A new roadmap to transform the European chemical industry

European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) and European Commission publish roadmap to incorporate EU goals for the green and digital transformation into the chemicals sector by 2050; defines nearly 200 actions for the chemical industry with technological investments, and regulatory steps necessary; implementation expected to begin spring 2023

Scientists present computer-based approach for designing safer chemicals

Dutch researchers introduce workflow to select chemicals for redesign and develop safer and more sustainable alternatives in a systematic, computer-aided way; illustrate and apply approach to identify and synthesize alternative to flame retardant with reduced persistency; emphasize need to improve knowledge and prediction on chemicals’ biodegradability

Scientists warn over-production of chemicals altering planetary systems

Peer-reviewed study finds pollution from synthetic chemical production and plastics is now altering planetary systems vital to human survival; recommends implementing cap on chemical production and release similar to greenhouse gases

Why do “chemicals” need simplifying?

Scientists’ Viewpoint proposes ‘chemical simplification’ to deal with increasing chemical pollution; names reduction of number of chemicals used in products and grouping approaches as cornerstones for simplification and innovation in science and engineering as prerequisite

Washington State: Alternatives assessment for PFASs in FCMs

U.S. state Washington to start alternatives assessment for per- and polyfluorinated substances in paper food packaging; deadline for comments on assessment proposal is December 4, 2018

New U.S. organization for alternatives assessment

Association for the Advancement of Alternatives Assessment established in the U.S., aims to ‘enhance the science of alternatives assessment, advance informed substitution’ of hazardous chemicals

2018 retailer ranking published

Non-profit organization Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families releases annual retailer report card; restaurant chains make insufficient efforts to remove hazardous chemicals from food packaging

Webinar on substituting hazardous chemicals

ChemSec held webinar on online tool Marketplace, HCPP project; alternatives assessment for phthalates by Northwest Green Chemistry presented

BizNGO annual meeting 2018

Business and environment collaboration BizNGO holds annual meeting on December 4-5, 2018, in Berkeley, U.S.; registration now open

Businesses’ approach to safer chemicals

Fourth edition of Chemical Watch’s “Business guide to safer chemicals” highlights work by Coop Denmark and Sherwin-Williams to replace bisphenol A and other hazardous chemicals in food packaging