International Panel on Chemical Pollution (IPCP) publishes joint statement from scientists critiquing European Commission’s (EC) draft guidelines for polymer registration under REACH; statement asks for more inclusive criteria for polymers requiring registration (PRR), consideration of micro- and nano-plastic hazards; statement open for signatures
Philippines watchdog urges ban on PFAS
EcoWaste Coalition urges Philippines Environmental Management Bureau to ban PFAS as a class; highlights local study of elevated PFAS in women with breast cancer around Manila
NGO asks Philippine government to ban BPA
EcoWaste Coalition sends letter to Philippine Heath Secretary, demands that BPA be banned from food contact materials intended for children under 3
Recyclability evaluation protocol for HDPE
Protocol describes laboratory methods needed for determining recyclability of high density polyethylene (HDPE)
Scientists request US EPA to ban PFAS as a class
Group of 67 scientists send letter to new US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan, requesting class-based ban on all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) except for essential uses; argue this would provide efficient process to greatly reduce exposure, further recommend EPA to require toxicity testing of widely present PFAS
Opinion: recycled content mandates needed
Non-profit organization Reloop comments on EU Commission’s proposal for reduction of environmental impacts of single-use plastics, calls for setting recycled content mandates, high targets for recycling of beverage bottles, EU-wide deposit-refund schemes
Chemicals management to be included in investment analysis
Assessment of corporate chemicals management will be included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI); update reflects investors’ growing interest in chemical sustainability
Restrictions on plastic waste trade?
Proposed amendment to Basel Convention seeks to limit export of plastic waste to developing countries, help reduce plastic pollution crisis
Consultation on amendments to CLP regulation
EU Commission drafts amendments to Classification, Labeling and Packaging regulation to align with revisions of United Nations Globally Harmonized System
China publishes five draft FCM standards
National Health Commission (NHC) standards refine existing requirements for composites, printing inks, paper/paperboard, bamboo/wood, and detergents used in food contact; public comments being accepted until November 30, 2020