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Reviews examine biobased polymers

Several recent reviews examine the value chain of biobased polymers; discuss clarification of terms such as biobased, degradable, biodegradable, and compostable; define “biotechnological recycling (bio-recycling)” as the use of enzymes and microorganisms in a technological setting to biodegrade polymers; three biodegradable polymers assessed in marine field trials

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Biodegradable plastics may bring degradation and toxicity challenges, say scientists

In an opinion piece published in Waste Management scientists emphasize there is no universal biodegradability of plastics in any ecosystem; waste collection systems need adaptation and toxicity testing improvements; experimental study finds leachates of biodegradable plastic items affect mussel early embryo stages development and adult physiological parameters

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KH Food Packaging Law Seminar 2019

Keller and Heckman LLP to hold annual food packaging law seminar with China-focused pre-conference workshop in March 2019; registration now open

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EC report on biodegradable plastics in open environment

European Commission’s (EC) Scientific Advice Mechanism publishes evidence report and scientific opinion, discusses potential benefits and limitations of biodegradable plastics; finds no silver bullet for inappropriate waste management or plastic littering, only for specific applications; appropriate formulation, coherent testing and certification standards needed to realize full potential

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Uptake of microplastics on the rise – especially in Southeast Asia

Recent studies explore uptake pathways of microplastics; uptake has increased in recent years; rapidly industrializing Southeast Asian countries more impacted; food packaging responsible for approx. 2.98 × 103 microplastics/person/year; higher exposure for regular consumers of bottled water, tea brewed from plastic tea bags, or ultrafiltered milk