Thanks to the joint efforts of medical professionals and environmentalists, public awareness of air pollution has increased significantly and pressure has been put on governments to address the problem. As a result, air pollution has risen significantly on the UK political agenda. Much of the blame is directed at diesel vehicles. Previous governments have encouraged the sale of diesel vehicles because diesel engines emit fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline engines. According to government data, the share of new diesel-powered cars produced rose from 12.9% to 39.1% between 2000 and 2016, and the share of new diesel light trucks rose from 76.9% to 96.2%. The latest government policy to hit the headlines is a total ban on conventional petrol and diesel cars by 2040 to address breaches of the EU's Ambient Air Quality Directive due to excessive levels of nitrogen dioxide. The strategy is to ask councils to find ways to tackle nitrogen dioxide emission hotspots, and draft plans must be completed by March 2018. The British government will provide £255 million to support councils in implementing their plans, and will also set up a Clean Air Fund to fund measures such as changing road layouts, removing traffic lights and speed bumps, and upgrading buses. The British government has been taken to court three times by the legal organization ClientEarth over air pollution. The group argued that government proposals so far lacked power and were too slow to respond to a problem of this scale. For policies proposed by the government, the speed of implementation every time

The EU is expected to launch a consumer APP to strengthen the improvement of the SVHC phase-out rate. Recently, the EU REACH authorities, NGOs and academic units have worked together to promote the AskREACH APP project, aiming to enhance consumers' knowledge and understanding of substances of very high concern (SVHC) in products. What are the negative risks of these SVHCs to the human body and the environment, and help consumers identify the SVHCs contained in products so that consumers can make informed purchasing decisions. This project was initiated by the German Environmental Protection Agency (UBA) and has brought together more than 20 project partners from 13 EU member states to assist in the development and construction of this APP, which is expected to be launched in the spring of 2019. Another purpose of the plan is to encourage manufacturers to replace SVHC in their products. Through the transparent information of the APP, it reminds retailers, manufacturers, importers and their supply chain manufacturers that they must comply with the requirements of REACH regulations, while strengthening the supply chain. information communication. The ultimate goal of this project is, of course, to increase consumer awareness of SVHC in products, leading to the replacement of all SVHC in products marketed in the EU with safer chemicals. For this project to be successful, it will require an EU central IT system that includes the following three elements: – An information center where companies can upload SVHC data in products; – In addition to providing consumers with multiple language options, a smart APP, this APP must also be used at the sales location through big data technology

UN SDGs-related information from companies across China is revealed. This September, the United Nations’ 2030 Global Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) will expire on its second anniversary. This article reviews the newly released Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report in 2016 in order to Learn how companies in Greater China disclose their efforts to address the SDGs. Among the 50 largest listed companies in mainland China and Hong Kong, only one-fifth listed SDGs-related commitments in their 2016 CSR reports. In Taiwan, more than half of the 50 largest listed companies list such commitments. However, the quality of information disclosure in line with SDGs strategic guidelines is different. Some CSR reports containing SDGs commitments lack an open and transparent discussion. Some focus on the positive and negative impacts that corporate operations may have on SDGs and clearly translate SDGs commitments into tangible results. Measurable and time-bound goals. Looking at companies operating in Greater China, some are taking a more strategic approach, identifying SDGs relevant to corporate operations, and achieving expanded influence by combining their contributions with business priorities: Taiwan Microelectronics Taiwan Semi Conductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) – In order to contribute to the seven specific SDGs

Hong Kong environmental group researches and promotes easy-to-recycle fish boxes to reduce marine garbage. More than half of Hong Kong's marine garbage is plastic garbage. Some environmental groups suggest that the government subsidize fishermen to help clean up marine garbage during the fishing moratorium, and at the same time establish a complete recovery, classification and recycling system. The group also plans to cooperate with Hong Kong fishery representatives and the fish wholesale market to try polypropylene fish boxes developed in the UK to replace styrofoam boxes to contain fish. Its texture is not easy to break and its insulation level is similar to that of styrofoam. Some fishermen expressed their willingness to try it, but it depends on the cost of the fish boxes. Project Manager (Ocean) of the WWF Hong Kong Branch, Yang Songlian, was invited by the European environmental organization Waste Free Oceans to inspect the UK, the Netherlands and other places earlier this month. He pointed out that Hong Kong did not have a perfect system for dealing with marine garbage in the past. After the garbage was salvaged from the sea, Sent to landfills for treatment; referring to overseas experience, we should start by preventing garbage from falling into the ocean. We must first reduce waste at the source and reduce excessive packaging. We must have a producer responsibility system and set up an effective recycling system. Some fashion design companies in Spain use Plastic bottles are recycled to produce clothing and shoes, and some European manufacturers recycle plastic bottles salvaged from the sea into detergent bottles. Yang Songwen said that it is necessary to promote groups such as fishermen and water sports users to jointly solve the problem of marine debris. Taking places such as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands as examples, local environmental groups encourage fishermen to voluntarily participate in the "Fishing for Litter" program, and fishermen will At the same time, the garbage caught is put into large garbage bags, and there are recycling and sorting facilities on the shore for immediate processing. Hong Kong can also learn from European fishermen’s experience in applying for funding from the government during fishing moratoriums.

Hazardous chemicals have become a high-risk source of EU consumer products Hazardous substances in products have become the second largest source of risks to health and safety in the EU market. According to the 2016 EU Rapid Alert System for Non-Food Products (RAPEX) statistical report released by the European Commission, the largest source of risk hazards in the EU is injuries caused when using products, accounting for 2016 Rapid warning notifications include 25%, while notifications of hazardous chemical substances in products exceeding the limit account for 23%, ranking second. The EU has implemented the RAPEX notification system since 2004. The main purpose of its establishment is to ensure that European consumers can buy safe products. It is also used by market surveillance agencies among EU member states and the European Commission to communicate and quickly report dangerous goods. Information integration platform. RAPEX will publish the name and brand of the notified product, the country of origin of the product, the reason for being notified as a dangerous commodity and the after-market processing mechanism every week. Since its launch in 2004, thousands of products have been placed on the blacklist every year. The notified products will be subject to varying degrees of corrective measures due to the market supervision requirements of the competent authorities of EU member states. In severe cases, manufacturers may be required to Products removed from shelves for recycling. The statistical report results of the notified product categories in 2016 are the same as in previous years: – 26% belongs to toys; – 18% belongs to motor vehicles

The first "environmentally friendly" laundry bag is designed to prevent plastic fibers from polluting the ocean. Does washing clothes also create plastic waste? The British Guardian reported that German outdoor product retailer Alexander Nolte & Oliver Spies has developed an extra-fine mesh laundry bag that can prevent plastic fibers from sweating fabrics from entering the environment along with laundry wastewater. This company is now cooperating with the well-known outdoor clothing brand Patagonia. This new laundry bag "Guppy Friend" will be shipped this week to netizens who supported them on the crowdfunding website "Kickstarter" last year. Will be available on Patagonia. "Guppy Friend" is the first product developed to combat plastic fiber pollution. Plastic fibers are small and can easily enter wastewater treatment plants. While natural fibers such as wool or cotton biodegrade over time, synthetic fibers do not biodegrade and tend to absorb harmful chemicals in wastewater, such as pesticides or flame retardants. In addition, the fibers in clothing are often coated with chemicals to increase functionality such as waterproofing. Many studies have pointed out that plankton and other small organisms can cause health problems if they eat plastic fibers, and can also bring plastic fibers into the food chain. Researchers have even found large amounts of plastic fibers in fish and shellfish sold in the market. There are currently no studies showing whether plastic fibers are harmful to the human body. However, Nott believes that scientific research will take time and it may take several generations to know.

The United Nations Environment Program calls on governments around the world to ban plastic bags, impose plastic bag taxes, limit plastic beads in cosmetics, and take other actions to reduce single-use packaging. At the World Ocean Summit in Indonesia hosted by The Economist magazine at the end of last month, the United Nations Environment Program announced a "war on ocean plastics" and launched the "Clean Seas" program to target disposable plastics and ocean pollution. It is said that there have been Ten countries joined, including Indonesia, France and Norway. The United Nations pointed out at the summit that the Indonesian government has outlined a plan to reduce garbage entering the ocean by 70% by 2025. In addition, Uruguay will begin imposing a tax on single-use plastic bags later this year, and Costa Rica will propose a plan to improve waste management and significantly reduce single-use plastics. The February 23 summit will be attended by plastics industry executives, government officials and environmental groups. The American Chemistry Council (ACC), one of the participating organizations, stated that the rubber manufacturing industry is actively participating in plans to reduce ocean plastic and improve waste management in the Asia-Pacific region. "Both the scientific and political communities recognize that improving land-based waste management is the most important solution to reducing waste entering the ocean, especially in rapidly industrializing economies." ACC Vice President Steve Russell said, "70 of the world's plastic Industry organizations have signed a formal statement on marine pollution and will support 260 marine plastic waste reduction projects.” Although the United Nations Environment Program has not forced.

Target announced that it will eliminate harmful chemicals from its products in 2020. Target, the second-largest retail brand in the United States after Walmart, announced its 2020 goal to eliminate harmful chemicals from its own brand products. Target's ten-year purchasing plan will identify products containing harmful chemicals and gradually reduce the content of harmful chemicals in purchased products. Target hopes to use this to promote the detoxification of its supply chain and cooperating industries. Target's purchasing services manager pointed out that more and more consumers want to know whether the products they buy are sustainable and responsible. Target must promise consumers that the products in its retail stores are not only safe, environmentally friendly, but also products that respect labor rights. Therefore, Target will implement hazardous chemical substance management actions starting with its own brand products. Target updated its Sustainable Product Index (SPI) in 2016. SPI is a product rating form that Target's suppliers must fill out before purchasing products. It includes four key requirements: safe raw materials, transparency of product ingredients, sustainable packaging materials, and good product management. According to the product's performance score in the above four aspects, the score will affect whether it can be sold in Target stores. At the same time, the higher the score, the Target purchasing department will also provide suppliers with better preferential purchasing conditions. from 2016

SAC releases new Higg module tool to reduce product environmental impact The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) is a multi-stakeholder group composed of leaders in the global apparel industry, including brands, retailers, manufacturers It is composed of experts from business, government, non-governmental organizations and academia. SAC currently represents more than 40% of the global garment and footwear market and is committed to reducing the negative impact of global garments and footwear on the environment and society. SAC launched the Higg Index, a product sustainability measurement tool in 2012, which was developed based on the existing assessment tools - the Outdoor Industry Association's Eco Index and Nike's Material Assessment Tool. By using the Higg Index, companies can identify opportunities to reduce negative impacts on the environment and achieve long-term sustainable development through supply chain improvements. SAC recently released the Higg Index Design and Development Module (DDM), which, combined with the new version of the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI) launched last month, has become a product cradle-to-gate scoring tool.

Multinational companies jointly support the global 70% plastic recycling plan. More than 40 industry leaders have jointly supported an action plan that attempts to solve the global plastic problem in an innovative and effective way. This initiative was proposed by the World Economic Forum and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in May 2016, and they jointly published a research report The New Plastics Economy: Catalysing action. According to the industry potential analysis survey, the report estimates that the current annual recycling rate of plastic packaging materials is only 14%. If global companies work together, they will be able to recycle and reuse 70% of plastic packaging materials worldwide. The report points out that if the world does not take a more proactive approach to the current situation of plastic packaging materials, by 2050, the weight of plastic waste in the ocean will be greater than that of fisheries. The report plans a series of clear and transparent strategies for the global plastics industry, through better packaging design, increasing recycling rates and promoting new models of packaging application. 20%’s plastic packaging can be reused with added value, such as replacing disposable plastic bags with reusable materials, or designing innovative packaging models based on different product types. 50% plastic packaging material can be value-added, recycled and reused through packaging design or recycling management system. If nothing is done, additional 30% (weight equivalent to 10 billion garbage bags) will not enter the recycling system, and

China dominates top 200 green companies Chinese companies continue to top the list of the new top 200 green energy and technology companies, which covers multiple industries such as biofuels and batteries. The achievement reflects China's global leadership in the growing clean energy economy. The Clean 200 List was released by As You Sow and Corporate Knights on February 21. Among them, 71 are Chinese companies, more than one-third of the total, and almost all of them are on the list. Twice that of U.S. companies (41). There are 20 Japanese companies on the list, ranking third. Two "leaders" among Chinese companies are Xinjiang Goldwind Technology Co., Ltd., which produces wind turbines, and GCL Energy Holdings Co., Ltd., which produces solar-grade polycrystalline silicon. This shows the Chinese government's large-scale investment in renewable energy in recent years. The investment has come to fruition. In the UK, only two companies are on the list, utility company SSE Plc, ranked 9th, and Dialog Semiconductor, ranked 161st. Toby Heaps, president of Corporate Knights, is one of the authors of the Green Companies 200 report (referred to as the report). He pointed out that given that China's stock market is only half the size of the United States, the achievements of clean energy companies are indeed amazing. The list was launched in 2016 and is considered the control group of the “Top 200 Companies with Carbon Emission Potential”. the latter

The United Nations issued a warning last year, saying that the large number of empty bottles and clothing floating in the sea has become a serious threat to human health and the marine environment and ecology, and is now the most dangerous problem facing the world. environmental issues. Following the initiative of environmental groups, many multinational companies have pledged not to use plastic in their products. Johnson & Johnson has also followed suit and announced that it will stop selling cotton buds made of plastic and replace them with paper. The Independent reported that global plastic production has increased rapidly. From 2004 to 2014, plastic production increased significantly by 38%. However, recycling work has not kept pace at all, causing large amounts of plastic particles under 5 mm in length to be washed into the ocean. , in 2010, it was estimated that about 4.8 million to 12.7 million tons of plastic were in the sea, and were eventually eaten by whales, plankton and other marine life. Experiments have shown that replacing 1% deposits with plastic has a negative impact on the worms' ability to store energy. A study last year analyzed the bile of fish sold in markets in Indonesia and California and found that more than a quarter of the fish contained plastic. Scientists fear that chemicals in plastics, and those that attach to plastics in the natural environment, could cause poisoning, infertility and genetic damage to marine life, and could harm humans if ingested in large amounts. The United Nations reports that the presence of microplastics in food may increase direct human exposure to plastic-related chemicals and may pose a threat to human health.