Day: 15 November 2002

International Business Briefs: recycled paper, disposable plastic, gas detection, hazardous waste, and water management

In this week’s International Business Briefs, a major US stationery company announces an environmental paper procurement policy; disposable plastic packaging in Taiwan; a GPS option for wireless gas detectors; forest stewardship certificates for a Japanese firm; success for a Canadian water treatment equipment company; and recycling of tin and selenium.

Environmental research to receive €2 billion

The European Commission will be funding €17 billion worth of scientific research over the next three years, of which over €2 billion has been earmarked for environmental projects.

Waste reactor removes iron from polluted mine water

A new research centre will test cheap, low-tech methods of cleaning up old mine sites. One method uses waste materials to remove iron from mine waters.

Sound waves bubble biogas out of sludge

A new process of treating sewage uses ultrasound to boost the drying time and amount of biogas released from sludge.

Chemical leasing promotes efficient use of chemicals

A new business model could help the chemical industry become more sustainable, by encouraging businesses to sell their services rather than their products. Chemical leasing, currently being promoted by the Austrian government, could significantly reduce wastage while boosting profits by 10%.

Negative labelling more effective at promoting green products

Most people are committed to the environment, but not sufficiently so to choose eco-labelled goods, according to a Swedish study. Negative labelling – tagging products as ‘worse than average’ – would have a greater effect on consumer behaviour. A separate report shows that green labelling can be difficult to adopt, because of poor harmonisation at the global level.

Bathing spots cleanest ever

Only six bathing areas failed to pass water standards this year, with a record 476 bathing spots clean enough to meet EU regulations. Bathing waters in Wales, Anglian and Thames regions were the cleanest. But diffuse sources of pollution, such as farm run-off, continue to contaminate river water.

Letter from the Editor: Recycling advice from Japan, California and Germany

The question is, do companies want to break the law? I suggest that the answer is no. However, businesses appear to be burying their heads in the sand against the impending European electrical waste directive, according to one edie news story this week. I doubt this technique even works for ostriches – not that it matters as they don’t need to comply with European legislation.

Chemicals policy bad for business – and bad news for animals

A group of charities have sent a letter to US president George W Bush, protesting at the US government’s attempts to undermine the proposed EU Chemicals Policy. But a chemical lobby group warns that the new legislation would require 13 million laboratory animals to be used in toxicity tests, and could put small firms out of business.

CBI feasibility study to streamline EHS/ CSR reporting and supply chain evaluation processes goes from strength to strength

NEWS RELEASE: WYGE and the CBI are currently running a project to develop Contour the CBI’s environment, health and safety (EHS) diagnostic tool.

Recycling glass and window frame waste

NEWS RELEASE: A one-year WRAP funded project aims to help increase glass recycling. BRE-led research will assess the recycling opportunities for non-contaminated, high-grade flat glass and non-contaminated timber and plastic profiles from the demolition and replacement window industries.

Simon Hartley and Ashbrook launch innovative belt filter press in the USA, UK & Ireland

NEWS RELEASE: A unique slurry-dewatering filter that processes irregular slurry flow rate and composition without operator intervention is now available in the UK and the US. Its simple design and forgiving nature have already made the V-Fold (TM) ‘folding belt filter press’ a success in its home country Australia.

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe

empowering sustainable business