The Impact of the EU’s Russia Sanctions on the Obligations under EU Chemicals Legislation
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (10/2022)
The EU’s sanctions adopted in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are in numerous ways unprecedented, especially considering the close economic ties that previously existed between the EU and Russia. The sanctions packages have therefore largely separated the two economies (as they intended to do) and thereby severely affected businesses and supply chains in and outside of Europe. While most multinationals are well aware of the impact on trade and have set up advanced compliance systems to ensure no prohibited trade in goods and provision of services takes place, there appears to be less awareness of the impact of the EU’s sanctions on operators’ compliance with EU chemical legislation. However, the sanctions also impact the obligations under the EU’s chemicals regulations, most notably on mandatory sharing of (vertebrate) animal studies but also related to the joint submission of registrations. This contribution hence examines the interplay between the respective obligations under the EU’s sanctions regime and the EU’s chemicals regulations, to allow operators to asses and determine their compliance strategies. While the contribution focuses on the interaction with the Russia sanctions, the same comments would apply generally to other sanctions imposed by the EU.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (10/2022)
The EU’s sanctions adopted in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are in numerous ways unprecedented, especially considering the close economic ties that previously existed between the EU and Russia. The sanctions packages have therefore largely separated the two economies (as they intended to do) and thereby severely affected businesses and supply chains in and outside of Europe. While most multinationals are well aware of the impact on trade and have set up advanced compliance systems to ensure no prohibited trade in goods and provision of services takes place, there appears to be less awareness of the impact of the EU’s sanctions on operators’ compliance with EU chemical legislation. However, the sanctions also impact the obligations under the EU’s chemicals regulations, most notably on mandatory sharing of (vertebrate) animal studies but also related to the joint submission of registrations. This contribution hence examines the interplay between the respective obligations under the EU’s sanctions regime and the EU’s chemicals regulations, to allow operators to asses and determine their compliance strategies. While the contribution focuses on the interaction with the Russia sanctions, the same comments would apply generally to other sanctions imposed by the EU.
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products and the EU Digital Product Passport
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (8/2022)
On 30 March 2022, the European Commission issued an ambitious proposal for an Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). It suggests a significant extension of the existing Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, to cover “the broadest possible range of products”. Main novelties include the creation of an EU “digital product passport” and provisions to address “substances of concern”, raising questions on the interface with REACH and WFD/SCIP. The article aims to provide a structured overview and initial assessment of the proposed ESPR scope, key new requirements and next steps.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (8/2022)
On 30 March 2022, the European Commission issued an ambitious proposal for an Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). It suggests a significant extension of the existing Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, to cover “the broadest possible range of products”. Main novelties include the creation of an EU “digital product passport” and provisions to address “substances of concern”, raising questions on the interface with REACH and WFD/SCIP. The article aims to provide a structured overview and initial assessment of the proposed ESPR scope, key new requirements and next steps.
The potential of insects in waste management – an introduction to possible applications
© Lehrstuhl für Abfallverwertungstechnik und Abfallwirtschaft der Montanuniversität Leoben (11/2020)
In order to remain competitive for achieving a circular economy we need to consider even more alternative pathways to close the loop for material and waste streams down to a nutritional level. A sustainable and value adding strategy is the intensified rearing and use of insects, in particular the use of edible species as human food and animal feed.
© Lehrstuhl für Abfallverwertungstechnik und Abfallwirtschaft der Montanuniversität Leoben (11/2020)
In order to remain competitive for achieving a circular economy we need to consider even more alternative pathways to close the loop for material and waste streams down to a nutritional level. A sustainable and value adding strategy is the intensified rearing and use of insects, in particular the use of edible species as human food and animal feed.
Legal Requirements for Forestry in Natura 2000 Areas
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (4/2020)
Article 6(2) of the Habitats Directive obligesMember States to take appropriate protective measures in sites that have been designated under Natura 20002 to avoid the deterioration of natural habitats and the habitats of species as well as disturbances of the species for which the sites have been designated, in so far as such disturbance could be significant in relation to the objectives of the Directive. This avoidance of deterioration applies to activities and impacts of any kind (see also Article 33(1.1) German Federal Nature Conservation Act (hereinafter ‘‘FNCA’’).
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (4/2020)
Article 6(2) of the Habitats Directive obligesMember States to take appropriate protective measures in sites that have been designated under Natura 20002 to avoid the deterioration of natural habitats and the habitats of species as well as disturbances of the species for which the sites have been designated, in so far as such disturbance could be significant in relation to the objectives of the Directive. This avoidance of deterioration applies to activities and impacts of any kind (see also Article 33(1.1) German Federal Nature Conservation Act (hereinafter ‘‘FNCA’’).
Human resources development in waste management
© Wasteconsult International (5/2017)
Due to the demographic development, companies from the waste management sector are facing major challenges in the area of HR development.
© Wasteconsult International (5/2017)
Due to the demographic development, companies from the waste management sector are facing major challenges in the area of HR development.
How to Optimize Recycling Rates Using Waste Incineration
© Thomé-Kozmiensky Verlag GmbH (9/2016)
The improvement of recycling and reuse of waste is becoming more and more important and it is generally preferred compared to waste incineration. In fact, the incineration of waste is often considered the last alternative when recycling of a certain waste fraction is technically not possible or there is simply no market for the corresponding fraction of the waste. But instead of considering waste incineration as being contradictory to recycling, it may also be considered as an alternative way to achieve higher recycling rates. The main goal of waste to energy is the use of the chemical energy contained in the carbon and drogen, and transfer this into thermal energy. But all other elements contained in the waste will of course also be found in the various residue streams leaving the plant. For these residue streams there are possibilities for further treatment, enabling Separation of certain elements, improvement of the quality of a residue stream to allow re-use on the market or even potential for the preparation of a new product.
© Thomé-Kozmiensky Verlag GmbH (9/2016)
The improvement of recycling and reuse of waste is becoming more and more important and it is generally preferred compared to waste incineration. In fact, the incineration of waste is often considered the last alternative when recycling of a certain waste fraction is technically not possible or there is simply no market for the corresponding fraction of the waste. But instead of considering waste incineration as being contradictory to recycling, it may also be considered as an alternative way to achieve higher recycling rates. The main goal of waste to energy is the use of the chemical energy contained in the carbon and drogen, and transfer this into thermal energy. But all other elements contained in the waste will of course also be found in the various residue streams leaving the plant. For these residue streams there are possibilities for further treatment, enabling Separation of certain elements, improvement of the quality of a residue stream to allow re-use on the market or even potential for the preparation of a new product.
Use of a Fabric Filter for the Sorption – What Has to be Considered? – Experiences and Solutions –
© Thomé-Kozmiensky Verlag GmbH (9/2016)
In almost all flue gas cleaning systems installed at WtE-plants, the fabric filters are central components. A good example for this is the conditioned dry sorption process which is currently preferentially used in Europe. Within the filter not only the particles and the particulate heavy metals are separated from the gas flow, but also all reaction products resulting from the separation of gaseous pollutants such as HF, HCl, SOx, heavy metals and in this respect particularly Hg as well as PCDD/PCDF. In addition to this the fabric filter constitutes an excellent reaction chamber with high additive powder density in the filter cake.
© Thomé-Kozmiensky Verlag GmbH (9/2016)
In almost all flue gas cleaning systems installed at WtE-plants, the fabric filters are central components. A good example for this is the conditioned dry sorption process which is currently preferentially used in Europe. Within the filter not only the particles and the particulate heavy metals are separated from the gas flow, but also all reaction products resulting from the separation of gaseous pollutants such as HF, HCl, SOx, heavy metals and in this respect particularly Hg as well as PCDD/PCDF. In addition to this the fabric filter constitutes an excellent reaction chamber with high additive powder density in the filter cake.
When Science Meets Responsibility
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (6/2014)
The Major Risks Commission and the L’Aquila Earthquake.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (6/2014)
The Major Risks Commission and the L’Aquila Earthquake.
Risk and Crisis Communication Recommendations for Industry Based on Advances in Cognitive Behavioral Science Research
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (6/2014)
Advances in cognitive behavioral science have enhanced the understanding and development of both internal and external company risk communications. The gold standard for risk communication is to ensure that normative analysis identifying the information most relevant to the specific choices facing recipients has been conducted prior to any communication effort. It is all too often that this standard is not met, and particularly within private sector organizations. Communication specialists within organizations are primarily tasked with information delivery, and do not have the resources or expertise to carry out the necessary risk perception research needed to ensure that communications are even being interpreted as intended,much less resulting in desirable decision-making and behavioral outcomes.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (6/2014)
Advances in cognitive behavioral science have enhanced the understanding and development of both internal and external company risk communications. The gold standard for risk communication is to ensure that normative analysis identifying the information most relevant to the specific choices facing recipients has been conducted prior to any communication effort. It is all too often that this standard is not met, and particularly within private sector organizations. Communication specialists within organizations are primarily tasked with information delivery, and do not have the resources or expertise to carry out the necessary risk perception research needed to ensure that communications are even being interpreted as intended,much less resulting in desirable decision-making and behavioral outcomes.
Scientific Expertise in Situations of Controversy: A Sociological Testimony
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (3/2014)
While there is now a large amount of social science research on scientific expertise, testimonies made by sociologists who themselves participated in scientific expertise on a controversial topic remain rare. It is this type of feedback and testimony that this paper will articulate and discuss. The aim is to propose a series of reflections on scientific expertise from a personal experience: the participation of the author as a sociologist in an expert committee set up by the former French Agency for the Safety of Health, the Environment and Work (AFSSET) on the topic of radio-frequencies. Several problematic aspects of scientific expertise will thus be discussed from this concrete experience: the problem of the composition of the expert group and the issue of conflict of interest, the way in which the work of expertise is organized within the group, the effects of the presence of an observer from an association, and the differences between scientific work and scientific expertise.
© Lexxion Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (3/2014)
While there is now a large amount of social science research on scientific expertise, testimonies made by sociologists who themselves participated in scientific expertise on a controversial topic remain rare. It is this type of feedback and testimony that this paper will articulate and discuss. The aim is to propose a series of reflections on scientific expertise from a personal experience: the participation of the author as a sociologist in an expert committee set up by the former French Agency for the Safety of Health, the Environment and Work (AFSSET) on the topic of radio-frequencies. Several problematic aspects of scientific expertise will thus be discussed from this concrete experience: the problem of the composition of the expert group and the issue of conflict of interest, the way in which the work of expertise is organized within the group, the effects of the presence of an observer from an association, and the differences between scientific work and scientific expertise.
