Topics
plastics
December 9, 2021
Scientists develop automated non-target approach to identify and risk assess unknown chemicals in food contact plastics; detect over 300 chemical features and tentatively identify 83 compounds in a recycled polyethylene film used as proof-of-concept
Reading time: 2 minutes
December 8, 2021
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
Reading time: 2 minutes
December 3, 2021
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) identifies current lack of information on chemical recycling’s ability to manage and remove chemicals of concern; recommends each technology is reviewed separately for potential conflicts with current chemicals and product safety regulations; calls for on-site studies at recycling facilities
Reading time: 1 minute
November 24, 2021
Government to end sale of all polystyrene food containers and their lids as well as plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers starting June 1, 2022; concerns exist over harmonized enforcement across the UK
Topics: plastics
Reading time: 0 minutes
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
