The latest news about safe, sustainable and bio-based materials and products

Non-Compliance found in Jewelry and Toys by EU Enforcement Project

The project included 29 participating countries (with 27 reporting in time and in the format provided for the project) from the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) and examined 17 substances, 1,009 mixtures, and 4,599 articles.

Final Opinion on Titanium Dioxide as UV-Filter in Sunscreen Sprays Released by EC

Since sprayable sunscreens containing titanium dioxide in nanoform is available for purchase by consumers, the SCCS advised that “[s]uch uses need to be carefully evaluated so that the chance of harmful effects through consumer’s lung exposure by inhalation is avoided”.

Markets, Nanomaterials, PolicyJames EdeFebruary 8, 2018titanium dioxide (nano), Suncreen spray, SCCS, European Commission, Titanium Dioxide as UV-Filter in Sunscreen Sprays, Vireo Advisors, consumer safety, inhalation exposureComment

Canada Working to Ban Asbestos with New Proposed Rules

Canada is taking steps to ban asbestos by proposing the prohibition of the use, sale, import and export of asbestos and products containing the hazardous material.

Policy, RegulationJames EdeJanuary 24, 2018Canada, banning asbestos, Canada Working to Ban Asbestos with New Proposed Rules, hazardous materials, chlor-alkali industry, cell diaphragms, chlorine and caustic soda, 2025, March 22, 2018, human carcinogenComment

EPA Releases Final Renewable Fuel Standards for 2018 and the Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2019

This final rule is effective on February 12, 2018.

Guidance, Policy, Regulation, SustainabilityJames EdeJanuary 12, 2018EPA, Vireo Advisors, Final Renewable Fuel Standards for 2018, and the Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2019, RFS Program, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, U.S. renewable fuels sector, oil import, gasoline, dieselComment

Plastics being "Washed Out" of Big Brand's Packaging

More than 150 companies are asking that governments ban oxo-degradable plastic packaging due to the negative effects it can have on the environment and marine wildlife in a statement organized by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Initiative.

Environment, Policy, RegulationJames EdeDecember 11, 2017microplastic, oxo-degradable plastic packaging, New Plastics Economy initiative, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Unilever, Pepsico, natural ecosystem, littering, waste management techniquesComment

Update on the USDA’s Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard; Withdrawing Proposed Rule to Revise the Regulation of Genetically Engineered Crops

The USDA has less than a year to release its proposed rule (due in July, 2018) outlining its Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard that will require labelling of bioengineered foods and food containing bioengineered ingredients. The USDA announced in November that they have withdrawn its proposed rule to update regulation of genetically engineered crops after feedback received from stakeholders during the comment period.

Innovation, Policy, RegulationJames EdeDecember 4, 2017USA, Revise the Regulation of Genetically Engineered Crops, conventional breeding practices, Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, bioengineered ingredientsComment

EPA Reviewing 10 Chemicals for Potential Additional Regulation

The EPA is reviewing 10 chemicals and the hazards they may pose to human and environmental health to see if additional regulation for the chemicals is needed

San Francisco Prohibits Sale of Furniture Treated with Flame Retardants

Retailors have until January 2019 to sell their current inventory before San Francisco's law goes into effect.

Regulation, PolicyJames EdeNovember 14, 2017San Francisco, Flame Retardants Ban, flame-retardant chemical ban, organohalogens, Vireo Advisors, US consumer product safety commissionComment

Comments Due for Nanoform-Specific Registration Requirements Proposed for E.U.’s REACH Legislation

On October 9th, 2017, The European Commission (EC) released a Draft Regulation that would amend the E.U.’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction) Regulation to address nanoforms.

Flame Retardants Are Not All Created Equal

Here we discuss what exactly flame retardant chemicals are, why they are used in some classes of consumer products, and why blanket bans on such a diverse group of chemicals, such as the recent ban passed in Maine, is a bad idea when trying to protect consumers.

Environment, Policy, RegulationJames EdeSeptember 28, 2017Vireo Advisors, James Ede, Flame Retardants Ban, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Maine, fire protection, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), organohalogens, human health effects, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), potential neurotoxic effects in humansComment