Safety of potassium diformate (Formi™ LHS) as a feed additive for sows, from ADDCON EUROPE GmbH

Electrocatalytic upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate to commodity chemicals and H2 fuel

Plastic wastes represent a largely untapped resource for manufacturing chemicals and fuels, particularly considering their environmental and biological threats. Here we report electrocatalytic upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic to valuable commodity chemicals (potassium diformate and terephthalic acid) and H2 fuel. Preliminary techno-economic analysis suggests the profitability of this process when the ethylene glycol (EG) component of PET is selectively electrooxidized to formate (>80% selectivity) at high current density (>100 mA cm-2). A nickel-modified cobalt phosphide (CoNi0.25P) electrocatalyst is developed to achieve a current density of 500 mA cm-2 at 1.8 V in a membrane-electrode assembly reactor with >80% of Faradaic efficiency and selectivity to formate. Detailed characterizations reveal the in-situ evolution of CoNi0.25P catalyst into a low-crystalline metal oxy(hydroxide) as an active state during EG oxidation, which might be responsible for its advantageous performances. This work demonstrates a sustainable way to implement waste PET upcycling to value-added products.

Safety and efficacy of an additive consisting of potassium diformate (Formi™ LHS) for piglets (weaned) and pigs for fattening (Addcon GmbH)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of potassium diformate (Formi™ LHS) as a technological feed additive for piglets (weaned) and pigs for fattening. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that potassium diformate is safe for weaned piglets and for pigs for fattening at the level of 6,000 mg/kg complete feed, with no margin of safety. The use of potassium diformate in weaned piglets and pigs for fattening nutrition under the conditions of use proposed is of no concern for consumer safety. Potassium diformate does not raise concern regarding the effects on respiratory system and the skin but is an eye irritant. The use of potassium diformate as a feed additive is considered safe for the environment. The additive is considered to be efficacious as acidity regulator in feedingstuffs for weaned piglets and pigs for fattening at the minimum proposed concentration of 6,000 mg/kg complete feed.