Topics
plastics
June 9, 2021
Recent articles in scientific journals analyze plastic packaging and adhesive materials used in contact with food for phthalate content and migration; polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cling films and adhesive labels are source of phthalate contamination to food; food characteristics, e.g., structure of fruit peel, lipid content, influence migration level; recommend avoiding direct food contact to labels, minimizing exposure time
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 9, 2021
Several recent reviews examine the value chain of biobased polymers; discuss clarification of terms such as biobased, degradable, biodegradable, and compostable; define “biotechnological recycling (bio-recycling)” as the use of enzymes and microorganisms in a technological setting to biodegrade polymers; three biodegradable polymers assessed in marine field trials
Reading time: 5 minutes
June 4, 2021
Environmental Science and Technology publishes paper proposing the establishment of the Global Plastic Pollution Observation System; would assist evidence-based policymaking by standardizing data collection on plastic pollution in atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems; serve as “umbrella” by partnering with existing programs and initiatives at multiple scales
Reading time: 2 minutes
June 1, 2021
The European Commission (EC) published a guide for applying Directive (EU) 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, known as the Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive; defines plastics and SUPs; composite materials and biodegradable plastics included in Directive; Member States must have measures in place by July 3, 2021
Reading time: 0 minutes
June 1, 2021
Paper in Resources, Conservation, and Recycling investigates chemical migration from recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE); when recycled milk bottles mixed with non-milk-bottle rHDPE, resulting plastic contaminated with chemicals of concern; rHDPE from well-sorted, decontaminated milk bottles may be clean enough for food contact; octocrylene and octinoxate still migrate at concerning levels, reduction may require further decontamination or changes in manufacturing or legislation
Reading time: 2 minutes
May 27, 2021
Sixty stakeholders in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands form ANZPAC, join the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s global Plastics Pact initiative; 11th plastic pact overall, second regional pact and first in Oceania; 2025 goals include: 100% of plastic packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable, 25% increase in plastic packaging collected and recycled by each country in the region
Reading time: 1 minute
May 26, 2021
Chilean legislature unanimously passes comprehensive single-use and recycled plastics regulations; regulation bans single-use plastic use within a food establishment, compels markets and convenience stores to only sell recyclable beverage containers, beverage containers must contain plastic collected and recycled within Chile; regulations come into effect over 3 years
Reading time: 1 minute
May 20, 2021
Two recent reports published by the African Circular Economy Alliance related to food packaging; “Five Big Bets to Africa’s path to Circularity” looks at opportunities to support African economy and environment, reviews current plastics and packaging infrastructure; “Building the African Circular Economy: Focus on Plastics” is a detailed research report of the plastics economy across Africa
Reading time: 0 minutes
May 20, 2021
Minderoo Foundation publishes “Plastic Waste Makers Index”; identifies 20 firms that produce polymers responsible for 55% of world’s plastic waste; calculates and illustrates global plastic flows from production through to end of life; provides recommendations for polymer producers, investors and banks, policymakers, and other companies along supply chain to enable shift towards circular economy
Topics: circular economy, plastics
Reading time: 0 minutes
May 19, 2021
Review in Environmental Science and Technology presents evidence that plastic pollution fulfills all three criteria necessary for consideration as a planetary boundary threat: global exposure, not easily reversible, creating hazards disrupting earth system processes; suggests research priorities to find extent of planetary boundary but states risk that “boundary threshold for environmental plastics could be crossed before it is known”
Reading time: 2 minutes
