South Korea's revised cosmetic safety standards, which include a negative list replacing the current positive list of permitted substances (Annex 1 of the regulations), will take effect on February 16, 2013. The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) announced the new standards on January 16, 2013, and also included two detailed lists of chemical substances in Annex 2 of the regulations, showing which chemicals are permitted/allowed for use in disinfectants/preservatives and UV shielding agents under restricted conditions. Once in effect, these standards will apply to all cosmetics manufactured domestically or imported into South Korea. Source: Chemical Watch (2013-01-29) (Compiled by PIDC) KFDA (2013-01-16) Attachment: South Korean Food and Drug Safety Law_2013_01_16 Updated Version_Korean.pdf

Multinational cleaning products manufacturer Ecover recently announced a partnership with Closed Loop Recycling to collect and recycle plastic waste from the ocean into cleaning product bottles, fulfilling its self-declared green commitment. Ecover stated that the ocean plastic waste will be collected by European fishermen and then sent to Closed Loop Recycling's London factory, where it will be recycled into new packaging bottles, expected to be available in 2014. Closed Loop Recycling added that, in addition to ocean plastic recycling, the company and Ecover are also working on developing new technologies to blend recycled ocean plastic pellets with post-consumer recycled rHDPE and sugarcane. Ecover's ocean plastic bottle initiative originated from the EU's Waste Free Oceans (WFO) initiative, launched by EU politicians, the plastics industry, and non-profit organizations to reduce plastic waste floating in the ocean and encourage recycling. WFO has developed a special trawler that can collect 2-8 tons of marine debris per trip. After cleaning and sorting, the debris becomes raw material for recycled plastic pellets. Starting in late 2012, cleaning product manufacturer Method and plastic flooring manufacturer Interface also invested in technologies for recycling marine plastic waste.

The EU's new ban on animal testing for cosmetics took effect today, and it hopes to persuade trading partners such as the US and mainland China to follow suit. Products already on the market that have undergone animal testing can continue to be sold. The EU has been restricting animal testing since the 1990s, but the implementation date was repeatedly postponed to allow the European cosmetics industry time to develop alternative testing methods. By 2009, most animal-tested products were banned, with exceptions for some toxicity tests. Now, the use of any animals for testing is prohibited, and the ban applies to cosmetics from all over the world. EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy Tonio Borg stated that this move highlights the EU's commitment to animal welfare and demonstrates its ability to set an example for other countries, showcasing its capacity to develop responsible beauty products that do not compromise consumer safety. Cosmetics Europe, however, points out that the ban will limit new product development and thus weaken the global competitiveness of the European cosmetics industry. Source: Chemical Watch (March 11, 2013) (Compiled by PIDC)

The European Commission released a green paper on plastic waste on July 7, soliciting public opinion on improving the utilization efficiency of plastic products and reducing their environmental impact. In a press release issued that day, the European Commission pointed out that once plastic products enter the environment, especially the marine environment, their degradation cycle can often reach hundreds of years. Currently, more than ten million tons of waste are dumped into the ocean globally each year, most of which are plastic products, making the ocean the world's largest "landfill" of plastic waste. Janez Potochnik, the European Commissioner for the Environment, stated that how to handle plastic waste is a major challenge for environmental protection, but also a significant opportunity to improve resource utilization efficiency. Green papers are a form of public consultation used by some national and regional governments on important issues. This green paper from the European Commission details the role of plastics in various stages of industrial production and the potential economic benefits of increasing plastic recycling rates. The green paper points out that with increasing population and depleted resources, recycling and reusing plastics will become another option for resource consumption. To accelerate this process, considerations such as recycling and environmental protection need to be incorporated into the design of plastic products. The European Commission will conduct further consultations and solicit opinions on issues such as the recycling of plastic waste, and will synthesize the results after the consultation deadline of June 7, 2013, and incorporate them into relevant legislative proposals for 2014. Source:    

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) issued Notification No. 2012-32 last year, announcing revised self-regulatory safety confirmation standards for toys. Recently, the agency announced that the effective date of the updated standards has been extended from January 1, 2013 to July 1, 2013. The main changes in the new standards include: 1. Modifications based on the new versions of EN71, ASTM, and ISO8124 standards: * Standards for toys, indoor/outdoor swings, slides, and similar activity toys need revision; * Requirements for chemical experimental devices, chemical toys, and finger paints are proposed; * Regulatory requirements for LED charging indicators on transformers in electric toys are added; * Formaldehyde release from adhesives used in nail art must not exceed 50 mg/kg. 2. New requirements regarding the content of phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DNOP, DINP, and DIDP) in soft-filled toys and toys. 3.

 On February 17, 2013, the State Administration of Work Safety of China released the "Second Batch of Key Supervised Hazardous Chemicals List," comprising 14 substances. On June 22, 2011, the State Administration of Work Safety released the "First Batch of Key Supervised Hazardous Chemicals Target List," which included 60 substances. Currently, there are a total of 74 key supervised hazardous chemicals. The list of key supervised hazardous chemicals was compiled by the State Administration of Work Safety based on an analysis of domestic hazardous chemical production, recent domestic hazardous chemical accidents, domestic and international key supervised chemical varieties, inherent hazardous characteristics of chemicals, and major domestic and international chemical accidents over the past 40 years. It also included a review and selection process of over 3,800 hazardous chemicals currently listed in the "List of Hazardous Chemicals." The State Administration of Work Safety requires enterprises producing, storing, and using key supervised hazardous chemicals to actively upgrade and improve the automated monitoring systems of their production and storage facilities. Highly hazardous and large-scale installations must be equipped with safety instrumented systems (emergency shutdown or safety interlocks) in accordance with the law, and this must be completed by the end of 2014. Local safety supervision departments at all levels shall, in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and documents, implement key supervision over enterprises that produce, store, use, and operate key hazardous chemicals. They shall also supplement and determine the specific measures to be implemented within their respective jurisdictions based on the local hazardous chemical safety production situation.

Thailand updated its list of hazardous substances for household use at the end of 2012, reclassifying several chemicals. This update took effect immediately. One change was the addition of the pesticide lindane to the national Category 4 list, prohibiting its production, import, export, or use. Other changes included: – Citronella oil was moved from Category 2 to Category 1; – Anionic surfactants were reclassified as Category 1; – Except for nonylphenol thoxylates, all nonionic surfactants were reclassified as Category 1. Thailand's Hazardous Substances Act classifies hazardous substances into four categories. Substances in Category 1 only require monitoring and do not need registration. However, production information must still be reported to the government. Business operators must comply with certain standards and procedures, including labeling, production, and storage rules. Examples include cleaning products containing anionic or nonionic surfactants (excluding nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether); adhesives containing alkyl cyanoacrylate; and swimming pool disinfectants containing calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, dichloroisocyauric acid and its salts, or trichloroisocyauric acid and its salts. Category II substances

International World Water Day is observed annually on March 22nd to remind and focus on the importance of freshwater resources and to promote the United Nations' call for sustainable freshwater management. This year, 2013, the theme of World Water Day was "International Year of Water Cooperation." At the opening ceremony, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that one-third of the world's population is currently under moderate to high water insecurity; by 2030, nearly half of the world's population will face water shortages. A UN report indicates that climate change exacerbates water supply pressures and is likely to trigger more conflicts, emphasizing the crucial role of water in safeguarding national security, potentially on par with national defense. The report points out that approximately 145 countries share water resources with their neighbors, and increasingly frequent floods and heat waves could lead to water depletion; therefore, countries should strengthen their efforts to coordinate water resource use. "In recent decades, the definition of security has expanded beyond limited focuses such as military threats and conflict," said Michel Jarraud, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in a report. In 2011, approximately 185,000 Somalis fled to neighboring countries, primarily due to drought-induced water and food shortages. In 2012, some communities in South Sudan were forced to leave their homes due to water scarcity caused by conflict. Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien emphasized, "Few issues generate more friction than cross-border water management." Chretien led 37 former heads of state in a campaign to make water a security issue.

On March 1st of this year, Sony Corporation released the 12th edition of its Environmentally Managed Substances Standard (SS-00259) for components and materials. This version will officially take effect on April 1st, 2013. At that time, all components, materials, and other items contained in products designed and manufactured by the Sony Group and those commissioned by the Group must comply with the relevant requirements of this regulation. Five new environmentally managed substances have been added: Substance Name | CAS Number | Management Level

The first US study on phthalates in food investigated 72 commercially available food products and found phthalates in all of them. This finding has raised concerns about the health risks posed by the accumulation of plasticizers in the body. A research team from the University of Texas School of Public Health purchased various beverages, dairy products, grains, meats, vegetables, and processed foods from a New York supermarket and tested them for nine different phthalates. These nine common phthalates are often used as plasticizers and/or ingredients in personal care products; these chemicals are known to disrupt the endocrine system and affect development. The results showed significant differences in the levels and frequency of detection of different phthalates in the tested foods. In terms of concentration, except for beef, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) had the highest content in all foods, with di-N-octylphthlate (DNOP) being the highest concentration in beef. Pork had the highest average phthalate concentration among all foods. This study also estimated phthalate intake by comparing phthalate concentrations in food and the rate of food consumption. The study found that the estimated phthalate intake from a single food was significantly lower than the safe intake reference value set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, researchers pointed out that phthalates...

High-polluting cars, considered one of the "environmental killers" in China, have recently been the subject of much criticism. However, with increasing pressure on urban environments, Chinese consumers' willingness to purchase "green cars" is growing daily. A report released today in Shanghai by McKinsey & Company, a globally renowned management consulting firm, indicates that China is expected to become the world's largest luxury car market in 2016. Sasha, a global managing partner at McKinsey's Shanghai office, pointed out that in a survey of 1,200 luxury car consumers in 12 major Chinese cities, 26% of respondents were interested in the application of green technology in luxury cars and were willing to pay for "green technology driving experiences." The report argues that "green technology" has become a key element in preparing for the Chinese luxury car market; the report also points out that given the increasingly severe environmental pressure, Chinese consumers are becoming more accepting of related technologies, and automakers need to lead the innovation and application of green technology in Chinese luxury cars to attract consumers. The report notes that in 2012, China's total sales of luxury cars reached 1.25 million units, making it the world's second-largest luxury car market after the United States. Over the past decade, China's luxury car market has grown at an astonishing average annual rate of 36%, exceeding the overall passenger car market's average annual growth of 26% during the same period. McKinsey research indicates that China could surpass the United States as early as 2016, with annual sales reaching 2.25 million vehicles, becoming the world's largest luxury car market. To deeply penetrate the Chinese automotive market, innovative applications of green technology and pollution reduction are crucial.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged countries to reduce fossil fuel subsidies, pointing out that energy subsidies will strain government finances and ultimately benefit the wealthy more. In a comprehensive report, the IMF stated that oil, gasoline, and electricity subsidies, intended to help consumers, have backfired, burdening governments with heavy costs. Furthermore, the report states that energy subsidies encourage energy waste, fail to incentivize public investment in energy-efficient industries, and exacerbate pollution and global warming. According to the IMF, direct energy subsidies worldwide reached $480 billion in 2011. Including after-tax subsidies, global governments subsidized $1.9 trillion. Oil exporters received the most subsidies, which will deplete natural resources more quickly. However, over the past three years, global oil and gas prices have risen, particularly impacting energy importers. According to the report, many countries have not raised domestic energy prices to cope with rising prices, further burdening their finances. David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, said that countries providing energy subsidies to their citizens are now facing fiscal paralysis and energy shortages. Twenty countries worldwide have energy subsidies exceeding 5% of their GDP. These subsidies squeeze much-needed spending on healthcare, education, and infrastructure, hindering higher growth. The report also states that, including after-tax subsidies, the three largest energy-subsidizing countries—the United States, mainland China, and Russia—provide nearly $900 billion in subsidies combined.

Green building has gradually shifted from a niche market to the mainstream. Management systems, government initiatives, and financial support mechanisms, coupled with rising consumer awareness, have created pressure in the construction market, forcing builders and designers to adopt more environmentally friendly measures. The resurgence of the construction industry, coupled with increasing consumer focus on environmentally friendly products, will drive demand for green building materials in the United States to grow by approximately 11% annually, reaching $86.6 billion, between now and 2017. While the US construction industry experienced a severe downturn between 2007 and 2012, demand for green building materials remained strong. This is because consumers increasingly demand energy-efficient products, most of which save on water and electricity bills. These energy-saving benefits directly benefit end consumers while also promoting environmental awareness. Source: Green Trade Information Network (March 12, 2013)

Because the EU has been promoting environmental and health protection for many years, numerous green products claiming to have less environmental impact exist within the country, leading to a multitude of different green label certification systems. According to the latest Eurobarometer on Green Products report, 48% of EU consumers are confused by the sheer number of green labels, the various green declarations from different manufacturers, and the vast amount of environmental information. Too many green labels not only confuse consumers but also put pressure on manufacturers. Faced with consumer demand for green products, manufacturers are forced to apply for several different green labels. This not only consumes manpower but also puts significant financial strain on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), exacerbating their difficulties. EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik points out that to promote sustainable business growth, all resource-efficient and environmentally friendly products must be clearly identifiable in the consumer market. Only when there is a unified method for calculating and disclosing the environmental impact and related information of all products can consumers correctly choose truly green products. Therefore, the European Commission has proposed methods and recommendations for establishing a single green product market, using comparable and trustworthy environmental information to rebuild...

In early May 2013, the Swedish Federation of Professional Employees (TCO) released its latest smartphone certification standards (TCO Certified Smartphones criteria document). These certification standards, previously common in monitors, projectors, laptops, and desktop computers, are designed for human health and environmental impact. As an international, voluntary certification for brand manufacturers, it enjoys considerable credibility in the computer and IT equipment industry and consumer market due to its recognition by the United Nations Environment Programme. The newly released smartphone certification standards, in addition to the aspects common to other product certification standards, include: – Socially responsible manufacturing environment; – ...

Based on the recent discussions between the EU Toy Safety Committee and experts, the European Commission plans to add migration limits for bisphenol A (BPA) to the EU Toy Directive by the end of this year. At a meeting held on May 3rd, after reviewing a research report on BPA, the Directorate-General for Enterprise (DG Enterprise) recommended amending the Toy Directive to include migration limits. The draft amendment is expected to be published later this year. The meeting also discussed flammable additives in toys: TCEP, TCPP, and TDCP. The report recommended amending the directive and setting a maximum limit of 5 mg/kg. The use of lead, nickel, and kathone in toys remains inconclusive. Source: Chemical Watch (May 16, 2013) (Compiled by PIDC)

The Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) released its latest sustainability reporting guidelines, G4, at its 2013 global conference in Amsterdam, emphasizing a greater focus on substance. GRI stated that encouraging companies to provide only economic, environmental, and social disclosures and indicators relevant to their business will allow reporting companies and users to focus on truly impactful issues, resulting in more credible reports. The revised G4 reporting guidelines will also help companies produce sustainable information on raw materials, which can be incorporated into integrated reports. G4 claims to be a more "user-friendly" version, easier for new sustainability report writers to use. G4 also aligns with various international sustainability reporting frameworks, including the OECD's MNE Guidelines, the UN Global Compact Principles, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The main changes in the G4 version are as follows: –         

A new research report indicates that mainland China, on par with the United States, is rapidly taking on a leading role in addressing global climate change, but the report also warns that global greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase significantly. The report, titled "The Critical Decade: International Action on Climate Change," reviewed actions taken over the past nine months and was compiled by the Climate Commission, an independent body based in Australia. Tim Flannery, a co-author of the report and a key member of the Climate Commission, said that mainland China has halved its electricity demand growth rate, significantly increased renewable energy capacity, and reduced emissions growth at a faster rate than expected. Whatever the reasons, these achievements carry weight. Mainland China has rapidly risen to a prominent position among the leaders in climate change. The report points out that mainland China invested $65.1 billion in clean energy in 2012, a 20% increase from 2011. This is the highest among G20 countries, accounting for 30% of total investment last year. The United States ranked second, investing $35.6 billion in renewable energy. Flannery points out that within a year, global renewable energy has surged, with solar power capacity increasing by 42% and wind power by 21%. In contrast to the surge in global investment in renewable energy, the report shows that global carbon emissions continue to rise strongly, impacting...

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) listed flame retardants as a key focus of its 2013 chemical risk assessments. The EPA announced the following seven substances that will undergo comprehensive evaluation: 1. 1,2-ethylhexyl ester 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB) 4,5-tetrabromobenzoic acid; 1,2-ethylhexyl 3,4,5,6-tetrabromo-benzenedicarboxylate, or (2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) tetrabutylphosphonium hydroxide; 1. tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP)

A report commissioned by China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and authored by The Climate Group and the Central University of Finance and Economics states that China will need to raise up to $243 billion annually for clean energy development by 2020. The report will be submitted to the Chinese government this month. China invested $67.7 billion in renewable energy last year (2012), a 20% increase from 2011, accounting for a quarter of global investment in clean energy despite an overall decline in 2012. The report indicates that to help achieve its carbon reduction and low-carbon energy targets, China will need to spend 3.5 times more by 2020 than last year. China plans to meet 15% of its domestic energy demand with low-carbon energy by 2020, reduce carbon concentration by 17% from 2011 to 2015, and reach 40-45% of 2005 carbon concentration by 2020. The report states that achieving these targets requires an investment of up to $333 billion in 2015 and $413 billion by 2020. Current public and private funding is insufficient to complete the investment, with a financing gap of approximately 2% of the 2015 GDP forecast, or as high as $214 billion annually. This gap is projected to reach $243 billion annually by 2020. The report also notes that "although the funding gap is large, 2% of GDP is relatively small… Chinese leaders have ways to bridge the gap." Source: