Industry associations report recycling rates of packaging materials in Europe; average collection rate of glass bottles and jars hit 80% in 2020; paper packaging recycling over 80%; paper recycling rates close to theoretical maximum; plastic recycling has not increased despite increased demand by beverage companies; two-thirds of plastic-packaging pledges in Europe failed, supporting the change away from single-use likely necessary
EFSA conference 2018: Engaging society
Presentations at EFSA conference 2018 address current challenges in societal engagement, inequalities limiting participation of citizens and NGOs in science and regulation in the EU
Lower threshold for nanomaterial registration under REACH
The German Ministry of Occupational Safety and Health suggests lowering the REACH registration threshold for nanomaterials to 100kg/year
EFSA publishes hazard assessment protocol for reevaluation of FCM plasticizers
European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) protocol outlines strategy for collecting data and appraising evidence for hazard assessment of phthalates and other plasticizers in food contact materials (FCMs); latest step in agency’s reevaluation of risks to public health
ECHA: Microplastics likely end up in soil and freshwater
ECHA’s risk assessment finds intentionally added microplastics more likely to accumulate in terrestrial and freshwater environments than in oceans
European Bioplastics comments on Green Deal
Industry association wants stronger links to bioeconomy within European Green Deal, outlines seven recommendations to enhance circular economy action plan
EU Commission discusses EDCs with stakeholders
EC launched series of roundtable meetings in Brussels to discuss responses to public consultation on EDC criteria
Environmental chemicals and child health
Scientists review epidemiological evidence on associations between environmental pollutants and child health; find ‘moderate’ evidence for perfluorooctanoate and reduced fetal growth; literature on bisphenol A and phthalates ‘inconsistent’
EU conference on chemicals policy 2030
European Commission hosts multi-stakeholder conference on chemicals policy; discusses setting criteria for green and sustainable chemistry, chemicals in the circular economy, and fair competition from foreign manufacturers
UK moves ahead with plastic packaging tax
Government announces tax on plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content beginning April 2022; £200 per metric ton set to be charged, exemptions will exist for small quantities