U.S. state regulations, consumer and retailer actions on chemicals in food packaging more effective than FDA regulation, according to experts at Chemical Watch conference
Ranking of U.S. retailers’ safer chemicals programs
Non-profit organization Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families evaluates 11 U.S. retailers regarding their efforts in removing toxic chemicals; overall retailers’ safer chemicals programs need improvement
More retailers commit to safer chemicals
Non-profit organization Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families publishes second annual ranking of retailers’ safer chemicals programs; 10 out of 30 retailers take adequate action on toxic chemicals
Further ranking of U.S. retailers’ chemical policies
Non-profit organization Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families to evaluate 19 more U.S. retailers regarding their efforts in eliminating toxic chemicals and promoting safer alternatives
Substitution means innovation
New report by non-profit organization ChemSec shows that regulating and substituting hazardous chemicals promotes innovation, safer and better products, and overall economic benefits
Netherlands add tax for plastic takeaway packaging
As of July 1, 2023, single-use plastic takeaway packaging requires additional price in the Netherlands; reusable alternative must be offered; usage of single-use plastic for dine-in guests banned as of January 1, 2024
Edible six-pack rings
U.S. companies develop six-pack rings for beer cans made from barley and wheat; claim product is biodegradable, compostable and edible for humans and wildlife
Report analyzes economic impact of deposit return systems
CRI and Reloop collaborate on assessing if there is a correlation between beverage sales and implementation of reuse systems; study is based on real-world empirical data; did not find definitive link
ECHA: Evaluation of BPA restriction finalized
ECHA’s Committee for Socio-economic Assessment considers benefits of restricting BPA in thermal paper unlikely to be higher than costs; ultimate decision to be taken by European Commission
The Intercept reports on plastic waste trade, industry outlook
Investigative journalist examines the economy and community impacts of plastic waste in Africa; provides overview of recent global regulatory discussions to manage plastic pollution, potential systematic decline of the plastics industry sector