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Articles by Narain Ashta
FPF comments on proposed global Codex guidelines on recycled plastic FCMs
On October 5, 2026, the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) submitted comments on a Codex Alimentarius discussion paper proposing the development of guidelines on the safe use of recycled plastics in food packaging. The discussion paper, prepared by the USA in collaboration with the EU, Japan, and Canada, will be discussed at the 19th meeting of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) held in Cairo, Egypt on October 19–26, 2026.
California now requires third-party verification of recycled content in plastic beverage containers
The State of California has amended provisions of the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act related to recycled content in plastic beverage containers by enacting Senate Bill (SB) 633. The bill was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 18, 2026.
Majority of plastic chemicals presenting high risk to human health remain unregulated
On September 30, 2026, the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) published a report on how chemicals in everyday plastics are harming human health. The report provides a novel analysis of the PlastChem database, which contains information on more than 16,000 plastic-associated chemicals (FPF reported). The report also covers insights from scientific experts on the impacts of plastics on human health, based on information gathered through a semi-structured questionnaire.
Italy passes decree-law requiring compostability for certain single-use plastic packaging
Italy has adopted a decree-law requiring several single-use plastic packaging formats to be certified as biodegradable and compostable according to EN 13432 or an equivalent European standard.
German authority publishes guidance on assessing risks of NIAS in FCMs
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has updated its guidance on the risk assessment of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in food contact materials (FCMs). The guidance document, published on September 10, 2026, was developed with expert advice from the BfR Commission for Consumer Products.
FPF comments on three EU initiatives on recycling and recycled content under PPWR
On September 16, 2026, the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) submitted comments to three European Commission calls for evidence related to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) (FPF reported).
FPF comments on ECHA draft list of substances of concern in packaging
On August 24, 2026, the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) submitted comments to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in response to an invitation for feedback on ECHA’s draft list of substances of concern (SoCs) in packaging.
Monaco bans single-use plastic containers for ready-to-eat foods
The Principality of Monaco has implemented a ban on certain disposable plastic food containers used for ready-to-eat foods as part of its strategy to reduce single-use plastic waste. The measure, adopted under Ministerial Decree No. 2026-129, entered into force on September 1, 2026, and applies to food sold for immediate consumption or with a use-by date of three days or less.
FPF comments on draft Indian standards for plastic FCMs intended for child use and microwave use
On August 27, 2026, the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) submitted comments, accessible here and here, on two draft standards prepared by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): one covering plastic feeding and drinking containers, accessories and cutleries for child use, and another covering plastic containers for microwave use.
Indian report highlights gap between plastic waste management costs and EPR payments
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) published a report in July 2026 comparing the costs incurred by municipalities to manage plastic packaging waste in India and the compensation available through the country’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework (FPF reported). The report finds that EPR compensation may not fully cover the costs of managing flexible and multilayer plastic packaging, particularly in geographically challenging regions.
Chemical recycling of plastics not cost effective, JRC report finds
A report from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) published on July 22, 2026, concludes that chemical recycling technologies remain significantly more expensive than both virgin plastic production and mechanical recycling, but could still play a role in helping meet future recycled-content requirements for plastics in the EU.
Israel proposes EU-aligned restrictions on BPA and other bisphenols in FCMs
On July 30, 2026, Israel notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its proposal to restrict bisphenol A (BPA) and other hazardous bisphenols in food contact materials (FCMs).
FPF comments on draft Indian standard for plastic feeding bottles
On July 30, 2026, the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) submitted comments on the draft revision of Plastics Feeding Bottles — Specification prepared by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The draft standard establishes requirements for plastic feeding bottles and accessories intended for infant use, including provisions related to materials, chemical migration testing, labeling, and product performance.
EFSA gives update on risks of brominated flame retardants in food
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has released its updated risk assessment on emerging and novel brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Published on July 27, 2026, in the EFSA Journal, the report covers 27 BFRs and relies on more than a decade of new data as compared to the previous assessment in 2012. The new assessment identifies previously unknown health concerns for several substances.
US study reports modest increase in plastic recovered for recycling in 2024
A new report on plastics recycling published in July 2026, estimates that in the US, at least 5.1 billion pounds (2.3 million metric tons) of post-consumer plastic were recovered for recycling in 2024, representing a modest increase compared with 2022. The report highlights growth in plastic film recovery, but continuing declines in plastic bottle recovery along with ongoing challenges for the recycled plastics market. The study, conducted by Stina Inc.
UK updates 2027 packaging recyclability assessment methodology
The UK government has released an updated recyclability assessment methodology (RAM) under its Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) program, which seeks to shift the cost of managing household packaging waste from taxpayers to packaging producers. The methodology, published on July 1, 2026, by the official scheme administrator, PackUK, will be used by large packaging producers to assess and report the recyclability of household packaging they place on the UK market in 2027.
Indonesia updates FCM regulation but still allows certain chemicals of concern
On June 23, 2026, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) adopted Regulation No. 11 of 2026 on Food Packaging, replacing the previous 2019 regulation (No. 20). The regulation entered into force on June 30, 2026, and establishes requirements for food contact materials (FCMs) and substances used in food packaging.
JRC model maps packaging materials used across Europe
On July 6, 2026, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) published its updated methodology for estimating packaging placed on the market in EU Member States. The new model covers food and beverages as well as home care, personal care, and pet food products, representing an estimated 75% of the European consumer packaging market. Estimates are provided for 19 Member States covering more than 97% of the EU population for the period 2011–2025.
ECHA committee recommends stricter hazard classification of forever chemical TFA
On June 5, 2026, the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) adopted its scientific opinion on a 2025 proposal by Germany for the harmonized classification and labelling of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). RAC recommended classifying TFA as toxic to reproduction (Category 1B), persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT), and very persistent and very mobile (vPvM). What is TFA?
FPF raises concerns over FAO report on recycled plastic FCMs
On June 26, 2026, the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) sent a letter to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), raising concerns about FAO’s recent report on recycled plastic and alternative food contact materials (FCMs).
Universal reuse symbol unveiled
On June 3, 2026, PR3: The Global Alliance to Advance Reuse revealed the new global reuse symbol, designed to identify reusable packaging and reuse systems. The symbol was developed through Rebrand Reuse, a global design initiative led by PR3’s Global Standards Panel. The winning design, an arrow curving clockwise to point at itself and forming roughly the shape of an “R,” was created by Nicole Ascanio Rodriguez and Juan Navarrete of Epigrama Studios based in Bogotá, Colombia.
FPF submits comments on EU draft restriction on CMRs in childcare articles
On June 4, 2026, the Food Packaging Forum (FPF) submitted comments to the European Commission’s public consultation on its draft amendment to Annex XVII of REACH ((EC) No 1907/2006) (FPF reported).
Ghana to ban polystyrene FCMs in 2027
On May 25, 2026, the Environmental Protection Authority of Ghana (EPA Ghana) announced a nationwide ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of polystyrene foam products, effective January 01, 2027. The measure covers all expanded polystyrene (EPS) applications, including food contact materials (FCMs), such as takeaway containers, disposable cups and plates, and foam packaging used by restaurants, street food vendors, and hospitality operators.
Correspondence on “The Stockholm Convention at a Crossroads: Questionable Nominations and Inadequate Compliance Threaten Its Acceptance and Utility”
Environmental Science & Technology Cite this: Environ. Sci. Technol. 2025, XXXX, XXX Click to copy citationCitation copied! . This publication is licensed under CC-BY 4.0 . You are free to share (copy and redistribute) this article in any medium or format and to adapt (remix, transform, and build upon) the material for any purpose, even commercially within the parameters below: Creative Commons (CC): This is a Creative Commons license. Attribution (BY): Credit must be given to the creator.
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