11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention lists UV absorber as Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP); first non-halogenated POP under the Convention; also listing of flame retardant dechlorane plus and pesticide methoxychlor in Annex A
UN committee recommends global ban of UV-328
18th meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Review Committee recommends global elimination of the UV stabilizer known as UV-328 under the Stockholm Convention; time limited exemptions proposed for some current uses; Convention will review the proposal for finalization in May 2023
UV-328 elimination proposal gaining global attention
Stockholm Convention proposal to eliminate use of UV-328 as plastic additive receives pushback from oil and chemical manufacturers; process preparing for draft risk profile discussion at upcoming January 2022 meeting
Danish testing of printed paper packaging
Danish Consumer Council tests for UV filters and primary aromatic amines (PAAs) in colorful paper food contact articles, finds PAAs above recommended levels
Call for EU rules on paper packaging
European study finds paper packaging can release primary aromatic amines, UV filters; European consumer organization BEUC calls for ‘strict’ EU-wide laws to ensure safety of food contact paper and board
ECHA recommends 7 SVHCs for authorization
ECHA prioritizes 7 substances of very high concern to be added to REACH Authorisation List; 6 substances potentially relevant for food contact
ECHA: Draft recommendation proposes 7 substances for authorization
European Chemicals Agency opens public consultation on 7 Substances of Very High Concern proposed for REACH Annex XIV; European Commission calls for information on socio-economic consequences
SIN list update
ChemSec adds 18 new substances of very high concern to SIN List; update includes 2 UV-filters permitted in packaging inks; all substances already included in REACH Candidate List
Endocrine disruptors and breast development
Research project of National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, finds that EDC exposure during fetal life and via breast milk increases breast development in young female rats
PET tight barrier for chemical migration, PE only sink for chemicals
Swiss researchers compare mineral oil, phthalate and UV initiator migration across different barrier materials