European Commission (EC) publishes policy framework on bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics; aims to guide policy, industry, and public; “bioplastics” should not distract from circular economy principles prioritizing reduction, reuse, recycling; 17th annual European Bioplastics conference gives insights into recent bioplastics’ developments; bioplastics production capacities projected to almost triple by 2027
Walmart: Sustainable packaging playbook
U.S. retailer Walmart publishes Sustainable Packaging Playbook for its suppliers; highlights the need to innovate and to optimize design, source sustainably, and support recycling
WHO launches Chemical Risk Assessment Network
WHO starts network to increase scientific exchange and collaboration in chemical risk assessment
Brand owners’ chemicals of concern for food packaging
Learn more about brand owners’ ‘Food packaging product stewardship considerations’ with guest speaker from Nestlé
Discussion on U.S. military PFAS regulations
U.S. House of Representatives passes National Defense Authorization Act calling for removal of PFAS from firefighting foams and food packaging in military, revised version to be discussed with Senate and then sent for presidential approval pending list of ‘concerns’
AOP-based computational models for regulatory toxicology
Review article by EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre and collaborators discusses development and use of computational prediction models for regulatory toxicology and how it can be supported by the Adverse Outcome Pathways framework
New report on packaging practices in the U.S.
NGOs conducted a survey about packaging environmental attributes and end-of-life policies, major brands shown to have poor packaging sustainability policies
EU observatory for nanomaterials
ECHA and EU Commission sign agreement to establish online observatory for nanomaterials; ECHA to launch public website in summer 2017
Can regulation keep up with science?
Article by Undark discusses scientific advances in toxicology, urges U.S. EPA to incorporate new knowledge on toxic chemicals
U.S. consumers confused about compostable and biodegradable food packaging labels
Half of surveyed people have difficulty with the difference between compostable and biodegradable; 50% of participants fail to dispose of packaging correctly; report suggests better standardization and consumer education needed