Sustainability Watch

Global Insights & Development

EU Proposes Ban on ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Consumer Products, 20th January 2025

The European Commission is set to propose a ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in consumer products. PFAS are widely used in items such as cosmetics, non-stick cookware, and various industrial applications. These chemicals are notorious for their persistence in the environment and have been linked to health issues, including liver damage and testicular cancer.

Key Insights:

• Health and Environmental Concerns: PFAS do not degrade naturally, leading to accumulation in ecosystems and the human body. Exposure has been associated with serious health problems, prompting increased scrutiny and calls for regulation.
• Proposed Exemptions: While the ban targets consumer products, the European Commission acknowledges that certain “essential” industrial uses may require exemptions. These could include applications like asthma inhalers and components in electric vehicles. However, such exemptions are still under discussion, with potential restrictions on disposal methods being considered.
• Industry Response: The proposal has elicited significant feedback from industry stakeholders, particularly in sectors like automotive, clean energy, and plastics. Many are seeking exemptions for specific PFAS applications, such as fluoropolymers used in waterproof clothing and solar panels. The European Chemicals Agency has received thousands of comments as part of the consultation process.

GRI launches Global Coalition for enhanced Sustainability Disclosures, 10th February 2025

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has launched a global coalition to strengthen sustainability disclosures by bringing together businesses, policymakers, civil society organizations, and standard setters. The coalition aims to improve alignment and consistency in ESG reporting, ensuring more transparent and comparable corporate disclosures.

Key Takeaways:

• Addressing Gaps in Sustainability Reporting: The coalition seeks to bridge gaps between emerging mandatory standards (such as ISSB and ESRS) and existing voluntary frameworks to ensure coherence in global sustainability reporting.
• Reducing Complexity for Businesses and Stakeholders: Many organisations struggle with navigating different ESG reporting requirements. By fostering collaboration, the coalition aims to simplify sustainability reporting while maintaining high standards of accountability.
• Strengthening Policy and Corporate Accountability: GRI is leveraging its multi-stakeholder expertise to support policy efforts worldwide, encouraging robust disclosure regulations that help investors, governments, and the public track corporate contributions to global challenges like climate change and social responsibility.

By forming this coalition, GRI reinforces its leadership in shaping the future of transparent, consistent, and impactful ESG reporting, ensuring that sustainability disclosures remain meaningful and actionable on a global scale.

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