Scientists examine influence of ageing on the migration of oligomers and coloring agents from polycarbonate tableware; higher migration of degradation products from older and damaged plastics, colorants from newer products
Research defines PFAS planetary boundary and calculates human health costs
Scientists suggest per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in environmental media represent a new planetary boundary that has been exceeded; calculate that regulatory action on PFAS use and remediation may provide substantial economic benefits through reduction of health-related costs
Japan implements positive list rules for FCMs
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare releases draft regulatory amendments to implement positive list-based system for food contact materials, to come into force by mid-2020
Draft regulation for plastic FCMs in Latin America
Argentina notifies World Trade Organization of proposed revisions to Mercosur regulation on plastics and polymeric coatings for food contact; comments accepted until November 4, 2018
Video explains BPA health risks
Online video covers European Food and Safety Agency’s latest scientific opinion on bisphenol A
U.S.: Discordance on self-affirmed GRAS substances
Lack of information for self-affirmed GRAS (generally recognized as safe) substances has been highlighted by scientists of the public interest group PEW Charitable Trust in the US. Now the industry reacts by making available a database with manufacturers self-determined GRAS substances, used in food contact materials and/or food. Critics maintain that this effort is insufficient, and that a proper safety assessment needs to be carried out by the regulator instead.
Report presents model for sustainable & circular PET system
Systemiq presents a circular economy blueprint for PET; suggests pathway to reducing landfill and incineration by 70% and greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2040; would require expansion of reuse systems, scaling of recycling infrastructure, and clear regulations; chemical safety of recycled PET remains unclear
Recommendations for EU’s Sustainable Products Initiative
European Environmental Bureau releases discussion paper and policy briefs with recommendations for European Commission’s Sustainable Products Initiative; discusses ideas to integrate the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability into product regulation; also identifies measures to increase value chain transparency
Report highlights potential hazards of plastic bottle supply chain
Defend Our Health reports production of PET plastic bottles contaminates air, drinking water, and foodstuffs; incineration and mechanical recycling releases potentially harmful chemicals into environment and recyclate; urges beverage companies to act
BPA-free thermoplastic resins can release estrogenic chemicals
BPA-free thermoplastic resins evaluated for estrogenic activity, four out of 14 resins released estrogenic chemicals