Topics
bioplastics
October 13, 2025
Non-targeted analysis detects 175 chemicals in bio-based and biodegradable food-contact plastics; identifies 100 volatile chemicals; many not included in EU’s regulatory positive list, some identified as toxic
Topics: bioplastics, chemical analysis
Reading time: 3 minutes
May 30, 2025
Study investigates commodity global plastic flows across production, trade, and waste management in 2022; finds that of 400 million tonnes, less than 10% come from recycling and less than 2 % from bio-based feedstocks; single-use packaging as biggest contributor to plastic waste
Reading time: 2 minutes
August 16, 2024
Thai Industrial Standards Institute adopts international standard for undertaking life cycle assessments of biobased plastics
Reading time: 1 minute
July 18, 2024
Report by Beyond Plastics introduces terminology, current regulations and certifications, data on toxicity, waste management options, and considerations for policymakers; criticizes voluntary standards overseen by industry groups; notes bioplastics can be just as toxic as conventional plastics; offers guidance and checklist for businesses to ask suppliers
Reading time: 2 minutes
July 8, 2024
Three recent studies explore the chemical safety of bio-based food contact materials (FCMs); current analytical methods fail to detect all hazardous substances in bio-based FCMs, in vitro bioassays are suitable addition; Dutch "eco-friendly" FCMs often contain non-biodegradable components and substances like pesticides and PFAS; migration of allergens found
Reading time: 4 minutes
April 15, 2024
Literature review of micro- and nano(bio)plastics research; scrutinizes the complexities of micro- and nano(bio)plastics degradation and their toxicological effects; highlights gaps in long-term impact studies and interactions with environmental conditions; challenges the assumption that "biodegradable" means complete degradation; calls for greater transparency in research practices to bolster collective understanding
Reading time: 2 minutes
March 28, 2024
Requires environmental claims to be verified by a third-party; addresses carbon offsetting schemes; disregards green claims on hazardous substances; vote will be followed up by new Parliament after elections in June
Reading time: 2 minutes
October 12, 2023
US Composting Council, Biodegradable Products Institute, industry, and civil society organizations collaborate on publishing principles to guide policymakers; suggest requirement for third-party certification of compostability claims; present clear rules for labeling and product design
Reading time: 2 minutes
August 4, 2023
Studies analyze biodegradable – including compostable – plastics for their in vitro toxicity and chemical composition; comparison with conventional plastics indicates higher toxicity of compostables which further increases with photodegradation and composting; detect brominated flame retardants in “biodegradable”-labeled food packaging
Reading time: 3 minutes
