European member states agree to recognize perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) as a substance of very high concern (SVHC); cite equivalent concern to carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic substances, high mobility in environment
Hazard prioritization of printing inks and adhesives substances
Scientific study performs hazard prioritization on chemicals in printing inks and adhesives applied to plastic food packaging; uses publicly available “substances of concern” lists and an in silico tool; identifies 636 high and 1024 medium priority substances of which 696 ranked as “very high priority substances” by experts
BPA-free can coatings progressing slowly
Developing non-BPA can coatings challenges manufacturers; lower-production-volume raw materials result in higher cost; lower performance reduces shelf-life
U.S. retailer urged to ban toxic chemicals
Non-profit organization Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families calls on U.S. retailer Albertsons to adopt comprehensive chemicals policy after finding lead, formaldehyde, parabens, and BPA in consumer products sold in its stores
Extending the use of bioplastics in food packaging
New study reviews the application of bioplastics in food packaging: coating, blending and chemical/physical modification can improve functionality, migration issues still to be resolved
UV-328 listed as POP under the Stockholm Convention
11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention lists UV absorber as Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP); first non-halogenated POP under the Convention; also listing of flame retardant dechlorane plus and pesticide methoxychlor in Annex A
Push to ban polystyrene packaging in London
London restaurant chefs call for ban on polystyrene food packaging; UK food packaging association opposes request; recycler says focus should be on creating circular material systems
Food and beverage packaging conference
2nd international conference on food and beverage packaging in June 2016 in Rome, Italy
Replacing sticker labels with laser marks
Article in The Guardian informs about laser marking technique for fruit and vegetables; retail trial using technology as alternative to sticker labels on organic produce
Food packaging material as a source of toxic chemicals
Collegium Helveticum conference focuses on everyday exposures to toxic chemicals and how to reduce them; features presentation and discussion with Food Packaging Forum scientists Jane Muncke and Lisa Zimmermann on the presence of hazardous chemicals in food contact materials