It is the International Scientific Review of the Ethical Packaging Charter Foundation. A bimonthly publication in which 7 multidisciplinary articles are presented, relating to packaging, selected by several magazines of the digital science world.
In this number:
Serious notifications on food contact materials in the EU RASFF.
For the first time in the period 2012-2019 the serious alert and refusal notifications at the borders on food contact materials (FCM) recovered from the RASFF database were analyzed. The results indicate that China was the leading violator country for both types of notifications. Differences in the percentage shares of lag phase intervals were observed between the top four notifying countries, indicating a lack of harmonization in the timely reporting of serious alert notifications and border rejection for MMFs. Overall, the migration of primary aromatic amines and metals were the most frequently reported hazards in the analysis period.
https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/8/4/56
The Green Deal, national energy and climate plans for Europe: compliance and Member State strategies.
This paper analyzes EU energy and climate policies, using Börzel’s theoretical framework on Europeanisation, and examines Member States’ Green Deal responses, strategies and compliance. As expressed in the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). The main purpose and main contribution of this study is to conduct up-to-date research on policy design and adoption of EU Member States on common European policy and integration issues. One of these concerns the issue of energy and climate policy, but also the Green Agreement in general, which was recently announced and which is expected to have the greatest impact on European policy in the next period 2021-2027.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3387/11/3/75
Associations between exposures to perfluoroalkyl substances and diabetes, hyperglycemia or insulin resistance: a review of the issue.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants commonly found in the human body due to exposure via drinking water, surfactants used in consumables and aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). Exposure to PFAS has been linked to adverse health effects such as low birth weight, cancer and endocrine disorders, although more and more studies have shown that they can disrupt metabolic processes and contribute to dysfunction. This targeted review summarizes the chemistry of PFAS exposure and epidemiological evidence for associations between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and the development of diabetes, hyperglycemia and / or insulin resistance.
https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4713/11/3/8
Learn more about biodegradable polymer-supported titanium dioxide photocatalysts for environmental remediation.
Taking into account the numerous substrates tested to support TiO2 photocatalysts, the use of biodegradable polymer seems a promising option due to its remarkable merits, including flexible nature, low price, chemical inertness, mechanical stability and wide feasibility. This review places emphasis on recently published research articles (2011-2021) and exposes the most innovative studies facilitating eco-friendly biodegradable polymers to fabricate polymer-based photocatalysts, while preparation details are also discussed, photocatalytic performance and reuse of TiO2 / polymer photocatalysts. The biodegradable polymers examined here include chitosan (CS), cellulose, alginate, starch, poly (lactidic acid) (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly (lactide-co-glycylide) (PLGA), while an emphasis is given on synthetic way (dip-coating, electrospinning, etc.) of photocatalysts.
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6209/1/3/15
Inform the public and educate students about plastic recycling.
Approximately 300 million tonnes of plastic waste is generated annually. Most of this plastic waste is landfilled, while some of it escapes into the environment. When plastic waste enters the terrestrial or aqueous environment, it can have negative impacts on ecosystems, human health and wildlife. Increasing the amount of recycled plastic waste will consequently reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the environment. By educating the public and industry about plastic recycling, current recycling programs can be used more efficiently and new programs can be created. Educational material on plastic recycling is available through professional and sector associations, foundations with an environmental focus, university courses and short courses offered with private companies.
https://www.mdpi.com/2313-4321/6/4/69
Evaluation of the toxicity and biodegradability of PVA-based materials in seawater.
Due to the continued increase in conventional plastic production and poor management of plastic waste, the industry is developing alternative plastic products made from biodegradable or biobased polymers. The challenge today is to create a new product that combines the advantages of conventional plastics with environmentally friendly properties. This study focuses on evaluating the potential impact that polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) -based polymers may have once released into the marine environment, in terms of biodegradation into seawater (assessed by the percentage of theoretical oxygen demand, or% ThOD, of each compound) and aquatic toxicity, according to the standard toxicity test using Paracentrotus lividus larvae.
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/21/3742
Materials in contact with food: migration and analysis. Challenges and limitations on identification and quantification.
Food contact materials (FCMs) are defined as objects and materials intended to come into direct or indirect contact with food, while items in contact with food are defined as objects, i.e. equipment, containers, packaging and utensils miscellaneous that are clearly intended for use in the manufacture, preparation, storage, flow, transport or handling of food. Plastic materials are widely used in food packaging applications; however, there is growing concern over the possible release of undesirable components into food. Harmonized analytical strategies are among the essential challenges for identification.
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/11/3232
