PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) are a group of chemicals which were produced in large quantities by companies such as Monsanto, and were widely used in electrical equipment, sealants and paints. Their production was phased out in the mid 1980’s in Europe, and they are now banned by the global Stockholm convention, as they were found to be toxic and to accumulate in wildlife … [Read more...] about Killer whales under threat from persistent PCB chemicals, yet emissions continue
Circular Economy
Fit for what? CHEM Trust’s views on the current evaluation of the EU’s main chemicals law REACH
The EU’s REACH chemicals law aims to ensure that chemicals are safely manufactured and used, so as to protect human health and the environment, at the same time as enhancing innovation and the competitiveness of EU industry. REACH includes requirements on companies to provide – and use – safety information on chemicals, and provides mechanisms to ban or control the use of … [Read more...] about Fit for what? CHEM Trust’s views on the current evaluation of the EU’s main chemicals law REACH
New EU circular economy plan aims to promote non-toxic material cycles
The European Commission has today launched a new set of policies on the Circular Economy. Many environmental groups are rightly criticising a weakening in many areas, including recycling targets. However, the new 'Closing the loop' Action Plan does include a plan to analyse and propose options in order "to reduce the presence and improve the tracking of chemicals of concern in … [Read more...] about New EU circular economy plan aims to promote non-toxic material cycles
The Circular economy: To get it right we must address hazardous chemicals
A Circular Economy is an important component of a future-focussed, sustainable, economy, and CHEM Trust therefore welcomes the European Commission's current consultation on the Circular Economy. We have submitted a briefing to the consultation making recommendations for policies that are needed in order to ensure that the circular economy doesn't end up perpetuating the use of … [Read more...] about The Circular economy: To get it right we must address hazardous chemicals
CHEM Trust joins with other NGOs to highlight the importance of REACH to the Circular Economy
The debate on the 'Circular Economy' is hotting up, as the Juncker Commission tries to work out what changes it is going to make to the existing proposal to make it 'more ambitious'. CHEM Trust have already pointed out the importance of chemical regulation - in particular REACH - in cleaning up the circular economy. We've now joined with European Environmental Bureau (EEB), … [Read more...] about CHEM Trust joins with other NGOs to highlight the importance of REACH to the Circular Economy
REACH helps the circular economy clean up, facilitating sustainable recycling
On 24th March I took part in an event in Brussels, organised by EurActiv, discussing the relationship between the REACH chemicals regulations and the Circular Economy, in particular the interaction between REACH & recycling. The other panelists included representatives of the European Commission (both DG Environment and DG Growth), the plastic pipe industry and an MEP, Paul … [Read more...] about REACH helps the circular economy clean up, facilitating sustainable recycling
Talks and comment pieces
2023 On 27th February 2023, Dr Julie Schneider took part in a webinar 'Toxic timebomb: Tackling the UK’s PFAS problem' which was run online by The ENDS Report 2022 On 2nd December 2023, Pia Juul Nielsen gave a presentation on 'Moving towards better identification of EDCs – how can the EURION Cluster help' at a stakeholder workshop of the EU research initiative EURION. On … [Read more...] about Talks and comment pieces
Science, pollution and wellbeing – three themes for Europe in 2015
At the start of December I gave a short presentation at the health session of the EEB's 40th Anniversary conference. It was based around three themes: the need to ensure pollution is part of discussions on the environment (rather than just climate, resource efficiency and biodiversity) the need to focus on increasing wellbeing in the jobs, growth & sustainability … [Read more...] about Science, pollution and wellbeing – three themes for Europe in 2015