Latest news with #foodpackaging
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Food packaging in Indonesia gets major safety upgrade
As global awareness of food safety grows, Indonesia has introduced landmark regulations governing materials that come into contact with food. These changes are designed to strengthen consumer protection, align with international standards, and offer long-term benefits for public health and trade. With the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) and Ministry of Industry working in tandem, businesses involved in food packaging face a new regulatory landscape that demands attention and adaptation. Stricter food contact material rules aim to boost consumer safety In November 2024, BPOM notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its new regulation covering food contact materials (FCMs). This regulation spans all major material groups used in food packaging, including plastics, metals, glass, ceramics, paper, and cardboard. Central to the regulation are specific migration limits (SMLs) and overall migration limits (OMLs), which control the amount of substances that can transfer from packaging into food. These limits are based on scientific risk assessments and aim to prevent potential health hazards from chemical exposure. A cornerstone of the regulation is the introduction of a positive list of approved substances that are permitted for use in the production of food contact materials. Any material not on this list is effectively prohibited unless future safety data justifies inclusion. In addition, a list of banned substances highlights materials known to pose health risks, which are now strictly forbidden. This approach mirrors established systems in the EU and helps harmonise Indonesia's standards with global norms. Manufacturers and importers are granted a compliance window of up to 12 months following the regulation's promulgation, allowing them time to reformulate products, adjust supply chains, and ensure documentation is in order. During this period, businesses must also prepare to meet new requirements for safety documentation and testing, reinforcing transparency and accountability in the sector. New national standard for paper and cardboard packaging takes effect in 2025 While BPOM's regulation covers all food contact materials, a separate but complementary move was made by the Ministry of Industry. On 24 January 2025, it enacted Regulation No. 6 of 2025, which mandates the adoption of SNI 8218:2024—a revised Indonesian National Standard for paper and cardboard used in primary food packaging. This new SNI updates the earlier 2015 version, integrating advances in material science and international best practices. The updated standard outlines stringent physical and chemical performance criteria for paper-based packaging materials. It includes migration testing, structural integrity evaluations, and new hygiene requirements. These measures are intended to reduce contamination risks and maintain the safety of dry, wet, or greasy food products that come into direct contact with paper or cardboard packaging. In alignment with global quality assurance practices, the regulation references ISO 9001 quality management systems, reinforcing the need for consistent production processes and traceability. It also introduces a formal requirement for a Declaration of Conformity (DoC), similar to European Union protocols. This declaration, provided by the manufacturer, certifies that a product complies with relevant safety standards and has passed necessary inspections. Businesses have until 24 July 2025 to fully implement these standards. Compliance is not just a legal necessity; it also opens doors to international markets where regulatory equivalence is a prerequisite for trade. What this means for manufacturers, exporters, and consumers For food manufacturers and packaging producers, these regulatory updates represent both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, companies must reassess their supply chains, reformulate materials, and perform rigorous testing to meet the new requirements. On the other hand, compliance will improve product safety, reduce liability, and enhance consumer trust—particularly at a time when sustainability and transparency are under scrutiny. Exporters stand to benefit from alignment with international standards. By mirroring European and ISO frameworks, Indonesian products can gain easier access to markets abroad, reducing the regulatory burden of dual testing or reformulation for exports. Businesses operating across borders will find it easier to meet both domestic and foreign requirements, facilitating smoother trade and boosting Indonesia's competitiveness in the global food industry. Consumers, too, are set to benefit significantly. Safer packaging means reduced exposure to harmful chemicals and a lower risk of food contamination. By demanding that all materials used in packaging pass scientific scrutiny, the government is taking a decisive step toward safeguarding public health. From an environmental perspective, these changes may also encourage the development of eco-friendly packaging materials that meet both safety and sustainability standards. As global demand for recyclable and compostable materials rises, the new regulations could spur innovation and investment in safer, greener alternatives. A turning point for food packaging regulation in southeast Asia Indonesia's new food contact material laws mark a significant evolution in food safety governance. By adopting comprehensive standards for both chemical safety and quality assurance, the country is aligning itself more closely with international norms while addressing domestic health concerns. For manufacturers, exporters, and regulators alike, the coming year will be critical in ensuring that implementation is smooth, effective, and beneficial for all stakeholders. As the global food packaging industry continues to evolve, Indonesia's approach provides a model for how developing economies can modernise regulations in a way that supports both local health outcomes and international trade. By prioritising transparency, science, and consumer safety, these reforms are poised to have a lasting impact on the nation's food supply chain for years to come. "Food packaging in Indonesia gets major safety upgrade" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ADIA subsidiary sells 50% stake in food packaging firm IFCO to Stonepeak
A wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is selling its 50% co-controlling stake in German food packaging company IFCO to US investment firm Stonepeak. Financial details of the sale have not been disclosed. European mid-market investor Triton will maintain its 50% stake in IFCO. ADIA invested in IFCO's carve-out from Australian logistics group Brambles following a $2.5 billion sale to Triton in 2019. Founded in 1992, IFCO manages a global logistics system that utilises over 400 million reusable packaging containers. The deal is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025. Citi is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis is serving as legal counsel to Stonepeak. Bank of America and Morgan Stanley & Co. International PLC are serving as financial advisors and Latham & Watkins as legal counsel to ADIA and Triton. (Writing by Bindu Rai, editing by Daniel Luiz)
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
INEOS Styrolution launched bio-attributed polystyrene for food packaging
Food trays made with Styrolution® PS 158K BC100 are now available on the shelves at a leading Japanese retail chain. The new material is produced from 100% bio-attributed renewable feedstock, achieving a 172% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional polystyrene. It is fully compliant with global food contact regulations. TOKYO, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- INEOS Styrolution, a global leader in styrenics, has successfully commercialized its 100% bio-attributed polystyrene, Styrolution® PS 158K BC100. As of early 2025, food trays using this bio-based material have been available on the shelves of the Japanese market through collaboration with a well-known retail franchise. Styrolution® PS 158K BC100 uses an ISCC-certified mass balance approach and is made from 100% bio-attributed feedstock. As a result, it achieves an impressive 172% reduction in carbon emissions when compared to traditional fossil-based polystyrene. It fully complies with global food contact standards, including the Japanese Food Sanitation Act, and has received JCII's A certification, ensuring rigorous food safety measures. Additionally, it offers exceptional heat resistance and clarity, maintaining both the quality and the visual appeal of the food packaging. "We are thrilled to mark this milestone in integrating bio-attributed materials into everyday life, " says Marcela Villegas, Vice President of Business Management APAC at INEOS Styrolution. "It shows that sustainability can be achieved while meeting regulatory standards, allowing businesses to progress in their environmental goals without compromising quality or safety. " Further Information: Link to INEOS Styrolution's sustainability efforts: About INEOS Styrolution INEOS Styrolution is the number one producer of high-performance styrenics, offering a broad portfolio that comprises styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS, and advanced styrenics. The company delivers customised solutions for customers across automotive, healthcare, electronics, household, construction, packaging, toys, sports and leisure sectors. With more than 90 years of innovation in material science and 16 production sites worldwide, INEOS Styrolution combines global reach with local expertise to meet the evolving needs of its customers. This includes bringing safe, sustainable, and high-performing products to market and supporting their efforts toward meeting their sustainability targets. INEOS Styrolution is fully owned by INEOS Group. For further information, please visit: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE INEOS Styrolution Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CTV News
03-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
New food packaging requirements
Winnipeg Watch Katherine Dow speaks with Sylvain Charlebois about the change in food packaging requirements in Canada.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The microplastics lurking in your kitchen cupboards: Experts reveal the popular products that release the most dangerous particles - including teabags, baby bottles, and chopping boards
Next time you eat from a container or swig from a cup, you may be ingesting more than just food and drink. Scientists in Switzerland warn that ever-ubiquitous plastic food packaging is leaving us constantly exposed to tiny microplastics and even smaller 'nanoplastics'. These fragments, less than 0.2 of an inch (5mm) in diameter, are so small that they're invisible to the naked eye. The team's new study found evidence of microplastics in several popular items - including baby bottles, chopping boards, and even teabags. When we ingest them, the tiny fragments don't just pass through the body and out the other end, but lodge in organs in the body, such as the heart, lungs and brain. While the long-term effects of these particles on human health remain unclear, they've been linked to cancer and strokes, dementia and pregnancy complications. 'Plastic food contact articles can release microplastics and nanoplastics into foodstuffs,' the experts warn. 'To better protect human health, regulations could mandate microplastics and nanoplastics migration testing.' In the study, the experts from Food Packaging Forum, a non-profit organisation in Zurich, evaluated 103 previously published microplastics studies. These studies had investigated microplastics that had been in contact with 'food contact articles' (FCAs) – plastic items commonly found in the home and the industry. Examples of FCAs include baby bottles, disposable cups, trays, wrapping such as cling film, chopping boards and even teabags. The researchers warn that microplastics tend to be released during 'the normal use as intended by the manufacturer' of these FCAs. For example, opening a bottle with a plastic lid leads to abrasion and microplastics rubbing off against the skin, as does cutting on plastic chopping boards. Meanwhile, swirling a teabag in a mug of hot water effectively releases particles from the plastic sealant used in some teabags. 'Food contact articles are a relevant source of MNPs in foodstuffs; however, their contribution to human MNP exposure is underappreciated,' said Dr Zimmermann. According to the team's findings, 173 of the studies found microplastics had been shed from plastic bottles – more than any other item. Most of the plastics were in the microplastics range (1-1,000 micrometres) but others were defined as nanoplastics (less than 1 micrometre). Others were 'mesoplastics' (1-10mm) which are generally large enough to see with the naked eye This does not necessarily mean that plastic bottles shed the most microplastics; rather that there are more studies to suggest plastic bottles are a source of microplastics compared with other FCAs. Also, 115 studies found microplastics coming from 'other containers', 68 studies found microplastics from tea bags and 59 studies found them from cups. Among the other FCAs identified as leaking microplastics were bags (57 studies), trays (19 studies), wrapping (11 studies) and chopping boards (one study). Worryingly, 27 studies found microplastics had been shed from baby bottles and related accessories, showing that we're exposed to them from birth. Also, the researchers found that the main food contact material was PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or rPET (the recycled version). One of the most widely used plastics globally, PET is a clear, strong and lightweight plastic takes hundreds of years to break down in the environment when it is discarded. Meanwhile, most of the plastics were in the microplastics range (1-1,000 micrometres) but others were defined as nanoplastics (less than 1 micrometre). Others were 'mesoplastics' (1-10mm) which are generally large enough to see with the naked eye. Already, microplastics have been found in human blood, the brain, the gut, the placenta of unborn babies and the faeces of adults and infants. Health consequences of exposures to these particles 'are not yet fully understood', the team say in their paper, published in npj Science of Food. But available scientific evidence indicates that microplastics and nanoplastics can alter 'the composition of the human gut microbiome', the trillion-strong community of microorganisms in your belly helps control digestion and benefits your immune system. Other research suggests exposure leads to oxidative stress and inflammation, neurotoxicity, immunological and reproductive effects, and changes to endocrine signaling, a vital communication system within the body controlled by hormones. Taken together, the emerging evidence strongly suggests that mitigating human exposure to MNPs [microplastics and nanoplastics] is prudent,' the team add. To better protect human health, regulations could mandate MNP migration testing for FCAs The team's full dataset is freely available through an interactive dashboard. WHAT CAN MICROPLASTICS DO TO THE HUMAN BODY IF THEY END UP IN OUR FOOD SUPPLY? According to an article published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, our understanding of the potential human health effects from exposure to microplastics 'constitutes major knowledge gaps.' Humans can be exposed to plastic particles via consumption of seafood and terrestrial food products, drinking water and via the air. However, the level of human exposure, chronic toxic effect concentrations and underlying mechanisms by which microplastics elicit effects are still not well understood enough in order to make a full assessment of the risks to humans. According to Rachel Adams, a senior lecturer in Biomedical Science at Cardiff Metropolitan University, ingesting microplastics could cause a number of potentially harmful effects, such as: Inflammation: when inflammation occurs, the body's white blood cells and the substances they produce protect us from infection. This normally protective immune system can cause damage to tissues. An immune response to anything recognised as 'foreign' to the body: immune responses such as these can cause damage to the body. Becoming carriers for other toxins that enter the body: microplastics generally repel water and will bind to toxins that don't dissolve, so microplastics can bind to compounds containing toxic metals such as mercury, and organic pollutants such as some pesticides and chemicals called dioxins, which are known to causes cancer, as well as reproductive and developmental problems. If these microplastics enter the body, toxins can accumulate in fatty tissues.
