New survey of food cans purchased from 4 U.S. retailers finds 33-52% to still contain bisphenol A, 17-25% contain polyvinylchloride; NGOs call on retailers and food brands to remove BPA and ensure safety of alternatives
Melamine migration from bamboo tableware in China
Study explores the migration of melamine, a suspected carcinogen, and its derivatives from tableware made with melamine-formaldehyde resin or melamine combined with bamboo or wheat straw, purchased in China; 35% of bamboo tableware samples exceeded China’s specific migration limit for melamine; many melamine-based products are marketed to children
Unpackaged foods trending in the U.S.
Article highlights increasing popularity of bulk, unpackaged foods in the U.S. and outlines benefits for both retailers and consumers: High margins, less food and packaging waste, price savings, familiarizing with new foods
Revision of EU drinking water directive
EU Commission releases proposal for revision of EU drinking water directive, provides updated standards for chemical contaminants including BPA and PFASs; public consultation open until March 30, 2018
Insurer cautions on nanomaterials
Zurich Insurerance Group labels nanotechnology industry an ‘emerging risk’, lack of knowledge on long term effects
Bulk food in supermarkets: growth and challenges
Article by Civil Eats discusses the rise of bulk food dispensers in grocery stores to reduce food packaging and challenges they face; presents initiatives from larger chains including re-use of customers’ containers; addresses food safety concerns, need for educating consumers
Opportunities and limitations of bioplastics
11th European Bioplastics conference in Berlin, Germany discusses the role of bioplastics in the circular economy, presents new food packaging applications
Netherlands add tax for plastic takeaway packaging
As of July 1, 2023, single-use plastic takeaway packaging requires additional price in the Netherlands; reusable alternative must be offered; usage of single-use plastic for dine-in guests banned as of January 1, 2024
Report analyzes economic impact of deposit return systems
CRI and Reloop collaborate on assessing if there is a correlation between beverage sales and implementation of reuse systems; study is based on real-world empirical data; did not find definitive link
European Parliament calls for reduced material use, better ecodesign
European Parliament approves report calling for European Commission to adopt binding targets and expanded EcoDesign Directive within Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), aims to reduce overall consumption and material use; proposes solutions to problems of higher prices for recycled materials and low availably of high-quality recycled materials