Scientists, activists, industry and policy makers share findings and future needs that address the plastic pollution crisis; recycling plastics is ineffective strategy; concern over possible health effects of micro- and nanoplastics
Opinion: Plastic recycling a ‘false promise’
Engineer estimates U.S. plastic recycling rate below 5% in 2018, calls for ‘real solutions’ to plastic pollution such as reduced production of single-use plastics, implementation of deposit schemes
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
More eco-friendly takeaway containers
Bangkok Post informs about a community campaign encouraging food vendors in Bangkok to use bio-based, biodegradable food containers instead of styrofoam and other plastic packaging
Sweden comments on EDC criteria
The Swedish Chemicals Agency responded to the Commission’s proposal on criteria to identify EDCs
ECHA collects information for microplastics restriction
ECHA opens call for evidence on possible restriction of intentionally added microplastics; call open until May 11, 2018; informational webinar to be held on March 12, 2018
TTIP: Chemical sector will not be excluded
EU chief negotiator dismisses exclusion of chemicals from Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)
Polystyrene recycling to be set up in France
Consortium of French companies and organizations to develop industrial-scale polystyrene recycling channel in France by 2020
Scientists use in silico-based models to prioritize food contact chemicals
Two studies applied computational methods to screen food contact chemicals (FCCs) for carcinogenic properties or interaction with 31 nuclear receptors; one identifies 44 potential carcinogens among 1623 assessed FCCs; other finds more than half of 8091 screened FCCs with high binding affinity for several nuclear receptors
French proposal for Bisphenol A ban enters another round
The French senate adopted a legal proposition which would ban Bisphenol A in food packaging designated for children under three years of age. All other packaging intended to come into contact with food would have to state that this product is not suitable for pregnant women and children under three. The amendments made by the senate require now adoption by the French National Assembly.