News briefs

On 7 November 2018, the European Commission has adopted a Communication, “confirming its commitment to protecting citizens and the environment from hazardous chemicals. The Communication also outlines how the Commission intends to ensure that the EU approach remains the most modern and fit-for-purpose in the world.”
The Commission is thus updating its approach for the years to come, building “on the increased knowledge, experience gained and results achieved in the twenty years since the adoption of the Community Strategy on endocrine disruptors.”
The EU’s strategic approach to endocrine disruptors will continue to be based on science and on the application of the precautionary principle. It aims at:
• Minimising our overall exposure to endocrine disruptors, paying particular attention to important life periods, such as pregnancy and puberty
• Accelerating the development of a thorough research basis for effective and forward-looking decision-making in the context of Horizon Europe, building on the existing research and paying particular attention to areas where knowledge gaps exist
• Promoting active dialogue allowing all stakeholders to be heard and to work together: in this context, the Commission will organise a Forum on endocrine disruptors on an annual basis and step up its support to the work of international organisations
The Commission will also launch a comprehensive screening of the legislation applicable to endocrine disruptors through a Fitness Check and a public consultation.
For further information
• See the full text of the Commission press release, Endocrine disruptors: A strategy for the future that protects EU citizens and the environment, 7 November 2018

Over 290 organizations signed ‘The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment,’ led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with UN Environment. The document aims to reduce plastic waste through a variety of targets, such as eliminating single-use plastic from supply chains and ensuring that 100 percent of plastic packaging can be easily and safely reused, recycled, or composted by 2025.
L’Oréal, Johnson & Johnson and Unilever are three of the beauty giants to have signed the commitment. Others range from the WWF to Nestle, Coca-Cola Femsa, H&M, Burberry and Stella McCartney, with the total list of signatories representing 20 percent of all packaging produced globally.
“We know that cleaning up plastics from our beaches and oceans is vital, but this does not stop the tide of plastic entering the oceans each year,” said Dame Ellen MacArthur. “We need to move upstream to the source of the flow. The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment draws a line in the sand, with businesses, governments and others around the world uniting behind a clear vision for what we need to create a circular economy for plastic.”
Brands that have signed the commitment will report their progress every year, as targets become more ambitious.
Source AFP-Relaxnews

Herbal Essences is taking a huge step forward for diversity, with the launch of a new haircare packaging concept designed for the vision impaired. The Procter & Gamble-owned haircare brand has unveiled a tactile bottle design that will make it easier for vision-impaired consumers to distinguish its shampoo and conditioner products via touch. The packaging features indentations that will help customers avoid confusion in the shower: the new shampoo bottles feature four tactile vertical lines on the bottom of the back label, while the conditioner bottle now includes two rows of dots.
The concept was spearheaded by the company’s Special Consultant for Inclusive Design, Sumaira “Sam” Latif, who is blind herself.
“This new tactile feature enhances our independence and shows that the brand wants to truly serve all consumers,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “We hope other manufacturers will take note of this effort and work with blind people to find solutions that allow us to identify their products quickly and independently.” The new packaging will be rolled out in January, across the brand’s bio:renew shampoo and conditioner line.
Source AFP-Relaxnews

The Unilever-owned skincare and haircare brand has received the accolade after committing to not conducting any tests on animals anywhere in the world. Following the news, the company will begin to display the “cruelty-free” lofo, awarded by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Association, on its packaging, as of January 2019.
The move comes as personal care conglomerate Unilever is doubling down on its support for a global ban on animal testing for cosmetics. Unilever is now supporting HSI’s global #BeCrueltyFree initiative, which is campaigning, via legislative reform, for a worldwide ban on cosmetic animal testing and trade, consistent with the European Union model.
Source AFP-Relaxnews

While 41% of consumers have already abandoned a purchase because of a delivery time considered too long, Marionnaud is responding to this demand for speed and is launching a new free service, the Click and Collect Express. From October 8th, it is possible to order the products online and pick them up 1 hour later in one of the brand’s stores.
Source AFP-Relaxnews