On Monday 9th September the European Commission held a major stakeholder meeting to discuss the EU's laws regulating chemicals in food contact materials (FCM) such as packaging and pipes. The meeting discussed the initial findings from a review that consultants Ecorys are carrying out for the Commission. One clear message that came out of the event, from all stakeholders, … [Read more...] about All stakeholders call for new EU laws on chemicals in food packaging, yet new Commission President proposes “one in one out” rule
Plastics
UK MPs back CHEM Trust’s priorities in new report on Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life
Today, the UK Parliament's Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) published a new report on 'Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life' following its inquiry into the subject. The EAC declare that "current regulation does not account for the cocktail of chemicals we are exposed to", and that hazardous chemicals are now "ubiquitous in humans and the environment". The committee makes a wide … [Read more...] about UK MPs back CHEM Trust’s priorities in new report on Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life
Phthalates: Research finds more worrying links with human health problems
Phthalates are a well-known problematic group of chemicals for human health, which is why some of the uses of certain phthalates in toys and other children’s products are partly restricted in the EU. However, this does not mean that adults and children are not exposed to them from other sources. They have a wide variety of uses and are found in everyday consumer products such … [Read more...] about Phthalates: Research finds more worrying links with human health problems
Hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging: how can we prioritise substances for action?
CHEM Trust reported in July that we are working with a collaboration of academic scientists and NGOs to identify the hazardous chemicals associated with plastic packaging. We published a database of Chemicals associated with Plastic Packaging (CPPdb) which lists 4000 chemicals that are potentially present in plastic packaging, or used during its manufacture. At least 148 of … [Read more...] about Hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging: how can we prioritise substances for action?
Concerns about chemicals and plastics
A large number of chemicals are used in the production of plastic materials such as polyethylene, polycarbonates, polystyrene or PVC, ranging from the monomers that make up the plastic polymer itself, to a wide range of additives used, for example to soften plastic, colour it or make it less flammable. You can read all our blogs relating to Plastics and chemicals … [Read more...] about Concerns about chemicals and plastics
Hazardous chemicals and plastic packaging: what are the concerns?
As CHEM Trust reported in May a collaboration of academic scientists and NGOs have been working together to identify the hazardous chemicals associated with plastic packaging. We reported that over 4000 chemicals have been identified that are potentially present in plastic packaging or used during its manufacture. At least 148 of these chemicals have been identified as … [Read more...] about Hazardous chemicals and plastic packaging: what are the concerns?
EU takes first steps to restrict microplastics – What are the main issues?
In its Plastics Strategy, published in January this year, the EU Commission announced it had tasked ECHA to collect background information and review the scientific basis for taking regulatory action at the EU level regarding intentionally added microplastics in products. CHEM Trust has participated in the first step of the process by responding to ECHA’s call for evidence and … [Read more...] about EU takes first steps to restrict microplastics – What are the main issues?
Hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging: an initial analysis
CHEM Trust has joined an important collaboration of NGOs and academic scientists looking at the topical and crucial issue of hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging. As we all know, use of plastic packaging is increasing globally, causing environmental and human health concerns. In 2015 annual plastic production was 380Mt, of which about 40 per cent was used in packaging, … [Read more...] about Hazardous chemicals in plastic packaging: an initial analysis
Companies putting public health at risk by replacing one harmful chemical with similar, potentially toxic, alternatives
A new report “From BPA to BPZ: a toxic soup? How companies switch from a known hazardous chemical to one with similar properties, and how regulators could stop them”, published today by CHEM Trust, highlights how industry is being allowed to replace the well-known hormone disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA), with very similar chemicals that may also be harmful. BPA is … [Read more...] about Companies putting public health at risk by replacing one harmful chemical with similar, potentially toxic, alternatives
EU announces plan to restrict plastic microbeads and oxo-degradable plastics
Today, the 16th January 2018, the EU Commission released its long-expected Plastics Strategy. The Strategy includes an announcement that the Commission has started the process to ban both intentionally added microplastics and oxo-degradable plastics. Both these bans will be implemented as Restrictions under the EU's main chemicals law REACH. The Commission also announced a a … [Read more...] about EU announces plan to restrict plastic microbeads and oxo-degradable plastics