Manila Times editorial raises concerns about waste management in the Philippines and calls for policy discussions; discusses the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, the Philippine Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production, and the Extended Producer Responsibility Act; single-use plastics bill HB 507 stalling in the Philippine House of Representatives
Scientists identify food packaging as organophosphate ester source
Scientists establish organophosphate esters (OPEs) baseline concentration in foodstuff across China and investigate the contamination sources; report extensive contamination of Chinese foodstuff with OPEs; uncover food packaging as source of these OPEs
Packaging sustainability during the pandemic
Consultancy McKinsey & Company publishes paper on consumers’ views towards sustainability in packaging, as influenced by COVID 19 pandemic; urges more focus on proactive communication with consumers and supply chain partners, holistic approach to sustainability and hygiene requirements
DCHP and TMA identified as SVHCs
EU REACH Committee classifies dicyclohexyl phthalate and trimellitic anhydride as substances of very high concern; both substances relevant for food contact
Opinion: Eastman tries to silence private labs to avoid scandal over estrogenically active resin
Main feature of Washington Spectator reports on Eastman Chemical Company vs. two Texan laboratories
FDA adds 13 new substances to FCS inventory
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adds 13 new entries to its Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substances (FCS)
Progress in high-throughput in vitro testing
In vitro assays and alternative approaches being developed for EPA’s Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program and within EU-ToxRisk are hitting ground
Guidance on Key Considerations for the Identification and Selection of Safer Chemical Alternatives
Pandemic providing opportunity for packaging innovation, resilience
Episode of The Indisposable Podcast discusses coronavirus pandemic and how reusable packaging could expand and innovate to help businesses protect public health, save money, and increase resilience; argue that a shift backward to single-use packaging not needed
ZWE report identifies climate benefits of reusable packaging
Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) publishes study comparing 32 life cycle assessments (LCAs) to evaluate single-use and reusable packaging; finds reusable glass bottles have 85% fewer carbon emissions than single-use with highest impacts from transport; breakeven point reached after two to three reuse cycles; suggests five key measures to increase sustainability of reusable packaging