Stefan Merkel presents recent work of German Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR); Lisa Zimmermann discusses bioassay-based toxicity assessment of conventional plastics, bioplastics, and plant-based materials; Andrew Turner emphasizes presence of toxic brominated flame retardants in recycled plastics, uses of hazardous heavy metals in colored decorations applied to glass articles
Meeting builds momentum and outlines goals for ICCM5
Participants at the Berlin Forum on Chemicals and Sustainability discuss goals and build momentum for the upcoming 5th International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5); ministerial dialogue took place July 7th; stakeholder dialogue held on July 8th with over 800 participants
Advancing recycling of paper cups
Industry initiative “Paper Cup Manifesto” aims to improve recovery and recycling of paper cups
England to introduce plastic bag ban
Queen to announce to Parliament a ban of free plastic bags, supermarkets to charge 5 pence per bag from 2015 onwards
Controversy about advice to pregnant women manufactured
NGO Health & Environment reports on reaction to US and UK medical advice to pregnant women on chemical exposures
Nanoparticles may affect gut function
New study finds zinc nanoparticles used in food can coatings to negatively affect intestinal functions such as nutrient absorption, iron and glucose transport; UPDATE: original article retracted due to calculation mistake; corrected article published in December 2018
Endocrine disruption and marine plastic pollution
Talk by Pete Myers at the CE100 Annual Summit 2016 explains endocrine disruption and why it is important; shows how marine plastic pollution contaminates food chain and increases exposure to EDCs
Water in aluminum cans
U.S. spring water brands use re-sealable aluminum cans as an alternative to plastic bottles
Recyclability guidelines for paper and board
New guidelines to help retailers and designers understand recyclability of paper and board-based packaging, promote use of packaging most easily processed by paper mills
Washing, peeling and cooking ineffective at removing contaminants
New study investigates migration from paper and board into fruits and vegetables