Several recent reviews examine the value chain of biobased polymers; discuss clarification of terms such as biobased, degradable, biodegradable, and compostable; define “biotechnological recycling (bio-recycling)” as the use of enzymes and microorganisms in a technological setting to biodegrade polymers; three biodegradable polymers assessed in marine field trials
Plenary meeting of EFSA Scientific Committee
81st plenary meeting of EFSA’s Scientific Committee is open for observers; registration ends October 25, 2016
UN committee recommends global ban of UV-328
18th meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Review Committee recommends global elimination of the UV stabilizer known as UV-328 under the Stockholm Convention; time limited exemptions proposed for some current uses; Convention will review the proposal for finalization in May 2023
EU committee against EDC thresholds, calls for bans in FCMs
European Committee of the Regions (CoR) publishes resolution on European Green Deal; advocates against setting safe threshold levels for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), calls for a ban on bisphenols and phthalates in all food contact materials (FCMs)
Opinion: European Commission running behind on EDCs
Consumer groups urge European Commission to act on endocrine disruptors
Commission opens call for biochemical research
European Commission launches new research partnership, first call for research into bio-based materials
New method for identifying nonylphenol in FCM
Nestlé researchers publish new study showing analytical method permitting identification of the NIAS nonylphenol
ChemSec report on circular economy
Published report focuses on chemicals as overlooked part of a circular economy; urges companies to not rely on legal compliance alone, calls for avoiding hazardous substances during design stage and speeding up regulation
TSCA evaluation of 1,4-dioxane criticized
Comments on draft risk evaluation question cancer hazard assessment; pending study raises concern for stakeholders regarding transparency; comments being accepted until August 30, 2019
New study identifies candidates for hormonal activity in bottled waters
Antiestrogenic substance di(2-ethylhexyl) fumarate identified in retail samples, origin of contamination remains unclear