Resolution calls on World Health Organization Member States to increase work on potential human health impacts of plastics, links between chemical exposures, and health; recognizes people are exposed to many chemicals but majority have not been well studied
CoE resolution calls for harmonized EU FCM regulation
Council of Europe (CoE) releases resolution on safety and quality of food contact materials (FCMs); calls for harmonization of quality requirements and test procedures for chemicals in FCMs based on technical guides; recommends to implement measures reducing health risks from exposures
Nordic Council calls for toxic-free environment
The Nordic Council requires new rules aimed at minimizing exposure to EDCs, scientific criteria for EDCs shall be defined as soon as possible
Focus on the circular economy
In-depth article in C&EN discusses the circular economy, addresses management of hazardous chemicals; extensive background articles available in recent Nature special
REACH debate at EU Parliament
Members of EU Parliament react to German study showing a third of REACH registrations non-compliant; calls for publicizing the list of infringing companies, more efficient dossier evaluation, stricter enforcement
Mercosur updates plastic food packaging regulation
South American trade bloc to no longer allow bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic food contact articles designed for children under 3 years old, lowers migration limit from other plastic FCAs; sets migration limits for 9 metals from plastic FCAs; adds substances to positive list for plastics and for cellulosic materials
Basel Convention’s “Partnership on Plastic Waste”
International convention announces multi-stakeholder partnership to prevent and improve management of plastic waste, particularly for single-use plastics; focuses on better design of plastics to increase durability, re-usability, avoid hazardous substances
Sweden addresses ‘cocktail effects’ and grouping of chemicals
Government of Sweden investigates how to consider chemicals’ ‘cocktail effects’ and regulate similar substances in groups within EU chemicals legislation
Industry alliance on plastic waste
‘Alliance to End Plastic Waste’ to raise $1.5 billion in member commitments; help address plastic waste management in urban areas and rivers
NGO analyzes EFSA’s scientific independence
Corporate Europe Observatory publishes report on EFSA’s independence, finds new transparency policy dysfuntional