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