Food

The potential hazards of microplastics for humans and the environment are difficult to identify. This dossier summarizes main aspects as well as open questions arising from the links between microplastics, food packaging and human health.

Biobased polymers and biodegradable plastics are both referred to as bioplastics. Types, applications, toxicity and regulation of biobased polymers and biodegradable plastic used in food contact materials are summarized in the dossier.

Chemicals from food packaging can transfer into foodstuffs, a process known as migration. This article explains the concept of migration, outlines global regulations for food packaging, and touches upon challenges related to food packaging in the circular economy.

Among the crises engulfing the world is the symbiotic rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and plastics. Together, this co-dependent duo generates substantial profits for agri-food and petrochemical industries at high costs for people and planet. 

A new report from Alaska Community Action on Toxics and IPEN finds that chemicals, plastics, and climate change are interrelated and threaten Arctic Peoples and lands. These forces have combined to poison lands, waters, and traditional foods of Arctic Indigenous Peoples, with ongoing health effects that threaten their cultures and communities.

Research from IPEN and BAN reveals dire human exposure and food chain contamination from highly toxic plastics in waste in Ghana, including toxic recycled e-waste shipped from Europe.

Report on the toxic threats from waste incinerator ash that, which is generated at a rate of millions of tons every year includes analysis of global scale of toxic ash and other residues from waste incineration contain dioxins, furans (PCDD/Fs) and a range of other highly toxic POPs at levels which are a threat to human health and the environment.

Plastics and food packaging contain chemical contaminants from manufacturing along with many additives. Many of these additives are toxic and they leak from products during use and can be released during recycling and from recycled products. This study focuses on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), whose releases are closely linked to plastic waste. 

The publication provides information on the health and environmental risks of commonly used FCMs, including plastics, paper, board, and bio-based materials. It also assesses the regulatory shortcomings enabling these risks, and provides recommendations for policy makers. Available in English, French, Spanish, Dutch and Portuguese.

In the ongoing negotiations of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, the realities of disposable paper-based food packaging should not be ignored. Legislators must seize the opportunity to curb the growing levels of packaging waste driven by overreliance on single-use products.