Topics
plastics
November 23, 2021
Finds global virgin plastic production for signatory brands and retailers has likely peaked; progress so far driven by recycling, but warns recycling is not the solution and elimination of single-use packaging urgently needed; separate reports find US polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle recycling rates decreasing and Australia not meeting plastic recycling targets
Reading time: 2 minutes
November 22, 2021
Scientists, activists, industry and policy makers share findings and future needs that address the plastic pollution crisis; recycling plastics is ineffective strategy; concern over possible health effects of micro- and nanoplastics
Reading time: 2 minutes
October 25, 2021
Two publications from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provide overview and assessment of global challenges related to marine litter and plastic waste; include set of infographics summarizing key thematic areas; book chapter proposes organizing diverse problem formulations and potential solutions to plastic pollution into a conceptual framework, considers necessary value judgments and world views
Reading time: 2 minutes
October 20, 2021
Researchers identify systematic ambiguity within CAS labeling framework as hampering public oversight on chemical safety; outline set of recommendations to close data gaps and increase transparent communication
Reading time: 3 minutes
October 19, 2021
India overturns 2016 amendment to Plastic Waste Management Rules; recycled plastics now allowed in food contact applications; change went into effect six days after official notification was posted
Reading time: 2 minutes
October 14, 2021
Kenya most recent country to launch a plastics pact within the Ellen Macarthur Foundation’s global initiative; aims to by 2030 achieve 100% reusable or recyclable plastic packaging with 40% effectively recycled and a minimum of 15% recycled content
Reading time: 1 minute
October 13, 2021
Scientific studies investigate human endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposures and effects; Canadian study finds bisphenols migrate from baby bottles and sippy cups; reviews report of widespread presence of bisphenols, parabens, and benzophenones in human breast milk and addresses current misunderstandings about the impacts of EDCs on child health
Reading time: 5 minutes
October 13, 2021
9th annual Food Packaging Forum workshop brings stakeholders from different fields together to discuss the latest science, policy, and stakeholder collaboration across the field; presentation videos, slides, and summary articles now available
Reading time: 2 minutes
October 13, 2021
On the second day of the Food Packaging Forum’s annual workshop, speakers discuss the investments necessary to understand complex food and packaging supply chains and the benefits of taking the time to do so; assessing plastic circularity through a more honest assessment of the post-consumer life of plastics; the ongoing work of European Commission’s food contact materials policy revision
Reading time: 6 minutes
October 13, 2021
On the third day of the Food Packaging Forum’s annual workshop, speakers discuss the new Understanding Packaging Scorecard that helps improve packaging procurement decision making, how regulators assess food packaging in the lab and on the market, new projects investigating plastics, and how understanding game theory in group decision making can lead to societal benefits
Reading time: 7 minutes
