Article published in peer-reviewed journal Chemosphere analyzes biodegradable paper straws for presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); tests 38 products, finds PFAS in 36, most frequently detects perfluorobutanoic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorohexanoic acid; challenges claim of biodegradability of plant-based straws
Study finds plant-based straws containing PFAS
Opinion: Avoid food packaging, increase fertility
Women’s health magazine reports on the link between failed fertility treatment and phthalate exposure, points to exposure from food containers
Food packaging identified as primary source of aquatic litter
Nature Sustainability publishes research integrating litter inventories from seven aquatic environments around the globe; finds food packaging makes up the largest share of litter in all aquatic environments (50-88%), except the open ocean; of 112 litter types, 10 make up 75% of litter; top 4 items come from food packaging (44% of total): plastic bags, plastic bottles, food containers, cutlery, and wrappers
Restriction of 6 PFASs progresses
ECHA’s risk assessment and socio-economic committees agree with restriction proposal for 6 per- and polyfluorinated substances; CLP classifications adopted for four other FCM-relevant substances
Resorcinol inclusion in CoRAP criticized
Guest column in Chemical Watch criticizes the inclusion of resorcinol in the Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP) for 2019-2021 to be assessed by France due to potential thyroid effects; points out to previously concluded evaluation by Finland, lack of remaining data gaps or new information to justify re-evaluation
Webinar series: Current opportunities for better identification of endocrine disrupting chemicals at European level – Part 1
German packaging register online
Central German packaging register ‘LUCID’ launched; registration of packaged goods possible until January 1, 2019, when new German packaging law enters into force
Scientists send letter about EDC criteria
Group of scientists express concern about proposed EDC criteria in open letter to EU Health Commissioner Andriukaitis and make recommendations for improvement
Study finds composite packaging causes more packaging waste
German Gesellschaft für Verpackungsmarktforschung finding paper composite packaging use will increase until 2025, uses 40% more material; paper composites cause more packaging waste, cause problems for recycling, replace hardly or non-recyclable or hardly recyclable plastic packaging, compete with improvement of plastic recycling; may be harmful to circular economy (in German)