Clarification on biodegradability assessment of fragrance mixtures
In June 2023, IFRA published a white paper on recommended approach to support biodegradability statements on fragrance ingredients. On January 30th 2024, a clarification on how to assess fragrance mixtures was made:
• Fragrances cannot be tested as they contain mixtures of different ingredients.
• Biodegradability is assessed by summing the percentages (by weight) of biodegradable ingredients of the finished product formula.
[Référence: IFRA white paper on selected criteria for supporting biodegradability statements pertaining to fragrance ingredients along the supply chain, The International Fragrance Association, 22 June 2023 amended on 30 January 2024].
Transparency on Endocrine Disruptors: New Obligations as of April 13th, 2024 in France.
Starting from April 13th in France, there is an obligation to disclose information regarding the presence of endocrine disruptors, whether confirmed, presumed, or suspected, in accordance with Article 13 of the AGEC Law.
At the same time, three decrees have been issued and published in the Official Journal on October 12, 2023, regarding the digital display of substances considered as endocrine disruptors (EDs). This information must be made accessible to the public electronically, notably through the Scan4Chem application, when their concentration exceeds 0.1% in the product or its packaging. In total, more than 120 substances are subject to this ED display requirement.
[Source : Arrêté du 28 septembre 2023 relatif à la mise à disposition des informations permettant d’identifier les perturbateurs endocriniens dans un produit au moyen d’une application], [Arrêté du 28 septembre 2023 relatif à la mise à disposition des informations permettant d’identifier les perturbateurs endocriniens dans un produit au moyen d’une application], [Arrêté du 28 septembre 2023 relatif à la mise à disposition des informations permettant d’identifier les perturbateurs endocriniens dans un produit au moyen d’une application].
Drug residues, a growing threat to the environment
The development and use of drugs has contributed to improved health and increased life expectancy for a large portion of the world’s population. However, the way we dispose of our waste is disastrous for ecosystems and human health. Although these drugs are designed to act specifically on the human organism, their effects on other living organisms remain unknown and could potentially disrupt their biology and life cycle1.
According to the European Environment Agency, water pollution in the EU decreased between the 1990s and 2010. However, these advances have slowed, with an increase in pollution affecting 58% of surface water since 2016. Also, only 42% of surface water bodies and 77% of groundwater are considered “good chemical condition”2.
Recently, several studies indicated that all rivers examined are contaminated with drug residues, and some sampled areas exhibit pollution levels that may pose a danger to aquatic biodiversity1.
To combat this increasingly present pollution, various measures are being taken: widening the list of pollutants, revisions of maximum thresholds and implementation of monitoring campaigns2.
The persistent presence of drug residues in our environment requires quality control to protect all living beings. This is why the EXPERTOX laboratory offers to support you in the extraction and dosing of pollutants. Dosing methods have been developed in the laboratory on various matrices such as cosmetics, hair, plants, sediment, etc.
Reference :
[1] Une première étude mondiale pour évaluer l’étendue de la pollution médicamenteuse des rivières. INRAE Institutionnel https://www.inrae.fr/actualites/premiere-etude-mondiale-evaluer-letendue-pollution-medicamenteuse-rivieres.
[2] Empêcher la pollution des eaux souterraines et des eaux de surface dans l’UE. Thèmes | Parlement européen https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/fr/article/20230831STO04505/empecher-la-pollution-des-eaux-souterraines-et-des-eaux-de-surface-dans-l-ue (2023).