2018 European Masterbatchers and Compounders association conference to take place on May 17, 2018 in Brussels; draft program and registration now available
EU governments consider actions on circular economy
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes literature review to find and evaluate risks that could come from a circular economy, actions the agency could take to mitigate any risks; suggests further research on exposure risks from shelf life extending materials as well as recycled, reusable, and biobased packaging; European Commission proposes ecodesign for sustainable products regulation; Ireland’s cabinet passes circular economy bill
EFSA seeks feedback on communicating uncertainty
EFSA publishes draft guidance on communication of uncertainty in scientific assessments; public consultation open until June 24, 2018
ECHA inspection: failures to communicate SVHCs in articles
European Chemicals Agency pilot enforcement project finds 12% of inspected articles contain substances of very high concern (SVHCs) with 88% of suppliers failing to sufficiently communicate to customers; calls for improved communication in the supply chain
EU EDC fitness check – ‘another delay’ or ‘game changer’?
Platform article in Chemical Watch discusses EU Commission’s efforts to identify and address endocrine disrupting chemicals; calls for crosscutting regulatory framework, identifying and acting on suspected EDCs, considering all health costs; sees fitness check as chance to put words into action
New findings on polyfluorinated compounds
German Institute of Risk Assessment discusses polyfluorinated compounds at conference
EU Commission discusses EDCs with stakeholders
EC launched series of roundtable meetings in Brussels to discuss responses to public consultation on EDC criteria
European Parliament sends clear message to European Commission to act on EDCs
ENVI Committee of the European Parliament adopts DRAFT report on endocrine disruptors
ECHA proposes not approving 4 silver compounds in FCMs
European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) announces opinion not approving silver compounds for application in food contact materials (FCMs); includes silver zinc zeolite, silver zeolite, silver copper zeolite, silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate; finds risk unacceptable for human health; next meeting scheduled in June 2021
FPF submits feedback on packaging and packaging waste regulation
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) responds to European Commission’s call for feedback on the proposed packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR); FPF highlights aspects of food packaging and chemical safety that should be included in future versions; primarily (i) considering presence of hazardous chemicals in packaging materials meant to be recycled or reused, (ii) clearly defining compostable packaging and guaranteeing safety, and (iii) defining inertness