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.
What’s the difference between a take-away cup and a receipt?
European chemicals legislation allows several hazardous chemicals, that are identified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and restricted under the REACH regulation, to be used in food contact material. How can this be?
Why DINP belongs on the SIN List
The plasticiser diisononyl phthalate, DINP, was added to the SIN List back in 2008. It is one of a few chemicals that ChemSec has received requests to remove.
The United Nations says SIN List is a frontrunner
Two years ago, a draft version of a report reviewing different initiatives for identifying endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) was published. But, after receiving huge amounts of criticism from industry it fell into oblivion. Or so it seemed anyway. Now the final report has been launched.
Sperm counts for more than you think
Fertility rates have collapsed as a result of environmental pollution and sexually transmitted diseases, and a totalitarian government has forced the few remaining fertile women into child-bearing servitude to ensure the procreation of mankind. This dystopian future is the setting for the popular TV series The Handmaid’s Tale. Even though it is a fictional story, the plot might actually not be so far-fetched as it first appears.
New report: Companies often substitute BPA for chemicals that are just as bad
New report: Companies often substitute BPA for chemicals that are just as bad As bisphenol A (BPA) has come under pressure from regulators, many companies have tried to substitute it in their products. Sadly, however, it is many times replaced…
Scientific understanding of chemicals is sufficient, top scientists want authorities to do more
“The EU won’t put up a fight against hazardous chemicals,” seven of Sweden’s most prominent chemical scientists argue in a recently published op-ed (in Swedish). The EU Commission is more concerned about protecting the economic worth of chemicals than protecting…
Analysis: The parliament’s rejection of the EDC criteria proposal is a victory for democracy
On the 4th October the EU Parliament voted against the Commission’s proposed criteria for identifying endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Coming this far – to a proposal accepted by a majority of Member States – has been anything but straightforward. Paved by scandals, dirty industry lobbying and lawsuits, the proposal’s shaky journey has ended…
Coop Denmark calls on Danish authorities to ban bisphenols and fluorinated substances
In an effort to reduce the exposure of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to the Danish population, Coop Denmark calls on the Danish Parliament to adopt a ban of harmful bisphenols and fluorinated substances in materials that come in contact with…
Analysis: What will this week’s EDC criteria vote mean in practice?
Yesterday, following one year of discussions about the Commission’s proposed criteria for Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), member states’ representatives voted in favour of allowing the process to move further. The vote was primarily for plant protection products, while the ambition…