Topics
plastics
March 6, 2025
Article published in Communications Earth & Environment explores plastics in food systems as a major driver of plastic and chemical pollution; calls for this to be reflected across food systems discussions, greater monitoring efforts and interdisciplinary research to close knowledge gaps; harmonized and whole system approach needed to avoid unintended consequences of future policies; next UN-led negotiations for a global plastics treaty in August 2025 present a key opportunity to address this issue
Reading time: 2 minutes
February 24, 2025
Two studies compare (toxic) chemicals found in recycled versus virgin plastics; recycled plastics have elevated levels of chemicals of concern, e.g., of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and higher hazard index; decontamination measures during recycling processes are key to reducing chemical toxicity; scientists provide five policy strategies to tackle hazardous chemicals in recycled plastics
Reading time: 4 minutes
February 3, 2025
European Parliament and World Economic Forum hold sessions discussing the best approaches to plastic regulation after failed global plastics treaty negotiations; agree plastic is a problem, but disagree on how to address it; debate roles of businesses, governments, and international community in future legislations
Reading time: 4 minutes
January 16, 2025
Consumer project Plasticlist analyzes hundreds of food and beverage samples from the California Bay Area for 18 plastic chemicals; finds plastic chemicals in 86% of samples; highly processed foods contain more plastic chemicals; questions whether regulatory limits adequately protect human health; calls for further research
Reading time: 3 minutes
December 19, 2024
Study assesses migration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) into olive oil; migration depends on plastic type, PAH type and temperature - being highest for PE, alkylated compared to non-alkylated PAHs, and at 125 °C compared to 20 °C, respectively
Reading time: 2 minutes
December 17, 2024
Fifth and planned final session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution took place in Busan, Republic of Korea on Nov 25 to Dec 2, 2024; no agreement was reached on the treaty text; extra session to continue negotiations being planned for sometime in 2025
Reading time: 3 minutes
December 11, 2024
51 plastic/rubber products and four microplastic types subjected to different extraction and leaching conditions, respectively; chemical composition changes with extraction method; leachate composition depends on salinity and temperature influence; extracts and leachates of similar chemical complexity
Reading time: 3 minutes
November 22, 2024
Review illustrates links and aggravating dynamics between plastic pollution and other environmental problems; calls for measures addressing plastics as “an integrative part of climate change, biodiversity, and natural-resource-use policy”
Topics: plastics, regulation
Reading time: 2 minutes
November 21, 2024
Scientists study migration of non-volatile chemicals from 16 reusable plastic bottles made of 12 different polymer types; high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and silicones release highest number of chemicals; bottles have unique chemical fingerprint; call for comprehensive assessment for better consumer protection
Reading time: 2 minutes
November 18, 2024
Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) adopts two new standards on plastic bags for food contact applications; will come into effect on March 4, 2025
Reading time: 0 minutes
