Upstream publishes overview article discussing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging, sees recent improvements; views EPR as foundation of circular economy and calls for EPR policies to also focus on developing new reuse/refill systems, include targets for litter prevention and mitigation; advocates for binding reuse targets similar to EU’s recycling targets to create conditions for businesses to safely invest in upscaling reuse
EC roadmap outlines plans to reduce packaging waste
European Commission (EC) publishes roadmap document describing initiative to review and revise EU requirements on packaging and packaging waste; impact assessment set to be completed in 2020, revisions to be adopted in 2021; open for public comment until August 6, 2020
Microplastics may affect the human microbiome
Scientists explore potential impacts of microplastics on human intestine ecology; microplastics may drive unhealthy changes in the gut microbiome; authors highlight importance of assessing human microplastics exposure and hazards for the gut
Germany announces intention to restrict bisphenols
Restriction intention submitted to European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); aims to limit bisphenol A (BPA) and structurally similar bisphenols to maximum concentration of 0.02% by weight as additives, residues, and in mixtures; stakeholders invited to submit relevant information; proposal to be finalized in October 2021
4th Swiss Online Workshop on Extractables and Leachables
U.S. bill to restrict PFAS in military food packaging
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes provisions to ban use of PFAS in packaging used in ready-to-eat meals by October 1, 2021
US Plastics Pact launched
Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Plastics Pact network expands to include US Plastics Pact collaborative with over 60 signatories
Local U.S. ban on PFASs in food packaging
State of Washington foresees ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging by 2021 if safer alternatives can be identified
Action and inaction on PFAS in the US federal government
Earthjustice files petition asking US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revoke approval of 600 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) allowed on the market under exemptions of the Toxic Substances Control Act; represents about half the number of PFAS on the market; EPA extends reach of guidelines for federal purchasing of PFAS-free products; Food and Drug Administration funding bill stripped of reform amendments including federal ban on PFAS in food packaging
Canada mandates reporting on use of BPA and alternatives
Department of the Environment now requiring reporting from all manufacturers, importers, and users of bisphenol A (BPA) and over 180 alternative substances during the year 2019; includes commercial status, downstream uses; March 16, 2022 set as deadline for data submission