HGC News Note 011310

Green was mainstream at this year’s CES, considered integral to the product and an expected criteria. Because environmental considerations and energy efficiency are becoming widely adopted, manufacturers are actually saving money through design and innovation.   Many of the greenest products are also top of the line with best profit margins.  Some key learning from CES are energy efficiency, reduction of toxic chemicals, and managing product end of life.   These should be part of your design considerations.

The EPA Administrator announced “seven key themes” to focus the Agency’s work for 2010. Two of these themes will impact you. The first is Global Climate and Greenhouse Gas reduction, the second is safer chemicals. You may have been able to ignore European requirements but you won’t be able to ignore the EPA.

Effective today, January 13, 2010, the European Chemicals Agency formally added 14 of the proposed 15 Substances of Very High Concern. Your information obligation for the new additions commences immediately. Acrylamide has not been added today pending an order by the General Court of the European Union to terminate an interim relief order. For your sales in the EU you or your importer needs to be prepared to inform your downstream users or answer requests for SVHC declarations.   For more information contact Stephen Greene.