On March 5, 2014, Sony issued its 13th edition of the regulations concerning the management of environmentally controlled substances in parts and materials, SS-00259, which took effect on April 1, 2014. From that date, all products designed and manufactured by Sony must comply with the relevant requirements of these regulations. Seven new environmentally regulated substances have been added: Substance Name | Level | Standard/Limit Level | Prohibition Date Tris(2-chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) | Level 1 | Components containing more than 1000 ppm (0.1 wt%) | Effective April 1, 2014 Tris(2,3-dichloropropyl) phosphate (TDCPP) | Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) | Level 1 | Intended addition | Immediate implementation Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and esters | Level 1 | Coated materials containing more than 1 ug/m2 | Effective April 1, 2014 Components containing more than 1000 ppm (0.1 wt%) | Level 2 | Coated materials containing more than 1 ug/m2 | Effective July 1, 2015 Components containing more than 1000 ppm (0.1 wt%) | Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) | Level 2 | Materials containing more than 1 ppm (0.0001 wt%) Tris(xylene) phosphate (TXP) Level 3, effective July 1, 2015, in components containing...

In June 2014, the European Commission announced the standards for textile products applying for the EU Ecolabel, which include restrictions on the use of hazardous substances in the manufacturing process. To apply for the Ecolabel, textile products and their formulations must not contain any hazardous substances listed in the Restricted Substances List (RSL), or the levels of hazardous substances must be below the limits. Manufacturers must prepare an RSL that complies with all chemical regulations and specify the verification or testing requirements for each stage of production or the final product. This list must be clearly communicated to suppliers and partners responsible for spinning, dyeing, printing, and finishing, and these partners must be required to comply. If necessary, random samples from each production line must be sent to a laboratory for testing. If the Ecolabel is successfully obtained, the products must be tested annually during the label's validity period to ensure continued compliance with the RSL requirements. The Ecolabel standards explicitly stipulate that the final product must not contain Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) or hazardous substances listed on the EU REACH alternative list. Although the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (Euratex) did not address each clause...

Recent reports have repeatedly drawn the attention of scientists and environmental groups to the pollution of the oceans by plastic waste. These reports indicate that plastic waste not only mars the beaches and washes into the ocean, but also harms marine animals, destroys sensitive ecosystems, and pollutes fish that humans depend on for survival. Experts emphasize that the marine problems caused by plastic waste cannot be solved by end-of-pipe treatment in the ocean; rather, improvements must be made at the source of the waste on land. A research report released on June 23 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the NGO Global Ocean Commission, and the Plastics Disclosure Project (PDP) highlights the environmental impact of plastic debris on marine life. According to the report, plastic waste in the ocean causes $13 billion in losses annually, and this figure continues to rise. Global plastic production is projected to reach 33 billion tons by 2050, and plastic accounts for up to 80% of marine and coastal litter. Doug Woodring, founder of the Ocean Recovery Alliance, the NGO that spearheaded the plastic exposé project, pointed out, "Retrieving and cleaning up marine debris in the ocean..."

Heinz, the world's largest tomato paste brand, has recently partnered with Ford Motor Company on the development of bioplastics. A press release issued by Ford on June 10, 2014, stated that the collaboration aims to utilize byproducts from Heinz's tomato paste production, transforming them into usable plastic parts for automobiles through bioplastics technology. Because the tomato paste production process generates a large amount of waste tomato peels that cannot be recycled, Ford is developing a mass production technology to convert these peels into materials suitable for wiring harnesses or small storage boxes. Ford's plastics research experts pointed out that the research aims to develop a plastic that meets automotive standards, is lightweight and strong, and reduces the product's negative environmental impact. Although this research is currently in the experimental stage, it is scientifically feasible. Scientists also agree that these technologically transformed and rearranged plant molecules are not as fragile as fruit peels. Just as hardwoods and bamboo are very strong and robust in nature, plant fibers have great potential as raw materials for automotive plastic parts. Source: Huff Post Green (2014-06-10) (Compiled by PIDC)

The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) has updated its list of restricted substances. The AAFA is a national trade organization representing companies and suppliers of apparel, footwear, and other textile products. AAFA's mission is to promote and enhance the competitiveness, productivity, and profitability of its members in global markets by reducing regulatory, commercial, political, and trade restrictions. The AAFA recently updated its list of restricted substances, primarily revising regulations on flame retardants and phthalates. Key points include: – Adding Canada to the global list of countries regulating tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP). – Adopting the EU REACH regulation's limit of 0.1% by weight for di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP/DHP) per item. – Added to the Chinese standard FZ/T 7325-2013 for infant and toddler knitwear, which specifies an antimony exposure limit of 30 ppm and a cadmium exposure limit of 0.1 ppm. – Added ISO 14184-1 formaldehyde testing method. The AAFA restricted substances list now includes 2

On June 20, the European Commission added a limit of 5 mg/kg to the Toy Directive for the flame retardants TCEP, TDCP, and TCPP in toys. The EU Toy Safety Committee had already unanimously adopted limits for flame retardants in February 2014, with 5 mg/kg being the lowest detectable level for these substances. TCEP, a phosphate ester used in polymers, is a harmful substance with reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity. According to an EU industry report, EU toy manufacturers have stopped adding TCEP as a flame retardant to toys. However, some NGOs, concerned about the potential continued exposure of children to harmful imported products, have requested "adequate control" over toys entering the EU market. On June 25, the European Commission also revised the migration limit for bisphenol A (BPA) in Annex II of the EU Toy Directive to 0.1 mg/L to protect children from the negative effects of harmful substances. This BPA restriction will come into effect on December 21, 2015. Source: Chemical Watch (2014-06-20) (Compiled by PIDC)

Climate change, dwindling natural resources, and a growing urban population will all reshape the future of cities. Building successful future cities, or revitalizing urban centers, requires harmony with the natural environment and ecosystems, and now is the perfect time to consider how to make these future cities a reality. In developing countries like China, many new cities are still under construction, and minimizing the use of petroleum fuels during development is crucial. However, large, high-density cities often generate significant carbon emissions due to population migration, the transport of goods, food, and water, raising questions about the viability of this approach. In contrast, abandoning the distinction between urban and suburban areas and adopting a diversified regional development model may be a more sustainable approach to urban development. Connecting with agriculture and ecosystems, this regional development model allows for the recycling of nutrients and water resources, making more efficient use of local resources. Some cities will provide high-tech medical and educational services while creating separate residential areas offering commercial and social services. Information and communication technologies can reduce the need for transportation and decrease carbon emissions. This development approach can also free up capital, thereby increasing social welfare. In the past, to support the dense development of metropolitan areas, too much money was spent on infrastructure construction, leaving less for social development such as health and education. This development model necessitates a new economic model to utilize resources more flexibly and efficiently. Such an economic model can be considered from three directions. First, it's about strengthening the value of protecting ecosystems, for example, by increasing carbon prices.

How much is a forest worth? What is the true economic value of the ocean? Can you buy a mountain forest or a glacial meadow with money? More importantly, can such calculations save the planet, or are they simply selling rapidly deteriorating nature to the market? On the final day of the World Summit of Legislators in Mexico City, the Global Legislators Organisation (GLOBE) released a study on natural capital accounting, the first comprehensive report to compile 21st-century legislative policies and calculate the monetary value of natural resources. This study's definition of natural capital encompasses every natural product, from ecosystems and solar energy to mineral deposits and fossil fuels. Starting from the highly negative impact of human activities on the environment, it argues for the "urgent need to develop effective measurement methods to calculate natural capital and incorporate them into relevant legislative and policy frameworks." The findings are quite startling. For example, Peru's natural capital accounting focuses on economic value; the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment (MINAM) found that "in 2009, certain ecosystem services, converted into monetary value, amounted to 15.3 billion pesos." Of this, water and energy accounted for 2.5 billion pesos, agriculture, forestry, and livestock for 8 billion pesos, and fisheries for 864 million pesos. Natural capital exports in 2009 earned Peru 9 million pesos. "Ecosystem services are the foundation of production in various industries such as fisheries, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and medicine; therefore, the fragility of ecosystems..."

In response to the "rhododendron alcohol incident" in the Japanese cosmetics market last year, the Japan Cosmetic Industries Association (hereinafter referred to as "COIA") issued a "Notice on Revising the Self-Managed Standards for Precautions on Cosmetic Use" on May 30, 2014, requiring relevant companies under COIA to revise the precautions listed on the containers or outer packaging of cosmetics. On the same day, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare issued a "Notification on Precautions for the Use of Cosmetics, etc." (Pharmaceutical and Food Administration 0530 No. 2), requiring cosmetic manufacturers and distributors other than COIA members to also revise their labeling according to the revised self-managed standards. The specific revisions are as follows: 1. Added the warning "Pay close attention to any abnormalities on the skin during use"; 2. Added "fading (white spots, etc.) or dark spots" as a new symptom to the list of symptoms that should be discontinued. Furthermore, according to the announcement from the Cosmetic Industry Association, the new self-imposed standards require relevant companies to complete the revisions to (1) of the aforementioned amendments by November 25, 2017, and to prioritize whitening cosmetics (quasi-drugs).

Lu Wenbin, deputy director of the Department of Resource Conservation and Environmental Protection of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, said on Monday that by strengthening administrative accountability for energy conservation and emission reduction, and by using "ironclad rules" and a "tough approach," China will promote energy conservation and emission reduction to ensure the achievement of the binding targets for energy conservation and emission reduction during the 12th Five-Year Plan period. According to the 2014-2015 Action Plan for Energy Conservation, Emission Reduction, and Low-Carbon Development previously released by the State Council, the specific targets for energy conservation, emission reduction, and carbon reduction in the next two years are: energy consumption per unit of GDP, chemical oxygen demand, sulfur dioxide, ammonia nitrogen, and nitrogen oxide emissions to decrease by more than 3.9%, 2%, 2%, 2%, and 5% annually, respectively; and carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP to decrease by more than 4% and 3.5% annually, respectively. In an online interview with the Chinese government website, he stated that based on an average annual GDP growth of 7.5% for China in the next two years, 320 million tons of standard coal equivalent need to be saved. To achieve this, structural adjustment measures such as eliminating outdated production capacity, curbing new production capacity in high-energy-consuming industries, and developing the service industry and strategic emerging industries will be implemented to save 169 million tons of standard coal equivalent. Through measures such as implementing energy-saving technological upgrades and promoting energy-saving technologies and products, 147 million tons of standard coal equivalent will be saved; 20 million tons of standard coal equivalent will be saved through the promotion of energy management systems. To achieve its nitrogen oxide emission reduction targets, China will reduce emissions by 2.6 million tons through denitrification upgrades of coal-fired power plants and cement clinker production lines, and strengthened operational supervision; and reduce emissions by 1.4 million tons through "coal-to-gas" conversion, elimination of outdated production capacity, elimination of yellow-label vehicles, and oil product upgrading. Lu Wenbin mentioned that some localities lack a deep understanding of energy conservation and emission reduction work. The central government has proposed...

Scientists have discovered a substance found in the shells of crustaceans and the limbs of insects that has the potential to become a large-scale, environmentally friendly alternative to plastics, replacing many types of plastics. This substance, called chitosan, is a tough form of chitin. Chitin is a hard polysaccharide found in the shells of crustaceans. The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University states that chitosan is "the second most abundant organic material on Earth." Javier Fernandez, a lead researcher on the study, said that since the Wyss Institute announced this discovery, many companies have contacted them to explore its commercial potential. According to the Wyss Institute, humans produce 34 million tons of plastic waste annually, with only 7% recycled; the remaining 93% ends up in landfills and the ocean. Plastic in landfills takes 1,000 years to decompose, while approximately 100 million tons of plastic waste float in the oceans globally. "We have mass-producible methods to use inexpensive and large quantities of chitosan-based bioplastics to replace traditional plastics in industrial and commercial applications, and it is indeed feasible," the director of the Weiss Institute said in a statement. Fernandez said a simple beverage cup can be made from 200 grams of shrimp shells, about the size of a palm. (The last sentence appears to be unrelated and refers to crustaceans the size of planktonic organisms.)

Earlier this year (February 2014), scientists discovered large quantities of plastispheres in the ocean. They defined this new term, plastisphere, as a new research field to describe the close relationship between plastic debris and microbial communities in aquatic systems. Initially, scientists found over a thousand species of microorganisms attached to and living on microplastics in the ocean, including known dangerous pathogens found in animal and human habitats. While scientists haven't yet determined how these microorganisms survive on microplastics, they suggest they may utilize certain components of the microplastics as nutrients, or they may ingest the microplastics, mistaking them for food, and obtain nutrients as they pass through the digestive tract. These suspended plastispheres pose a serious threat to the marine food chain and human health, which is at the top of the food chain. Because the US wastewater treatment system cannot effectively intercept the plastic beads used in facial cleansing products to remove dead skin cells, it is estimated that up to 19 tons of these beads enter the wastewater treatment system annually. These microbeads, carried by the water flow, eventually enter the ocean and form plastispheres. In light of this, some cosmetic manufacturers in the United States have voluntarily stopped adding microbeads to their products, demonstrating their commitment to preventing microplastics from entering the ocean. The governments of Illinois and New York are also expected to draft legislation to ban similar exfoliating cleansers.

In May 2014, Minnesota became the first state in the U.S. to pass legislation banning the sale of consumer personal care products containing triclosan. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was still reviewing and assessing the health risks of triclosan in consumer personal care products, Minnesota took the lead in passing legislation to ban the sale of such products. In addition to targeting triclosan, the bill also specifies the handling of certain mercury and lead-containing products and the use of formaldehyde in children's consumer products. Despite strong opposition from the American Cleaning Institute (ACI), which urged the state government to wait for the FDA to complete a comprehensive evaluation of triclosan before making a conclusion, Minnesota defied public opinion and announced that the ban would take effect on January 1, 2017. Even though the ACI believed that the amount of triclosan added to personal care products was insufficient to cause adverse effects on human health, in April of this year (2014)... Avon announced it will phase out triclosan in its products, and major retail brands Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson, in response to international trends, have also announced restrictions on the use of triclosan in their products. For details of the bill, please refer to the attachment: State of Minnesota_LS88-S