European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) adds n-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide to the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC); used in a wide array of food contact applications across Europe, Asia, Mercosur, and the US; obligates producers and suppliers within the EU to provide safety information and to notify ECHA
April 12, 2022
ECHA identifies 34 bisphenols for group restriction
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recommends 34 bisphenols be classified as substances of very high concern (SVHCs) as a group; three of the bisphenols already individually classified as SVHCs; for some bisphenols, more data necessary before classification; group classification can help avoid regrettable substitution
March 30, 2022
Update on recycled plastics FCM regulation in Europe
Standing Committee of the European Commission debates a slightly revised draft regulation on recycled plastics in food contact materials (FCMs); voting carried out as written procedure; final decision expected to be favorable
March 30, 2022
VZBV finds consumers are confused about food contact materials
Market research from German consumer organization Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband (VZBV) finds consumers are concerned about food packaging safety but have little understanding of chemicals in packaging; consumers assume all food contact materials and their components have been tested for safety
January 31, 2022
EU citizens’ panel: 51 recommendations for climate change, environment, health
More than 40 representatives of the European public discuss concerns with EU institutions; panel on climate change and health adopts 51 recommendations for the EU; includes recommendation for ‘swift elimination of non-sustainable packaging’
January 25, 2022
Public consultation on bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics
European Commission (EC) opens a public comment period on biobased, biodegradable, and compostable plastics; consultation will advise EC during development of new policies for these plastics; three areas of particular focus: sustainability of feedstocks, verification of biodegradation claims, and “widespread confusion” among consumers on terms and proper disposal routes; comment period open until March 15, 2022
January 24, 2022
Public consultation on REACH review
European Commission (EC) opens a public consultation period concerning the revision of REACH regulation; REACH is responsible for outlining chemical assessment procedures in the EU; possible updates include assessing chemical mixtures, simplifying safety data sheets, and incorporating essential-use concept; consultation period open until April 15, 2022
January 19, 2022
Plastic recycling in EU: FPF concerned about draft regulation
Food Packaging Forum (FPF) comments on EU draft regulation for recycled plastics FCMs; exemptions for the risk assessment of “incidental contamination” and for pre-market assessment of novel technologies likely to increase hazardous chemical exposure for the general public
January 11, 2022
EU Member States endorse 8th Environmental Action Program
Council of the EU announces member states endorsement of recently completed negotiations on the 8th Environmental Action Program (EAP); EAP will guide EU climate and environmental policy until 2030; priority objectives include decreasing the EU’s material and consumption footprints
December 8, 2021
Draft EU regulation streamlines certification of plastic FCM recycling processes
European Commission (EC) proposes regulation simplifying the process for the development, certification, and use of recycled plastic food contact materials (FCMs) in the EU; would replace earlier regulation (EC) No 282/2008; open for public comment until January 10, 2022
