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EU legislation streamlines cosmetics regulatory procedures

The Official Journal of the European Union published new regulations on December 22, 2009, revising existing regulations governing the marketing of cosmetics. The new Regulation 1223/2009 replaced European Commission Directive 76/768/EEC, which governed cosmetics. This directive had been amended 55 times, and the European Court of Justice had issued several rulings on its interpretation. The new regulation is a universal code applicable to all member states, aiming to simplify regulatory procedures and related terminology, and reduce ambiguity arising from the separate implementation of the original directive in the 27 member states. Regulation 1223/2009 applies only to cosmetics; medical or biological pesticide products are not subject to its regulation. According to this regulation, "cosmetics" refers to any substance or mixture used on the external parts of the human body for cleansing, altering appearance, or protection, including cosmetic products, soaps, bath preparations (bath salts, bath foams, bath oils, and bath gels), perfumes, depilatories, deodorants, hair care products (shampoos, volumizing powders, hair conditioners, hair creams, and hair styling products), creams, lotions, face masks, primers, shaving products, lipsticks, and toothpaste. One of the goals of the new regulation is to ensure the safety of cosmetics, therefore, it places great emphasis on product traceability. The new regulation stipulates that cosmetics must designate a legal or natural person within the EU as the responsible party before they can be marketed. The new regulation clearly defines the responsibilities and obligations of the responsible party, the responsibilities and obligations of the distributor, and the distributor's role in the supply chain, and clearly explains and expands the scope of the responsible party's duties, and stipulates that from the last batch number...

2010-03-12

EU multinational corporations are calling on the EU to raise its carbon reduction targets.

Leading EU multinational corporations, including Shell, Tesco, and Vodafone, today called on the EU to revise its 2020 carbon reduction target to 30% of 1990 levels. EU member states are preparing to formally submit the 2020 greenhouse gas emissions targets agreed upon at the Copenhagen conference. While the UK, France, and other developed countries have unilaterally set targets of 20% reduction in carbon emissions, the EU is attempting to lobby for an increase to 30% by 2020. An open letter from the Prince of Wales Business Leaders on Climate Change to European Commission President Barroso expressed support for the EU's position and hinted at their support for the 30% reduction target. The organization's leaders are from Europe's largest companies, including Deutsche Telekom, Philips, and Unilever. The letter states that raising the greenhouse gas emissions reduction target to 30% by 2020 would be crucial for the rapid development of a low-carbon economy. It also argues that although a binding treaty on climate change was not reached at the Copenhagen Conference, an agreement remains crucial for economic interests and development. The EU's climate change strategy is entirely based on a binding international treaty that enables the global carbon market to offer competitive carbon trading prices. The letter points out that even if the EU does not continue to play a leading role, and the US, China, and other major emerging economies have already made significant progress...

2010-03-12

Scholars warn that the United States must reconsider its high-cost and inefficient biofuel policy.

The United States needs to reconsider its biofuel policy because the current biofuel incentive program achieves only minor environmental benefits while severely impacting taxpayers' incomes. A recent research report from Rice University indicates that in 2008, the US government spent $4 billion on biofuel subsidies, but the effect was only to replace 2% of gasoline supply. The report estimates that US taxpayers had to pay an average of about $82 for biofuel, equivalent to a barrel of high-priced gasoline, making it uneconomical in terms of cost. The report also warns that bioethanol, as a supplementary industrial product, has many negative environmental impacts, particularly on ecosystems and fishing activities along the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast. Furthermore, it reinforces previous findings that bioethanol has a minimal impact on greenhouse gas emissions. The report states that, under scientific validation, the climate benefits of US-made bioethanol are inconsistent and should not be compared to the greenhouse gas emissions from traditional gasoline combustion. (Source: En)

2010-03-12

British carbon assets are beginning to explore new business opportunities in the Chinese carbon market.

Officials from the UK Office for Climate Change's carbon trading delegation, who visited China on January 25, stated that UK carbon trading companies value the Chinese carbon market and are willing to share their experience with Chinese partners. Besides continuing to seek new Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects, the UK is also optimistic about new carbon trading possibilities, such as reducing carbon emissions in Chinese industries. Tom Bouwens, Deputy Director of the UK Office for Climate Change, said on January 26: "China is the world's largest seller of CDM carbon credits, and the UK is the world's largest buyer. There are many opportunities in China, which is why the UK wants to strengthen ties with China." Senior executives from more than 10 UK carbon trading companies, including Ecobridge and Climate Change Assets Group, participated in the trip to China. From January 25 to 29, they will hold discussions with Chinese representatives in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, covering topics such as the development of Chinese CDM projects, financing for reducing carbon emissions, and carbon trading financial derivatives. The UK is a global leader in carbon trading experience. The UK established the world's first national greenhouse gas trading mechanism in 2002. When the EU-ETS, currently the world's largest carbon trading mechanism, was established, the UK had already been operating for three years. Many carbon trading companies have chosen London as their headquarters. China has initially established a three-way balance in its carbon trading market. This includes the Beijing Environment Exchange, the Tianjin Emissions Exchange, and the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange. Among them, the Tianjin Emissions Exchange has already begun trading sulfur dioxide emissions, while the Beijing Environment Exchange has initiated voluntary carbon emission reduction programs for enterprises.

2010-03-12

Obama: The New Energy Economy – America Cannot Lose

U.S. President Barack Obama announced a new strategy on February 3 to revitalize U.S. biofuel production, vowing never to allow countries like China to outpace the U.S. in building a clean energy economy. Obama stated that increasing renewable energy production, bringing biofuel output to 36 billion gallons by 2022, would reduce U.S. dependence on oil by at least 328 million barrels annually and decrease annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 138 million metric tons. U.S. biofuel production last year was 11.1 billion gallons. Speaking to Republican and Democratic governors at the White House, Obama said, "It's important that I believe the United States can take the lead in building a clean energy economy, but we must first overcome our own political pressures." Obama also announced the formation of an interagency task force to jointly develop carbon capture technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants and assist in the development of cleaner coal energy. He pointed out, "If we can develop the technology to capture the carbon pollution from coal emissions, we can create jobs and provide energy for the future." – Reference source: Lianhe Wanbao, February 4, 2010

2010-03-12

Introduction to the EU Floral Ecolabel

The European Union established its ecolabel system in 1992 and amended it in 2000. Regulation EC 1980/2000, adopted by the European Parliament and the Council, expanded the product scope to include all consumer products (excluding food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals) and services. The EU ecolabel's evaluation standards are drafted by the European Environment Labelling Authority (EUEB) and approved by the European Commission. EUEB members include ecolabeling bodies from member states, environmental NGOs, consumer associations, business associations, and representatives of SMEs.

2010-03-12

International companies begin piloting product carbon footprint standards

Sixty international companies, including large corporations, began piloting two methods this year for calculating greenhouse gas emissions from products and supply chains. These two methods and standards are named "Product Life Cycle Standard" and "ISO 14067," respectively. ISO 14067, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is expected to be finalized in March 2011; the Product Life Cycle Standard was published in December 2010. Both methods are primarily based on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Agreement, a ten-year collaboration between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Initially, the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Agreement provides international organizations with tools to understand, quantify, and measure greenhouse gas emissions and electricity consumption. However, the two methods to be adopted will more comprehensively cover corporate carbon emissions: the Product Life Cycle Reporting Standard and the Product Supply Chain Reporting Standard. WBCSD President Bjorn Stigson stated that the new methods will help companies calculate their carbon footprint more precisely. He noted that "a more comprehensive approach to measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions allows businesses and policymakers to focus more on reducing carbon emissions across the value chain, while also enabling companies to produce more reliable products." These 60 international companies were selected from 120 applicants, including Airbus.

2010-03-12

Grassland carbon sequestration has become a focus of attention in Inner Mongolia.

Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with its 1.3 billion mu (approximately 120 million hectares) of grassland, should prioritize the carbon sequestration value of its grasslands and develop a carbon sequestration economy through its grassland industry. It is estimated that one mu (approximately 0.067 hectares) of natural grassland has a carbon sequestration capacity of 0.1 tons, equivalent to a reduction of 0.46 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Inner Mongolia's 1.3 billion mu of grassland is equivalent to a reduction of 600 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. In 1997, representatives from 180 countries and regions signed the Kyoto Protocol in Japan, which allowed the free trading of greenhouse gas emission allowances between enterprises and countries, thus giving rise to global emissions trading. Dong Hengyu, Vice Chairman of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region CPPCC, stated that grassland carbon trading in Inner Mongolia is a valuable resource no less important than forest carbon trading, possessing significant ecological and economic value. Policies for grassland protection and development should be effectively implemented to fully leverage the demonstrative role of Inner Mongolia's vast grasslands in ecological protection and mitigating climate change. Jin Zhuang, a professor in the Department of Finance at Inner Mongolia University of Finance and Economics, explained that grassland plants absorb and fix atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air. He believes that grassland ecosystems are crucial for mitigating global climate change and are also important carbon sequestration resources. In today's world, where the low-carbon economy is receiving increasing attention, strengthening and leveraging the carbon sink function of grasslands, and increasing the carbon energy of grassland ecosystems by improving grassland management standards, is a low-cost approach to carbon reduction. – Reference source: UNCTAD, 2010-02-25 – Consortium

2010-03-12

Thai Airways releases carbon footprint of in-flight meals

On February 22, 2010, Piyasvasti Amranand, President of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, announced that Thai Airways became the world's first airline to computerize the carbon footprint of its in-flight meals. Starting in 2010, Thai Airways will display the carbon footprint information of two signature dishes on its in-flight menus for passengers' reference. These two signature dishes and their carbon footprints are: Thai Red Curry Chicken with Thai Jasmine Rice (13.6 kg CO2 e per 250g serving) and Green Curry Chicken with Thai Jasmine Rice (13.9 kg CO2 e per 250g serving). The carbon footprint information will help passengers consider greenhouse gas emissions when ordering meals. Thai Airways' meal carbon footprint is part of the "Thailand Product Carbon Footprint Technology Cooperation Project," a joint initiative between the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) and the National Metal and Materials Technology Centre (MTEC). this

2010-03-12

EU investigates implementation of the Battery Directive

On November 27, 2009, the Official Journal of the European Union published a European Commission resolution to conduct a questionnaire survey on the implementation of the Battery Directive 2006/66/EC in the Member States. The survey results will be reported to the European Commission to assess the effectiveness of current measures and to serve as a reference for future policy development. The European Commission requested Member States to provide information on several aspects, including: ◆ The transposition of the Battery Directive into domestic law; ◆ Steps taken to improve the environmental performance of batteries and accumulators; ◆ Battery and accumulator recycling targets and whether they have been met; ◆ Current battery and accumulator treatment and recycling measures; ◆ Funding agreements and measures taken to ensure that manufacturers assume funding responsibility for the recycling, treatment, and recycling of all used batteries and accumulators. Measures taken to ensure manufacturers are not subject to double taxation, in case other recycling programs have been implemented; ◆ Monitoring and enforcement actions, including the number of verified violations and whether violating products have been withdrawn from the market. The Battery Directive came into effect in all Member States on September 26, 2008. The obligations under the Directive apply to all types of batteries, including those for consumer, industrial, or automotive use. The Directive has prohibited the sale of the following batteries on the market since September 26, 2008: ◆

2010-01-06

California Attorney General warns major retailer for selling products with excessive lead content.

California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. recently warned six major retailers that several children's products sold in their stores contained lead levels exceeding the 300 parts per million (ppm) limit set by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, ordering the retailers to immediately remove these non-compliant products from their shelves. These products include certain children's capes, shoes, belts, tote bags, necklaces, and accessory boxes, with lead levels ranging from 677 to 22,000 ppm. The problem was discovered earlier during a three-month study by the Center for Environmental Hygiene. The California Attorney General's office issued a press release stating that it has reported the issue to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has the authority to order the recall of non-compliant products. While the origin of the products is unknown, it is estimated that at least some were manufactured in China. This is the first time a state attorney general has attempted to enforce the provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 since it took effect. Under the Enhanced Consumer Product Safety Act, products primarily intended for children aged 12 or under must not contain more than 300 ppm of lead by weight in any single component. From August 14, 2011, the lead content in children's products was limited to no more than 100 ppm, unless the Consumer Product Safety Commission deems this standard impractical for a particular product or category. Furthermore, the Enhanced Consumer Product Safety Act stipulates that furniture, toys, and other similar products must also contain lead.

2010-01-06

Wisconsin becomes the 20th state in the U.S. to enact a waste electronics recycling law.

On October 23, 2009, Wisconsin Governor Doyle signed the State Waste Electronics Recycling Act of 2009 (Winsconsin Act 50), which was expected to take effect on January 1, 2010. After the law took effect, Wisconsin's waste electronics recycling rate was projected to increase by approximately 30%. Effective recycling and reuse of electronic waste not only creates a cleaner environment but also allows waste to be reused as a resource. Wisconsin's waste electronics recycling law is similar in content to those of Minnesota, Illinois, and Indiana, requiring manufacturers of imaging equipment (including monitors, televisions, and laptops), computers, and printers to recycle regulated electronic devices according to their sales volume. To prepare for and effectively implement this law, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has begun a series of forums to introduce its contents. Related information can also be found on the website: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/ewaste/meetings.htm The original text of the 2009 Winsconsin Act (Version 50) can be downloaded from the attachment. – Reference source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 20

2010-01-06

The EU will develop economic indicators for eco-efficiency.

The EU Environment Council proposed on the 21st of this month to develop new environmental and social indicators to replace the traditional model of using Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to measure a country's prosperity and well-being. A trial version of these indicators will be published in 2010. The EU's economic recovery plan launched last year used GDP as the main indicator of effectiveness, but this recovery will accelerate the depletion of natural resources. To address this dilemma, the EU plans to develop a new sustainable development strategy, with environmental policy focusing on five key areas: climate change and energy consumption, natural and biodiversity, air pollution and health impacts, water resources and pollution, and waste recycling and resource utilization. On the 21st of this month, the European Union's Environment Department proposed using an eco-efficient economy indicator to assess the performance of sustainable development strategies across various aspects. It also suggested that this eco-efficient economy indicator be used in conjunction with GDP to evaluate member states' economic development, taking into account both environmental and economic performance. Future assessments will further incorporate social aspects. A trial version of this eco-efficient economy indicator will be published in 2010. The Swedish Permanent Representative to the United Nations' Environmental Advisor suggested to the EU that eco-efficient economy would be central to achieving the Lisbon Strategy, which aims to promote economic growth and employment.

2010-01-06

Australia is expected to implement a carbon trading system.

After months of political maneuvering, the Australian government will vote on its Emissions Trading System (ETS) amendment bill before Parliament adjourns on the 26th of this month. If it is again rejected by the Senate, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd may call an early election citing climate change. Rudd cited the nearly 100 ongoing bushfires and temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in Australia as examples to emphasize the urgency of such anti-global warming legislation. The Australian general election is scheduled for the end of 2010. Although Rudd's Labor Party government currently holds a commanding lead over the opposition Liberal Party in the polls, calling an early election is still a gamble with the prime minister's position. The Australian government hopes the ETS can be implemented in July 2011, and once officially implemented, it will be Australia's second domestic carbon emissions trading platform outside of Europe, with carbon emissions pricing expected to be set at 10 Australian dollars per metric tonne. The debate over Australia's ETS is being closely watched by other countries, especially the United States, where members of Congress are debating their proposals. Australia's neighbor New Zealand is also attempting to pass an amended emissions trading bill. This carbon trading system was a key campaign promise of Kevin Rudd in 2007, and he hoped to pass the ETS bill before the Copenhagen Climate Conference (UN Climate Change Summit) in December. However, opposition Liberal Party members opposed the bill, arguing that it would sacrifice jobs and harm businesses, with some members not believing that human activity was the primary cause of climate change. Australia is the world's largest coal exporter, accounting for approximately 1.5% of global carbon emissions, on average...

2010-01-06

Quebec sets greenhouse gas reduction targets

Quebec Premier Jean Charest and Minister of Sustainability Line Beauchamp announced today (November 23, 2009) Quebec's greenhouse gas reduction targets, projecting a reduction of approximately 20% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. Quebec's reduction targets are close to those set by the European Union, making it a leading pioneer in the global fight against climate change. The Premier of Quebec affirmed the reduction target and issued the following declaration: “For Quebec, where 48% of its energy comes from renewable sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% is a very challenging goal. Quebec currently has the best greenhouse gas emissions record in Canada, with an average of about 11 tons of greenhouse gases per person, half the average for Canada. If the 20% reduction target is achieved by 2020, Quebec will become the province with the lowest per capita greenhouse gas emissions in North America. Quebec's industrial sector achieved a greenhouse gas reduction of more than 7% in 2006, while GDP grew by 41% during the same period. Therefore, for Quebec, achieving the reduction target for a sustainable future is a plan that everyone agrees on and supports.” Quebec's decision to announce its reduction target on the eve of the UN Climate Change Summit demonstrates not only its determination and efforts but also its willingness to lead the summit. – Source: Quebec Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, 2009-11-23

2010-01-06

China pledged to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

The Chinese government announced on Thursday (November 26) that it aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 40% or 45% by 2020 compared to 2005 levels. China will achieve this target through a combination of tax and fiscal policies. BBC China editor Chen Shirong believes this target represents a significant commitment. Premier Wen Jiabao chaired an executive meeting of the State Council, which formulated corresponding policies to achieve the target. Xinhua News Agency quoted the State Council meeting as saying that China faces enormous pressure and difficulties in achieving these goals. The meeting pointed out that China has formulated a climate change response plan based on its national conditions, adjusting its industrial structure, optimizing its energy structure, encouraging energy conservation, improving energy efficiency, increasing investment in relevant scientific and technological research and development, striving to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing forest carbon sinks. Greenpeace welcomed China's emission reduction target. The head of Greenpeace's China office said that given the urgency of the climate change crisis, China needs to take strong measures. However, he believes China can still do more. Wen Jiabao attended the climate summit. The Copenhagen UN Framework Convention on Climate Change conference will be held on December 7. Beijing Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang announced at a regular press conference on Thursday (November 26) that Wen Jiabao will attend the meeting. Previously, the White House also announced that President Obama would participate in the Copenhagen Summit. Representatives from 192 countries are expected to attempt to reach new agreements at the summit.

2010-01-06

The United States will propose specific targets for reducing greenhouse gases.

According to an official White House report, the United States will announce its greenhouse gas reduction targets before the UN Climate Change Summit next month. Danish government officials stated on November 22 that leaders from 65 countries have confirmed their participation in the two-week UN Climate Change Summit, scheduled for December 7th. Many other leaders are still considering whether to attend, but the attendance of China and the United States, the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases, remains uncertain. The United States has not yet confirmed its participation in the Copenhagen UN Climate Change Summit, but last week US President Obama discussed climate change with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chinese Premier Hu Jintao, and Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. The US is currently drafting its own reduction targets, which are also the targets the US would accept if Obama attends the summit. In addition to discussing reduction targets for developed countries, the summit will also focus on aid programs from wealthy countries to poorer countries to address climate change. If compared to 1990, US greenhouse gas emissions have increased by approximately 15%. If US President Obama is willing to participate in the UN Climate Change Summit, it would be a very good sign; because the foundation of this summit is the negotiation of reduction targets, and the US's (the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases) reduction commitments would be of great significance to this summit.

2010-01-06

The EU is phasing out incandescent light bulbs in phases.

From September 1, 2009, the EU market began phasing out energy-inefficient traditional incandescent and halogen light bulbs until September 2016, although the most widely used 40-watt and 25-watt bulbs were phased out by September 2012. The EU banned these products under the Environmental Design Directive 2005/32/EC (EuP Directive), with the implementing measure being European Commission Regulation No. 244/2009, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on March 24, 2009. From September 1st of this year, all energy-inefficient non-transparent luminaires are being phased out. All non-transparent luminaires must fall under EU Energy Label Category A. In other words, non-transparent luminaires must be energy-efficient fluorescent lamps that are 80% more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Consumers who prefer other lighting technologies for aesthetic, size, or shape reasons can purchase transparent luminaires. From September 1, 2009, luminaires with a light output equivalent to a 100-watt transparent conventional incandescent bulb must be classified as at least Category C; by the end of 2012, luminaires with a light output equivalent to other wattage transparent conventional incandescent bulbs must also be classified as at least Category C. The most widely used 60-watt bulbs could remain on the market until September 2011; 40-watt and 25-watt bulbs could continue to be sold until September 2012. The phase-out program starting September 1st only applies to products already removed from the market, i.e., products sold by EU manufacturers or importers. Therefore, in September...

2009-11-07

The United States has discovered children's toys that do not comply with CPSIA regulations.

Since the Consumer Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) took effect on August 14, 2008, it has required that children's toys meet the following limits: 1. February 10, 2009 (180 days after the Act took effect): < 600 ppm 2. August 15, 2009 (1 year after the Act took effect): < 300 ppm 3. August 14, 2011 (3 years after the Act took effect, if technically feasible): < 100 ppm The Illinois Public Interest Research Group (Illinois PIRG), located in Chicago, conducted random tests this year on 87 popular toys for lead and plasticizer content and published the results. The test results found that...

2009-11-07

U.S. Energy Star announces new TV requirements

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will revise energy requirements for televisions this year. Televisions certified under Energy Star will need to consume approximately 40% less electricity than conventional models. The new energy standards are expected to save consumers approximately $2.5 billion in electricity bills annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 3 million vehicles. The two new Energy Star energy standards (Versions 4 and 5) are expected to take effect on May 1, 2010, and May 1, 2012, respectively. Television manufacturers applying for Energy Star certification after these dates will be required to meet its content requirements. Data shows that approximately 19 million televisions larger than 40 inches will be available in the U.S. in 2010, and Energy Star requirements will regulate the power consumption of large-screen televisions. For example, the new Energy Star requirements stipulate that televisions larger than 46 and 50 inches must consume approximately 50% less electricity than conventional televisions. The following are the energy consumption requirements for televisions according to Energy Star 4th and 5th editions: – Source: U.S. Energy Star website 2009-09-03 – Translated by Plastics Industry Technology Development Center For reference only, please refer to the original text. Other related downloads: Screen diagonal size Aspect ratio Screen specifications v4. on mode requirements

2009-11-07