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

New, open-access book highlights opportunities in the forest bioeconomy

Forest Bioeconomy and Climate Change examines how forests, forestry, and forest-based solutions can contribute to the development of a climate- neutral, circular-bioeconomy paradigm.

Environment, Cellulose, Sustainability, PolicyLeslie HockmanOctober 20, 2022forest bioeconomy, Forest Bioeconomy and Climate Change, climate- neutral, circular-bioeconomy, climate-smart forestry, EUComment

The road ahead for synthetic chemicals

A new European Commission roadmap reveals future directions for chemical regulation in Europe including maintenance of a rolling list of chemicals considered for risk management measures and grouping of chemically similar substances.

Bio-Based, Environment, Policy, Safety, Risk AnalysisFiona CaseMay 23, 2022synthetic chemicals, European Commission, EU, petroleum, bio-based materials, regrettable substitution, Restrictions Roadmap under the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, REACH, REACH Registry of Intentions, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substancesComment

France to Ban Use of Titanium Dioxide in Foods by 2020

The Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition announced in April 2019 that France will ban foods containing the titanium dioxide food additive E171 beginning January 2020.

Nanomaterials, Policy, RegulationJames EdeMay 3, 2019titanium dioxide (nano), E171, The Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition, France, France to Ban Use of Titanium Dioxide in Foods by 2020, Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail (ANSES), Vireo Advisors, oral toxicity of E171, EUComment

ECHA Publishes Form for Notifying PIC Exports to the UK after BREXIT

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published a temporary procedure for notifying Prior Informed Consent (PIC) exports to the United Kingdom after the first 35 days of the BREXIT.

Policy, RegulationJames EdeMarch 14, 2019BREXIT, United Kingdom, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Vireo Advisors, Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Exports, manual export notification form, EUComment

New RoHS2 Phthalate Substance Restrictions

Starting in July, 2019 the following four phthalates will be added to the list of restricted substances under EU RoHS 2 (Directive 2011/65/EU), which restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment in the European Union.

Policy, RegulationJames EdeMarch 8, 2019phthalate, RoHS2 Phthalate Substance Restrictions, EU, EU RoHS 2 (Directive 2011/65/EU), Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): max 0.1%, Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP): max 0.1%, Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): max 0.1%, Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP): max 0.1%, plastic softenersComment

European Parliament Votes to Ban Single-Use Plastics

The European Parliament approved a ban on plastic cutlery and plates, cotton buds, straws, drink-stirrers and balloon sticks and a reduction in the use of single-use plastic for food and drink containers like plastic cups.

Environment, Guidance, LeadershipJames EdeNovember 5, 2018European Parliament Votes to Ban Single-Use Plastics, food and drink containers, EU, plastic used in cigarette filters, plastic drink bottles recycled, Vireo AdvisorsComment

Improved Clarity on Nanomaterials in the EU: REACH Committee Votes to Amend Annexes

The proposed amendments will be used to help understand which substances registered under REACH are nanomaterials and the quantities being placed on the market.

Nanomaterials, Policy, RegulationJames EdeJune 6, 2018Vireo Advisors, EU, REACH, nanomaterial REACH registration requirements, basic characteristics, uses, safe handling techniques, potential risks to human health and the environment, and how companies are addressing those risks, European Commission, REACH AnnexComment

EU May Ban Single-Use Plastic Across Europe

Single-use plastics include items such as plastic bags, straws, water bottles, and many forms of food packaging and the European Commission’s Vice-President of the Executive Cabinet, Frans Timmerman, hinted that the EU may soon be banning them.

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.

The Push for the EPA to Accept Non-Animal Safety Data

Many chemical manufacturers are hoping that non-animal safety data will be well received in the U.S. by the EPA.

Alternate Testing, Guidance, RegulationJames EdeJuly 31, 2017non-animal testing, U.S. EPA, Afton Chemical Corp., REACH, EU, European Chemicals Agency, TSCA, EPA, Tala Henry, risk assessment, Alternative Testing StrategyComment