The US state of Washington has banned perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in four types of food packaging derived from plant fibers. Introduced in February 2021, the ban’s scope covers food packaging made, in substantial part, from paper, paperboard or other materials derived from plant fibers. It will initially affect: Food boats Pizza boxes Plates […]
Washington State Bans PFAS in Plant Fiber Food Packaging Read More »
Several countries in the European Union (EU) have announced bans on the importation of food contact products made from bamboo-melamine. In some cases, these countries also require the removal of these products from the market. Country responses include: Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg (Benelux countries) – requires operators to withdraw food contact ‘bamboo-melamine’ plastics immediately
EU Members Respond to Concerns Over Bamboo-Melamine Food Contact Products Read More »
SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, is pleased to announce publication of the latest version of its Global Access Program (GAP) for Electrical & Electronics Products white paper. With the continuous growth of worldwide trading business, and more countries and regions establishing their own type-approval systems, the GAP white paper has
The European Union (EU) has published a new limit of no more than 5 mg/kg for pentachlorophenol (PCP), its salts and esters under the POP Recast Regulation. The limit applies to substances, mixtures and articles. Published on February 23, 2021, the new limit is contained in Regulation (EU) 2021/277. The changes have been made under
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In October 2020, the Swedish government announced it was postponing the implementation of its new chemical tax for clothing and footwear until 2022. The decision follows the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. First announced in May 2020, the tax is designed to phase out the use of hazardous chemicals in clothing and footwear. It is
Sweden Delays Chemical Tax on Clothing and Footwear Read More »
In response to the latest changes in the COVID-19 pandemic, the French Government has recently issued a decree that recommends only face covering masks with a filtration efficiency of at least 90% be used. Issued on January 27, 2021, with the Cross Ministries Note updated on January 28, 2021, Decree No. 2021-76 takes on board
France Increases Filtration Efficiency Requirements for Face Masks Read More »
The US state of Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has published a draft list of food contact chemicals of high concern. The state approved LD 1433 to reduce toxic chemicals in food packaging in June 2019. It contained various provisions, including: Prohibition on phthalates in food packaging (including plastic service gloves) Authorization to the
US State of Maine Publishes Draft List of Food Contact Chemicals of High Concern Read More »
China’s Standardization Administration has put into effect its new, updated national product standard for towels – GB/T 22864-2020. The standard applies to all kinds of woven towel products made from textile fibers, but does not include: Microfiber towels Single-use towels [if !supportLists] The main technical contents of the standard are: General safety technical requirements shall
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China has updated its national standard covering the generic names for man-made fibers – GB/T 4146.1-2020 Textiles-Man-made fibers – Part 1: Generic names. Issued as part of China’s No. 22 announcement on newly approved national standards in 2020, the new standard will come into effect on May 1, 2021. It covers all man-made fibers, defined
China Updates Standard for Man-made Fiber Generic Names Read More »
ASTM International has published a new standard that establishes the minimum design, performance, labeling, user instructions, reporting and classification, and conformity assessment criteria for single-use and reusable face coverings – ASTM F3502. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, barrier face coverings have been an important part of the strategy for reducing the spread of
ASTM Publishes New Specification Standard for Barrier Face Coverings Read More »
