New report illustrates importance of institutional purchasing in advancing the market for safer chemicals; case studies of six organizations removing hazardous chemicals from their products
Fluorochemicals in popcorn bags worldwide
Scientists quantify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and their precursors in microwave popcorn bags sampled in Europe, Americas, Asia; short-chain PFASs prevalent in Europe and Americas, long-chain PFASs in Asia
Beyond BPA – Many bisphenols migrate from food packaging
Four studies investigate bisphenol (BP) migration from food packaging and human health effects; demonstrate wide presence of 11 bisphenols in polystyrene take-out food containers from China, Canada, and Poland; report material quality influences BPA migration from polycarbonate cups; indicate higher BPA migration from lined cans than plastic packaging into meat based on probabilistic models; find bisphenols A, F, and S induce genotoxic effects and changes in human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) expression using human blood cells
How to achieve a robust chemical testing program?
A commentary paper recommends strong engagement of the scientific community
Plastics research project launches in UK
Kick-off meeting for new Exeter University research project EXeMPlaR brings together variety of different stakeholders; focus on solutions for circular plastics and economy in Southwest England
Recent conferences on plastics recycling
Series of recent conferences on both continents focus on discussing challenges and opportunities surrounding plastics recycling, increasing recycled content in products; group of NGOs criticize Circular Plastics Alliance for overlooking hazardous chemicals; predicted lower prices of virgin PET seen as future test of commitment to set sustainability targets
Unknowns about drinking water pipes
Ensia article informs about plastic water piping material PEX; discusses what is known and unknown about the material’s composition and what leaches out into water
Detecting WEEE contamination in recycled FCM plastics
Scientists propose procedure for detection of contaminants from waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) in FCMs made of recycled plastics; call for regular screening to be performed by authorities to ensure compliance
2013 Business Lunch
“Sustainable development and green chemistry” lunch in Zurich with the author of Our Stolen Future, Dr. John Peterson Myers
Green Chemistry to make chemicals inherently safer
FPF hosts Green Chemistry talk in Zurich, Speaker Pete Myers argues for importance to change chemical design process