About: Chemicals

Zero-emission EU industry ‘within reach’ but costly, study says

Bringing emissions from heavy industry down to net-zero by 2050 is possible but will require costly new production processes and a 25-60% increase in near-term capital investments to reach €40-50 billion per year, according to new research published on Thursday (25 April).

32% of chemicals non-compliant with EU rules

A third of chemicals do not comply with European Union rules due to insufficient toxicological data. EURACTIV France’s media partner the Journal de l’environnement reports.

Serbia launches probe into 1999 NATO bombing

Almost two decades after the NATO bombing of Serbia, local authorities there have launched an investigation to determine whether depleted uranium bombs were used, which could explain in surge in autoimmune diseases. EURACTIV.rs reports.

Four reasons EU institutions should and must share more information on harmful chemicals

It is no surprise that key information on harmful chemicals originally lies in the hands of industry alone. But just because it starts with industry, does not mean it should be left there, writes Apolline Roger.

Environmental advocates slam ECHA for transparency shortfall

Environmental advocacy group ClientEarth has criticised the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for transparency failings that restrict public access to information and slow the adoption of safer chemicals.

MEPs back down from EU bisphenol ban

MEPs have shied away from demanding a full ban on Bisphenol A, instead approving measures that will lower the amount of the chemical that can be part of food packaging.

A recipe for disaster: The EU needs to step up on chemical pollution

Pollution is responsible for one in six of all deaths worldwide, a report by the Lancet Commission shows. The attention on air pollution and particulates has left chemical pollution substantially unchecked. And the current EU regulation does not tackle this ‘cocktail of chemicals’ problem, writes Apolline Roger.

EU recognises bisphenol A as an endocrine disruptor

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has classified bisphenol A, a chemical found in many common plastic products, as an endocrine disruptor and a ‘substance of very high concern’. EURACTIV France reports.

Why Europe needs an industrial strategy

Global investment in energy efficiency now outstrips investment in conventional power generation. Europe is at the forefront and recognises that energy efficiency represents a vast energy resource that is one of the most cost-effective ways of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, writes Heinz Haller.

A Canadian circular economy reality

Edmonton has become the first city which turns all non-compostable and non-recyclable household waste into methanol, ethanol and green chemicals. Europe should take notice, writes Lambert van Nistelrooij.

EU member states still divided over endocrine disruptor regulation

At a meeting of experts yesterday (21 December) the European Commission failed to bridge the gap between member states on setting criteria for endocrine disruptors.

EFSA launches public consultation into ‘cocktail effects’ of chemicals

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has asked the public for input on the complex question of the "cocktail effects" of chemical substances. EURACTIV's partner Journal de l'Environnement reports.

TTIP: A new political and economic reality

Whether an EU-US trade deal is concluded this year, next year, or 2020, is irrelevant in the larger scheme of things. As the world’s centre of gravity inexorably moves towards Asia, Europe has an appointment with history, writes René van Sloten.

TTIP regulatory cooperation would drive innovation

TTIP could make regulation better and more efficient—cutting costs for consumers and industry, writes Csilla Magyar.

Water industry: Light criteria on endocrine disruptors benefit polluters

A less strict approach on defining endocrine disruptors will help industries producing such substances “pollute and not pay”, the association representing Europe's water sector (EurEau) told EURACTIV.com.

Cosmetics industry enters new research era after animal-testing ban

Since the EU banned animal-tested ingredients in 2013 the cosmetics industry has sought new ways to assess chemical safety, for example via a public-private partnership with the European Commission.

MEPs block Commission proposal to recycle hormone disrupting plastics

The European Parliament overwhelmingly rejected the Commission's plans to allow the recycling of PVC plastics containing DEHP, a hormone disruptor banned in the EU since February 2015. Our partner Journal de l'Environnement reports. 

How to avoid another Tianjin disaster

Safety precautions may not make the headlines, but they are the most effective preventative against industrial accidents with hazardous materials, writes Christian Friis Bach.

EU court ruling toughens regulations on chemicals of ‘very high concern’

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled on 10 September to strengthen the obligations of manufacturers to declare the presence of ‘substances of very high concern’ in their products. Journal de l'Environnement reports. 

TTIP a threat to EU chemical safety standards, German NGO says

Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND) sees the transatlantic trade agreement TTIP as a threat to standards protecting against chemicals that may be harmful to humans and the environment. The chemicals industry “vehemently” objected to the NGO’s claim. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Protecting citizens from hazardous chemicals is in everyone’s interest

Hazardous chemicals are a vital part of many industries, but lax and inconsistent safety standards put workers' health and lives at risk all over the world, writes Christian Friis Bach.