
Scientific studies investigate human endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposures and effects; Canadian study finds bisphenols migrate from baby bottles and sippy cups; reviews report of widespread presence of bisphenols, parabens, and benzophenones in human breast milk and addresses current misunderstandings about the impacts of EDCs on child health
More retailers commit to safer chemicals
Non-profit organization Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families publishes second annual ranking of retailers’ safer chemicals programs; 10 out of 30 retailers take adequate action on toxic chemicals
Environmental toxicity of nanomaterials
German Environment Agency releases reports on aquatic toxicity and environmental fate of nanomaterials