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OPCW Executive Council briefed on chemical weapons destruction progress in the United States

OPCW Executive Council briefed on chemical weapons destruction progress in the United States

Members of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Executive Council attended a chemical demilitarisation transparency event hosted virtually by the United States of America and held at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague from 21 to 22 March 2022. The event focussed on destruction progress at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (BGCAPP) in Richmond, Kentucky.

The United States is in the process of completing the destruction of its remaining chemical weapons stockpiles in line with a decision of the Conference of States Parties. Inspectors from the OPCW monitor and verify destruction progress 24/7.

During the event, American officials provided an overview of the chemical weapons destruction in the United States and details on destruction progress at the BGCAPP. The destruction facility was designated to destroy all nerve agent-filled munitions stored at the Blue Grass Chemical Activity Chemical Weapons Storage Facility.

Topics covered in presentations and discussions included the measures that have been taken to accelerate destruction progress and the technologies used to destroy chemical weapons. Participants were also briefed on the approaches used to ensure the health and safety of people and the environment near the destruction sites including the involvement of the local community in decision making.

#OPCW Executive Council # destruction sites #local community # decision making #environment

EWG: EPA must do more to prioritize forever chemicals spending

EWG: EPA must do more to prioritize forever chemicals spending

The Environmental Working Group today thanked President Joe Biden for making the toxic forever chemicals known as “PFAS” a priority in his fiscal year 2023 budget request for the Environmental Protection Agency. But the EPA has not yet said how it will reallocate FY 2022 funding to meet the deadlines in its “roadmap” for tackling PFAS.

The budget request for FY 2023 includes $11.88 billion for the EPA, a 29 percent increase above the FY 2021 enacted level, including a $57 million increase to address PFAS.

But the real test of the EPA’s commitment to tackling PFAS is not the budget request.

EWG and other environmental groups last week sent a letter urging EPA Administrator Michael Regan to prioritize funds for meeting deadlines in its PFAS roadmap. The roadmap released in October set deadlines for the EPA to develop a drinking water standard for PFOA and PFOS, two of the most notorious PFAS chemicals, among other deliverables.

The FY 2022 appropriations law directs the EPA to provide Congress with a “spend plan” to address PFAS within 60 days.

“Although the budget request for FY 2023 is good news, the real test of EPA’s commitment is the FY 2022 spend plan,” said EWG’s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Scott Faber. “Congress passed the buck, so it’s up to Administrator Regan to ensure the EPA meets the deadlines in its roadmap.”

“Communities have waited more than 20 years for EPA to act,” Faber said. “In the next few days, they will learn whether EPA will finally deliver or whether the roadmap is more empty promises.”

PFAS are a large family of fluorinated chemicals linked to an increased risk of cancer, harm to fetal development, reduced vaccine effectiveness, and other serious health problems. They are known as forever chemicals because they do not break down in the environment and they build up in our organs.

Nearly everyone tested in the U.S. has PFAS compounds in their blood, with exposure from many sources, including food, water, consumer products, and dust.

# Environmental Working Group #toxic forever chemicals #FY 2022 funding #PFAS

 

Aerosol Can Market Is Estimated to Reach a Market Size Worth US$92.372 Billion by 2026

Aerosol Can Market Is Estimated to Reach a Market Size Worth US$92.372 Billion by 2026

The prime factor driving the growth of the Aerosol Can Market is the expansion of feed & personal care industries, the rising need for chelated minerals in food supplements & the rising shortage of minerals are some of the major driving factors driving the demand for the Aerosol Can market.

As per the report, the Global Aerosol Cans Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.65% to reach US$92.372 billion by 2026, from US$71.879 billion in 2019.

An aerosol can is a self-contained dosing mechanism that holds a chemical in a small metal canister and sprays or foams it out. It’s made out of metal, glass & plastic mostly PET, and has the properties to recycle infinite times. The recyclability & reusability of the cans is an important drivers for growth in the market.

The cans are used to store nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide as propellants and are also used in pharmaceuticals, personal care cosmetic products & paints in the form of flammable hydrocarbons. The cans are leak-proof and can be dangerous if not handled properly.  The cans are expected to have a steady growth in the forecasted period as the packaging is not just about aesthetics but about creating value for storage, transportation, and ease of use.

The growth in personal care & increased demand in the cosmetic industry reflects a great opportunity in this market to grow in the future. Based on the type of can, aerosol cans are available in a straight wall, necked in & shaped cans. The recycling ability of these cans is an opportunity for the forecasted period as the cans can be reused and recycled and is a driving factor for growth in the market.

Based on the type of material, aerosol cans are made of aluminum, steel, glass & plastic. Aluminum cans are used to store products that are expensive or intend to showcase a premium appeal for example personal care products & pharmaceuticals. The cans are designed & made in a manner where steel & metals are used to make spray bottles. The cans are sustainable and don’t pose a threat to the environment thus leading to more demand and growth in the future.

Based on propellant type, aerosol cans are used to store liquefied & compressed gas propellant. Mostly used in pharmaceutical companies, they are used to expel the content from the container. They are stored in two forms: liquid & gas.

Based on industry vertical, most widely used in personal care & cosmetics, food & beverage, healthcare & automotive industry. The personal care and pharmaceuticals industry is forecasted to grow rapidly in the given period. Due to the impact of COVID on the aerosol market, it showed a downturn in the manufacturing industry during the initial months but the healthcare industry picked up the pace & demand for aerosol can packaging as it eliminated the risk of contamination.

 Based on geography segmentation, due to increase in urbanization with rapid infrastructural growth in the Asia Pacific region is likely to increase the demand for such cans leading to the growth of the market in the forecasted period with technological advancements increasing at a faster pace leading to investments, investment in the automotive & construction industry are all likely to increase demand for cans in the region.

As a part of the report, the major players operating in the Aerosol cans market that have been covered are. Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings Inc., Nampak Ltd, CCL Container (Hermitage) Inc., Exal Corporation, Arminak & Associates LLC, Colep Scitra Aerosols, spray Product Corporation, Mauser Packaging solutions, DS containers, Inc.

This analytics report segments the Aerosol can market on the following basis

By Type of can

  1. Straight Wall
  2. Necked In
  3. Shaped

By Type of material

  1. Aluminum
  2. Steel
  3. Glass
  4. Plastic

By Propellant type

  1. Liquefied Gas Propellent
  2. Compressed Gas Propellent

By Geography

  1. North America
  2. USA
  3. Canada
  4. Mexico
  5. South America
  6. Brazil
  7. Argentina
  8. Others
  9. Europe
  10. United Kingdom
  11. Germany
  12. France
  13. Others
  14. The Middle East and Africa
  15. Saudi Arabia
  16. UAE
  17. Others
  18. Asia Pacific
  19. Japan
  20. China
  21. India
  22. Indonesia
  23. Taiwan
  24. Thailand
  25. Others

#Aerosol  #Market Size Worth #US$92.372 Billion #2026

WISeKey Strengthens its Semiconductors NFC Brand Protection Related Patent Portfolio in China

WISeKey Strengthens its Semiconductors NFC Brand Protection Related Patent Portfolio in China

WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity and IoT company today announced it has been granted two new patents by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) that protect inventions in the domain of NFC tags for smart packaging, brand protection, and customer engagement applications.

WISeKey has designed its Nano Seal and Vault lines of secure NFC chips that can be attached to any brand product for unmatched security, cloud-based authentication, traceability, and consumer engagement. The cryptographic functions of these WISeKey’s NFC chips, integrated with the complete Wise Authentic ecosystem, offer an efficient way for brands to replace traditional non-secure QR code scanning or basic NFC tags. Moreover, the featured tamper detection sensors combined with single-tap Android and iOS compatibility extend the possibilities and disrupt direct-to-consumer digital strategies.

Various industries already benefit from this ecosystem including fashion & sports apparel, cosmetics, wines & spirits, consumer products, medicines, and luxury goods.

The original tamper detection sensors play a pivotal role in WISeKey’s proposed enriched customer experience: upon the status of these sensors, the brand’s message to the consumer can be adapted, giving packaging some intelligence.

Both new WISeKey’s Chinese patents cover this feature. To summarize:

Patent referenced CN106797235B describes a method to keep the NFC tag alive when the package has been opened, making it able to detect the opening and adapt its behavior accordingly;

Patent referenced CN108713292B describes a method to reliably place such NFC tags with open detection on any packaging, including on bottles. WISeKey’s CapSeal Top tags are direct applications of this patent.

“As reported in the newly released CNIPA 2020 Annual Report, there were a total of 1.497 million patents filed in China in 2020, among which 89.8% were about domestic inventions. In the same year,

530,000 patents were granted with 83.1% of the total being domestic ones,” said Carlos Moreira, Founder, and CEO of WISeKey. “China is a very inventive country. Getting two patents simultaneously granted there testifies WISeKey’s employees are, too. Because we have significant Chinese subcontractors and customers, and because we are investing a big portion of our revenue in R&D (40% in 2020) to provide our customers with the best cybersecurity, patents filing in China is not an option for WISeKey.”

info@wisekey.com

#WISeKey  #Semiconductors NFC #Brand Protection #Portfolio in China

Illinois EPA Announces Nine Spring 2022 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events

Illinois EPA Announces Nine Spring 2022 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events

Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim has announced nine upcoming Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) one-day collection locations for the spring of 2022. Each year, Illinois EPA provides residents with free HHW collection events to safely dispose of unused or leftover hazardous products commonly found in homes. Illinois EPA HHW collections continue to be contactless for the safety of participants and workers. Collection events are funded through the Illinois EPA’s Solid Waste Fund.

“Each year, we see a continued need for Household Hazardous Waste collection events throughout the state. We are pleased to continue offering this important program, providing residents with opportunities to safely dispose of unwanted chemicals and potentially hazardous products,” said Director Kim. “We are grateful to our local partners and co-sponsors who make these events possible throughout Illinois.”

One-day collections are open to all Illinois residents and operate from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Pre-registration is required for all of the spring 2022 collection events. Residents participating in these events are encouraged to bring chemical cleaners, oil-based paints, thinners, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, kerosene, weed killers, insecticides, pesticides, old or outdated medication, and similar hazardous household products. Fluorescent and other high-intensity discharge lamps may also be brought to the collections. ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED include latex paint, explosives, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, agricultural chemicals, and business wastes.

For safe transport of HHW, residents are asked to:

  1. Pack HHW items in a disposable box to avoid spilling during transport.
  2. Keep like chemicals together and separate, unlike chemicals.
  3. Secure lids and make sure containers are not leaking.
  4. Place box (es) of HHW in the empty trunk of your vehicle, away from passengers during transport.
  5. Remain in the vehicle at the collection site. On-site personnel will remove the HHW from your vehicle.

In addition to the one-day collections, the following long-term collection facilities are available for disposal of HHW throughout the year:

Naperville- 156 Fort Hill Drive (immediately North of Naperville Public Works), DuPage County; Hours:  Saturdays 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Sundays 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Phone: 630-420-6095.

Rockford– Rock River Reclamation District, 3333 Kishwaukee, Winnebago County; Hours:  Saturdays 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sundays Noon – 4:00 PM, Phone: 815-987-5570.

Chicago- Goose Island, 1150 North Branch, Cook County; Hours: Tuesdays 7:00 AM-Noon, Thursdays 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM, and First Saturday of every month 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Phone: 312-744-3060.

Lake County- The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) currently operates a long-term household chemical waste collection program. Information and a collection schedule can be found on their website or by calling 847-336-9340.

Madison County- Madison County Building & Zoning Hours:  First Saturday and Third Friday of every Month 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Appointments are required.  See the website to schedule your appointment.  Questions:  618-296-5237 or recycling@co.madison.il.us

#Illinois EPA #Nine Spring 2022 #Household Hazardous #Waste Collection Events

Inland Empire business activity headed for moderate growth

Inland Empire business activity headed for moderate growth

Business activity in the Inland Empire jumped considerably in the latest numbers – and on an annual basis, continues to outpace the nation. According to the new Inland Empire Business Activity Index released today by the UCR School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development, the region’s economy officially transitioned from recovery to expansion in the fourth quarter of 2021 (the latest data available) and growth is forecast to continue throughout 2022.

Business activity in the Inland Empire expanded by 6.4% in the fourth quarter compared to 4.5% in the third. At 7%, U.S. GDP outpaced the region in the fourth quarter but still lags the Inland Empire in total growth for the year (5.6% vs. 6.1%). Notably, the IE’s growth rate has declined from 8% in the second quarter and 7% in the first, but this is to be expected as the region’s economy moved steadily towards pre-pandemic conditions throughout 2021.

The short-term outlook for the Inland Empire remains positive, with local business activity forecast to rise between 3% and 3.5% in 2022.

“Now that the region is again in expansion mode, as opposed to recovering losses from the pandemic-driven recession, growth will moderate,” said Taner Osman, research manager at the Center for Economic Forecasting and one of the Index authors. “That isn’t a detriment; the point of concern continues to be the prospect of workforce shortages and the ability to meet the labor market’s demand.”

According to the report, the prospect of future labor shortages, which are caused largely by California’s high cost of living relative to other parts of the nation, will continue to limit the region’s growth over the long run.

The new report also calls out the surge in e-commerce purchases, an effect of the pandemic that shows little sign of slowing and bodes well for the Inland Empire’s economy.

“A major component of e-commerce operations is transportation and warehousing, which has long been one of this region’s mainstay industries and one that should continue to benefit from consumers’ discernable preference for online purchasing,” said Osman.

#Inland Empire #UCR School of Business #Center for Economic

PA Caulking Company Explains How To Apply Exterior Caulking

PA Caulking Company Explains How To Apply Exterior Caulking

Waterproof Caulking and Restoration, a PA caulking expert, has recently released a new article that explains the details of how to apply exterior caulking. The new article details the exterior caulking process and provides some helpful pro tips.

Waterproof Caulking and Restoration, PA caulking experts, has recently released a new educational resource that discusses how to apply exterior caulking. The new article is guided by the caulking experts at Waterproof who have extensive experience helping to provide expert caulking services to their clients. They have created this new article in order to provide some insight into the exterior caulking process while providing helpful tips along the way.

The new article, Waterproof Caulking, and Restoration offer readers some valuable info regarding the exterior caulking process. They explain some key steps including cleaning prior to caulking, applying primer, placing backer rods over gaps, applying sealant, and also where to apply the caulking. The team at Waterproof hopes that this information helps to educate readers on what the exterior caulking process consists of and how the process is conducted professionally.

While this new article focuses on explaining the details of how to apply exterior caulking, Waterproof Caulking and Restoration’s website offers readers more information regarding their team, experience, as well as a full list of service offerings. Waterproof Caulking and Restoration offers services that include commercial and residential caulking, waterproofing, power washing, masonry, and more. Their team strives to always get the job done right while providing high-level and compassionate customer service to their valued clients.

Click here

#PA Caulking Company #Exterior Caulking #howtoapply

 

Backed Up Against the Environmental Wall, Clean Coal Makes a Comeback

Backed Up Against the Environmental Wall, Clean Coal Makes a Comeback

The impact of the government’s Clean Air Act has set the stage for the decline of coal and has set in motion a chain of events that could transform coal completely by the end of the next decade. Recent coal demand surveys have also revealed that the coal industry has witnessed almost no increase in demand for nearly 7 years, which could soon translate into a complete seizure of sale and extraction as early as 2030.

The devastating economic downturn of 2007 has also had a profound effect on the use of coal, with many western countries no longer considering it to be a feasible source of energy through its use is growing in the developing world.

Formed by centuries of decomposition and compression of vegetation other bio-organisms, coal has had a rollercoaster ride over the past few decades as it began to be replaced with cleaner, and more efficient means of energy production, since its peak during the mid-1900s. Touted as an efficient, non-renewable source of energy, coal has lost favor with some government types, industry experts, and environmentalists alike, demanding a paradigm shift in focus to lower-polluting and more efficient sources of renewable energy without a sound strategy for what could replace it.

The recent bankruptcy of Alpha Natural Resources, the nation’s former leader in coal mining, has confirmed the industry’s fears that coal power plants are now facing a limited lease of life and as it could be replaced by alternative forms of energy generation like natural gas. The biggest obstacle to adopting alternative sources of energy is the enormous infrastructure and development costs of setting up these new-age power plants, and the fact that there is no money to pay for their cashiering.

A more immediate solution is available to those faced with the question of coal’s shelf life, one that is gaining worldwide recognition and acclaim, in both the energy sector as well as with environmental groups. A unique spray-on catalyst from Burn Less Coal is being regarded as the biggest discovery since coal itself, with a number of coal units already employing this revolutionary product and others still in the testing phase.

This catalyst is proven to reduce coal consumption and emissions, by increasing the burn efficiency of coal. Since less coal is being used the power provider is able to save money or use the savings to fund more efficient air scrubbing technology.

http://www.burnlesscoal.com

#government’s Clean Air Act #decline of coal #coal industry #save money

Clutch Recognizes InApp Among the Leading Application Modernization Services Providers for 2022

Clutch Recognizes InApp Among the Leading Application Modernization Services Providers for 2022

InApp, Inc. is pleased to announce that the company has been recognized as one of the top service providers on Clutch in the application modernization space. 

Clutch is hugely respected within the B2B space for connecting small, mid-market, and enterprise businesses with service providers that fit their needs. Clutch Leader Awards recognize the highest-performing B2B companies by industry, service focus, and location every year. Companies must exhibit an unusually high ability to deliver top-tier work to their clients to be eligible for a Clutch Leader Award.

“Receiving this recognition is no small feat, and we’re incredibly appreciative of our customers for their support throughout the years. We also are eternally grateful to those who left us a review on our Clutch profile,” said Vijay Kumar, CEO & Co-Founder, InApp, Inc.

“We believe this recognition reflects our 20 years in the industry and the terrific work our more than 300 talented employees do every day for our strong and growing list of world-class customers,” said Jason Johnson, EVP, Global Growth, InApp, Inc.

“Something particularly exceptional about InApp is the professional nature of their code. It is above and beyond what we expect from most engineering organizations. The team has the ability to consume and execute architectures and designs,” said Brandon Burris, CTO, Z5 Inventory, in his review of InApp on Clutch.

Click here

#InApp  #Leading Application  #Modernization Services  #Clutch

VANITY WAGON JOINS THE PLASTIC-NEUTRAL MOVEMENT

VANITY WAGON JOINS THE PLASTIC-NEUTRAL MOVEMENT

Vanity Wagon, a clean beauty marketplace and a prominent player in the sustainable beauty space, has been certified as plastic neutral. It will now process 100% plastic waste collection produced by the company.

With sustainability being its core value, the brand has been using plastic-free packaging right from its inception. It has committed to using paper tapes instead of plastic ones, green honeycomb wrap instead of bubble wrap, shredded paper instead of plastic air pillows, and cardboard corrugated boxes. It also tries to repurpose its packaging and keep it minimal to avoid wastage.

Naina Ruhail, the co-founder of Vanity Wagon elucidates, “We are a clean beauty company, and our products are safe for humans as well as the environment. Recently, we also got certified as a plastic neutral brand. It is our small contribution towards a greener environment. As we all know, plastic is non-biodegradable and its use is heavily embedded into the functioning of society. This means all the plastic that has been produced to date is still present in some form on the earth. By going plastic-neutral, we will measure our plastic footprint on the earth and take necessary action to recycle and manage this waste through various measures. We will soon also be focusing on becoming a plastic negative brand.”

Vanity Wagon has joined hands with The Disposal Company, which is the gold standard for plastic neutral brands. Together, they have successfully recycled and repurposed 50 kg of post-consumer plastic waste on behalf of Vanity Wagon for the year 2022-2023. The brand is focusing on recycling double the amount of plastic they consume and becoming plastic-negative in the next two years.

Discussing the importance of being eco-conscious, Naina Ruhail says, “It is high time we realize that our actions are having a negative impact on the environment and the ecosystem at large. The pandemic (COVID-19) has been an eye-opener, and companies and individuals have realized that messing with the environment will have a direct or indirect consequence sooner or later. We should therefore start taking conscious steps and watch out as we move forward. And if not now, when?”

#Vanity Wagon #PLASTIC-NEUTRAL MOVEMENT #plastic-free packaging