ECHA’s has released the fourth report under its Integrated Regulatory Strategy, which aims to speed up data generation, identification of groups of substances of concern and regulatory action by integrating different regulatory processes into one coherent approach.
Unilever and Genomatica have launched a $120 million venture to scale up and commercialise plant-based alternatives to palm oil and fossil fuel-derived cleansing ingredients, particularly for use in personal care products. This will use Genomatica’s established biotechnology platform that makes materials from plant- or waste-based product.
The EU’s Risk Assessment Committee has assessed glyphosate’s hazardous properties against criteria in the Classification, Labelling & Packaging Regulation and concluded that its classification should not be changed. This is consistent with the proposal of the four member states currently assessing the substance and RAC’s own 2017 opinion.
Sarah Ingle, who specialises in chemical safety and regulatory compliance at EcoOnline, explores how chemists can create a participatory safety culture
Circa and Valmet have agreed a long-term partnership to optimise Circa’s Furacell production process for biochemicals at scale through the ReSolute project and in future large-scale plants. Valmet, which has wide experience in fluidised bed boilers and biomass-to-energy systems, will be the main process technology and equipment supplier.
Oleochemicals firm Oleon has begun construction of a $50 million production facility in Baytown, Texas. Due to be put into service end of 2023, this will produce esters and provide blending services to support the firm’s growing oil and gas business, while bringing it closer to customers in the North America, according to CEO Moussa Naciri.
Stepan, the world’s largest dedicated producer of surfactants, has launched its Partners for Sustainable Supply (PaSS) programme on its sustainable procurement. This focuses on selecting goods and services suppliers to align environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance management and to ensure the use of responsibly sourced goods and services.
