The main driver of deforestation and forest degradation is the expansion of agricultural land, which is linked to the production of seven commodities: cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya, and wood; and some of their derived products, such as leather or furniture.
There are many directives and regulations that address product compliance. Still it is practically impossible to cover all risks for all consumer products. The solution is a broad-based legislation to fill possible gaps and to complement existing and future legislation.
ESPR, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation provides the framework for more sustainable and circular products.
The PFHxA restriction enters into force on 10 October 2024, taking effect after transitional periods between 18 months and 5 years.
Overall, around 145,000 tonnes of microplastics are estimated to be used in the EU each year. And 42,000 tonnes of these microplastics end up in the environment from products intentionally containing them. The largest contribution with up to 16,000 tonnes is made by granules from artificial turf pitches.
Required dimensions of the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol on a battery:
USB is a highly common interface standard for data and power connections between a wide variety of electronics. Since its introduction in 1996, connectors and technologies have evolved and continue to do so.
The scope of product legislation can be general ('any product which is intended for consumers or likely, under reasonably foreseeable conditions, to be used by consumers even if not intended for them') and specific ('shall apply to electrical equipment designed for use with a voltage rating of between 50 and