Swedish Chemicals Agency sees need for extended ban on microplastics in cosmetic and other chemical products, endorses restriction at EU level
April 11, 2018
Microplastics in compost
New study finds microplastic particles in compost from supermarket and household waste; plastic fragments most likely remnants of food packaging; potential source of microplastic contamination in soil and freshwater
April 10, 2018
New report on single-use plastic and food waste
Report by Friends of the Earth Europe, Zero Waste Europe, Rethink Plastic Alliance finds single-use plastic packaging not effective at reducing food waste, proposes solutions to cut both plastic and food waste
April 9, 2018
Turning PET waste into virgin material
Companies Unilever, Ioniqa and Indorama Ventures develop technology converting PET waste into virgin grade material to be used for food packaging
April 6, 2018
EU Parliament’s draft resolution on plastics
EU Parliament’s Environment Committee publishes draft resolution on EU strategy for plastics in circular economy; deadline for tabling amendments May 3, 2018
April 5, 2018
Opinion: More recycling won’t fix plastic problem
Opinion article by The Guardian highlights human health impact of plastic pollution, calls for reducing plastic production and banning classes of hazardous chemicals
April 4, 2018
UK to introduce bottle deposit system
UK government announces introduction of deposit return scheme for single-use drinks containers made of plastic, glass, metal; planned scheme subject to consultation later in 2018
April 3, 2018
China authorizes new substances for food contact
Chinese National Health Commission approves 4 substances for use in coatings and as adhesive, expands use of 2 existing food contact chemicals
April 3, 2018
EFSA working group on phthalates: 2nd meeting
EFSA’s CEF Panel working group on phthalates reassesses safety of DBP, BBP and DEHP for food contact plastics; updated meeting minutes now available online
April 3, 2018
CEF Panel: 74th plenary meeting
EFSA’s CEF Panel discusses PET recycling processes and new mandates for evaluating food contact chemicals at 74th plenary meeting held March 7-8, 2018
