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Packaging could be involved in spreading novel coronavirus

Study led by U.S. National Institutes of Health finds SARS-CoV-2 virus remains on plastic and stainless steel for up to three days, cardboard up to one day; raises concerns regarding packaging as a potential vector for spreading the virus, potential need to wash or quarantine packaged products at home

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IPCP launches project on EDCs

International Panel on Chemical Pollution launches UNEP-supported project aimed to produce several overview reports on EDC exposure and effects in the environment

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FPF publishes food contact chemicals database

Researchers led by the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) publish new database identifying over 12,200 distinct chemicals that could be used in manufacture of food contact materials and articles; 29% lacking openly accessible toxicity data; 608 identified as most hazardous, prioritized for substitution; published study and database freely accessible

Food Packaging and Recycling

Fact sheets Food Packaging Materials and recycling Learn about six food packaging material types including their applications, material properties, chemical safety, and end-of-life options; understand how recyclability and chemical safety of food packaging are interconnected Fact sheets Fact Sheet on Bioplastic The Food Packaging Forum has published a fact sheet addressing common questions and mix-ups around bioplastics. It clarifies the meaning of the terms “bio-based” and “biodegradable” when talking about bioplastics and further discusses aspects of chemical safety, environmental impacts associated […]

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National Academies workshop on microplastics

U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine hold two-day workshop on emerging technologies to advance microplastics research, address environmental health questions; recorded speaker presentations and other information now available

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Reports highlight reuse benefits and plastics recycling shortcomings

International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) report details current recycling schemes; concludes waste management techniques not “capable of alleviating” the growing plastic pollution crisis; recommends government actions to reduce plastic production; Break Free From Plastic follows up on 215 packaging commitments from top plastic pollution producing companies: 18 projects with no information after press release, few projects lessen plastic production; Upstream compares single-use and reusable service ware for environmental impact and business cost, finds “reuse wins”