JRC study reviews EU legislation on nanomaterials; summarizes different sectors with nano-specific provisions, such as plastic FCM regulation; more research needed to address regulatory questions
Front-runners in chemical footprinting report 2020
Clean Production Action releases annual results of its Chemical Footprint Project (CFP); finds seven “front-running” companies scoring over 80% have senior management engagement in chemical management, public disclosure of restricted substances, measure chemical footprint using the CFP reference list, invest in safer alternatives
Opinion: Precautionary principle threatens transatlantic trade
Wall Street Journal publishes MEP’s concerns that precautionary chemical regulation may harm transatlantic trade; earlier European debate on endocrine disruptors continued
Beyond Plastics report provides overview and critiques of bioplastics
Report by Beyond Plastics introduces terminology, current regulations and certifications, data on toxicity, waste management options, and considerations for policymakers; criticizes voluntary standards overseen by industry groups; notes bioplastics can be just as toxic as conventional plastics; offers guidance and checklist for businesses to ask suppliers
Date labels on packaging confuse consumers
Printed dates on food packaging found to be confusing for U.S. consumers and lead to food waste; date labels often communicate quality rather than safety; calls exist for further standardization
Using high-throughput screening data in FCM assessment
ILSI North America publishes case studies comparing U.S. EPA in vitro ToxCast data with in vivo toxicity data for food contact chemicals, identifies potential as well as challenges integrating high-throughput screening data into safety assessments
FPF Workshop 2016: Circular economy challenges for FCMs
Podium discussion at Food Packaging Forum 2016 workshop highlights recycling, reuse and waste collection opportunities and challenges for food packaging in the circular economy
Increased glass recycling
European Container Glass Federation publishes latest industry data on glass packaging recycling; EU wide recycling rate reaches record 73%
ChemSec to host SIN List event
NGO plans full day event in Brussels to launch major update to Substitute It Now (SIN) List; new substances and substance categories to be added
BPA and brain development
New study finds increased numbers of neurons formed during early development in mouse pups prenatally exposed to bisphenol A; altered social behavior and hyperactivity observed later in life