State lawmakers adapt proposed legislation on single use packaging and recycling following stakeholder discussions, keep target for 75% recycling rate by 2030, add language regarding material neutral treatment and use of a stakeholder advisory panel
Sweden screens EU market for bisphenols
Swedish Chemicals Agency identifies 37 bisphenols with potential endocrine disrupting properties that could be on the European market
How to group PFAS? Expert panel finds no single answer
Panel of 12 experts in the fields of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemistry and toxicology, general mixtures risk assessment and toxicokinetics participate in series of blind surveys; experts representing academia, regulators, and consultants; discuss how to group PFAS
Scientists propose European exposure science strategy
Group of 22 scientists call for advancing and harmonizing application of exposure science in Europe, identify three key needs and propose six long-term activities to address them
Food contact chemical added to SVHC candidate list
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) adds n-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide to the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC); used in a wide array of food contact applications across Europe, Asia, Mercosur, and the US; obligates producers and suppliers within the EU to provide safety information and to notify ECHA
EC publishes Circular Economy Action Plan
European Commission’s new plan includes specific aims to simplify packaging materials, reduce unnecessary packaging use, set mandatory requirements for recycled content, remove hazardous chemicals from product life cycles; timelines for individual initiatives published
Scientists see need for better coordination with policymakers
Co-author of Science publication discusses need to establish an international science-policy interface body for chemicals and waste management, would provide information how to reduce levels of harmful chemicals, improve communication between science and politics, cover more substances; asks scientific community to support proposal
Consumer perception: the role of eco-labels and innovative packaging
Italian studies investigate consumer perception and attitude; find food- and packaging-related eco-labels to equally signal higher food quality and safety to consumers; demonstrate high willingness of consumers to buy active, intelligent, and sustainable packaging; survey in UK finds adding stickers with clear recycling messages increases recycling behavior
EFSA conference 2018: Engaging society
Presentations at EFSA conference 2018 address current challenges in societal engagement, inequalities limiting participation of citizens and NGOs in science and regulation in the EU
Opinions: Implications of TSCA reform
Articles in Nature and The Guardian discuss what will change under reformed U.S. chemicals regulation TSCA; EPA to gain more authority, concerns over public health protection remain