A year ago, the Swedish Government decided to investigate the possibility of introducing a chemicals tax on clothing and shoes containing hazardous substances. Now, a proposal has been handed over to the Government that suggests that all clothing items and shoes become taxable, with possible tax reductions if the taxpayer can prove that products do not contain certain hazardous chemicals.
Circular Economy Action Plan falls short of its target
I rubbed my hands in anticipation when I sat down to read the Circular Economy Action Plan, hoping for clear and decisive measures. After reading it, I felt… unsatisfied. After that first sentence, it loses its edge. Even though the sense of urgency is there, it lacks the powerful measures that are necessary to fundamentally change the system and achieve a circular economy.
This is why EU Parliamentarians should say no to lead in recycled PVC this week
This week, EU parliamentarians are voting on a proposal from the Commission to allow lead in recycled PVC, a very commonly used industrial plastic.
Chemical recycling isn’t the miracle solution it is made out to be
Up until recently, not many had even heard about chemical recycling – now everyone is talking about it. This new buzzword has been portrayed as the solution to all our plastic recycling problems, but what does it actually mean?
Top three chemical trends from the EEA’s new report
Top three chemical trends from the EEA’s new report “The message of urgency cannot be overstated.” So reads one of the first sentences in the European Environment Agency’s new report: The European Environment – state and outlook 2020. Just like...
IKEA and H&M join forces to improve recyclability of textiles
IKEA and H&M have joined forces in a large-scale study reviewing chemical content of recyclable fabrics such as shirts, pants and other textiles as a step towards becoming circular.
Everything you need to know about the ChemSec event, November 14
ChemSec invites you to the full-day event “Ready, Set, Substitute It Now!” in Brussels on November 14, 2019.
The winners and losers of the new plastic waste ban
Last month, 187 governments signed off on amendments that will dramatically expand the Basel Convention’s controls on how plastic waste is exported and imported in the world. This new plastic waste ban is a big deal. It will most likely re-shape the world’s waste trade quite a bit.
Circular business models are held back by hazardous chemicals in products and supply chains
PRESS RELEASE: Circular business models are held back by hazardous chemicals in products and supply chains A circular economy represents a golden opportunity to combine corporate sustainability with profits, but it is obstructed by weak chemicals legislations in every part...
Recycling is great – but not always
Circular economy is the new buzzword in the world of sustainability. It has truly become a hot topic – not only among legislators in the European Union, but also among companies that strive to have a progressive sustainability profile. And most importantly, the concept has gained a lot of traction in public opinion. But. Not all recycling, and not all recycled materials, are good.