Clarivate report finds bioplastics still in early developmental stage, volume of filed patents increasing at same rate as other sectors; research focus being placed on improving mechanical properties to compete with petrochemical-based plastics
Autistic features linked to prenatal exposure to EDC mixture
Research on mixture toxicity of phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers presented at Endocrine’s Society annual meeting
BPA found in human fetal livers, slower BPA metabolism in fetuses suggested
Researchers find free and conjugated BPA in human fetal livers from voluntary early pregnancy terminations confirming an earlier finding. Presented data is suggestive of a slower metabolism in fetuses relative to adults, however based on a limited reference group size.
Packaging could be involved in spreading novel coronavirus
Study led by U.S. National Institutes of Health finds SARS-CoV-2 virus remains on plastic and stainless steel for up to three days, cardboard up to one day; raises concerns regarding packaging as a potential vector for spreading the virus, potential need to wash or quarantine packaged products at home
Early BPA exposure linked to hyperactivity, depression and anxiety in boys
New study investigates effect of prenatal and childhood BPA exposure on behavior in school aged children
NGO: REACH dossiers on EDCs incomplete
NGO publishes report on the REACH registration of five EDCs including food contact substances, identifies gaps between dossiers and scientific research
EU starts evaluation of FCM regulation: 1st stakeholder event
Evaluation of the European FCM regulation started with a stakeholder workshop in Brussels; purpose of the 12-month evaluation process is to identify how FCM regulation performs in practice; participants see urgent need for improvements; all stakeholder input is welcome
COVID-19 challenging EPR and single-use legislation
Pandemic causing delays in advancing extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation across US states; increased demand for single-use packaging and plastic bags in Thailand hinders earlier efforts
EU notifies C9-C14 PFCA restriction to WTO
European Union notifies World Trade Organization of proposed amendment to REACH Restriction List (Annex XVII) to restrict manufacturing, use, placing on the market and import of C9-C14 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts and related substances within the EU; long-chain PFCAs can be present in food contact materials as impurities but also degradation products of long-chain fluorotelomers
EU food risks alert annual report 2017
EU publishes annual report of its rapid alert system for food and feed (RASFF); 119 notifications related to food contact materials, 34 classified as serious health risks requiring immediate action