Topics
EU
January 9, 2025
European Council formally adopts the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR); sets out targets for recycled content, reuse, and recyclability of food packaging; restricts certain single-use plastic food packaging; bans food packaging containing PFAS above specific thresholds
Reading time: 5 minutes
December 20, 2024
Commission adopts ban of Bisphenol A in food contact materials; also applies to other harmful bisphenols; there will be an 18-month phase out period
Reading time: 1 minute
December 3, 2024
ECHA includes information on classification of endocrine disrupting substances in updated CLP guidance; also adds guidance on persistent substances, EATS modes of action, and AOPs; OECD expert group divided over endocrine disruption identification
Reading time: 2 minutes
November 20, 2024
European Commission (EC) implements restriction on PFHxA; includes transitional period of 18 months to 5 years; European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) adds triphenyl phosphate to candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC)
Reading time: 2 minutes
November 15, 2024
European Ombudsman submits formal recommendation to European Commission (EC) on risk management of chemicals; emphasizes EC repeatedly misses deadlines for regulating substances under REACH; finds decision-making process is not sufficiently transparent; conclude it to be maladministration
Reading time: 1 minute
October 18, 2024
European Council adopts updated CLP regulation; introduces new hazard classes for endocrine disruptors, PBT, and vPvB substance; aims to enhance chemical safety by sharing hazard classifications across regulations; includes new provisions for digital labeling and refill station requirements
Reading time: 1 minute
October 7, 2024
Targeted and non-targeted analysis on reusable plastic drinking water finds diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) to migrate from 22 plastic bottle types after extensive dishwashing; detects hundreds of unidentifiable chemicals in food simulants; calls for more safety data on plastic chemicals and to ban DIBP in plastic products
Topics: EU, phthalates
Reading time: 2 minutes
September 13, 2024
European Commission acknowledges unfeasible deadlines; responds to European Ombudsman inquiry about efficiency and transparency concerns; Commission president intends to simplify REACH
Reading time: 2 minutes
September 2, 2024
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) updates its guidelines for assessing PET recycling processes for materials intended for food contact; applicants must include information on collection, pre-processing, decontamination, post-processing, and intended use; potential dietary exposure of contaminants must not exceed 0.0025 μg/kg body weight per day
Reading time: 1 minute
July 26, 2024
Zero Waste Europe publishes brief highlighting problems with polyvinyl chloride in food contact applications; advocates for restrictions due to health concerns from additives and microplastics; another report supports ECHA’s findings on significant risks associated with PVC; European civil society organizations petition phase out strategies
Reading time: 2 minutes
