There’s something in the air. Or, should we say, the ocean. Joining what The New York Times called “a growing global movement,” the Canadian government recently announced it would be tackling the global pollution crisis with bans on single-use plastics. The big question is whether that strategy will trigger the teamwork needed to get the best results. The details of the Canadian plan remain to be seen, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada would follow the lead of the European Union with their vote to ban items, such as plastic cutlery and cotton-swab sticks, that often end up littered in oceans and waterways. With a goal of improving the current 10% “at best” estimate for plastics recycled in Canada, any bans could start at soon as 2021. A key step in that direction will have to be input from manufacturers, retailers, all levels of government and the public—to capture all the factors for success. Going green, in the grey   Government action is an important and largely missing ingredient in the effort against plastic pollution. Banning certain types of single-use plastic can be a way to prevent pollution at the source. However, we must keep in mind that, despite the current systems of thinking regarding the most environmentally and economically preferable ways to manage resources, we need to pay attention to the grey areas and see the full range of potential impacts. Hindsight is 20/20, which can explain our experience with disposability and single-use in the first place. Manufacturers didn’t advertise the virtues of disposability to fool the public into polluting and littering, but they focused on how this new wave of consumption might make life easier; today, in the light of the past, the effects of a narrow focus on these benefits are plain. We need to take the same big-picture thinking to today’s environmental initiatives of product bans, regulations on packaging design, even recycling, as we need to consider their current impacts and the potential for success in the long-term. We need to be alert to the reality that while consumers care about the planet and their health, they have gotten used to the convenience, price point, and ease offered by lightweight, single-use items. Exploring alternatives We know the consumers care and report being willing to pay or switch brands for those that offer accessible, actionable solutions. A study from Dalhousie University, “The Single-Use Plastics Dilemma: Perceptions and Possible Solutions,” reveals current and emerging generations of Canadian consumers are mindful of the need for greener products; the same study reports one out of every two Canadians actively shop for food in non-plastic packaging. However, we also know many consumers are focused on price. Interestingly, 71.8% of respondents reported that in the event single-use plastic bans are enacted, they’d want a discount, incentive or rebate for supporting alternative solutions. It shows the need to meet people where they are, offer them the virtues of convenience and functionality they have become accustomed to, and make it more worth their while. Plant-based plastics are one option that consumers are excited about. The consumer behavior study showed 37.7% of respondents would be willing to pay more for an item with biodegradable packaging, which is usually plant-based; this percentage grew to 46.6% for those born after 1994. Consumers connect with the concept of compostable plastics made from plants that should break down in composting facilities, or better still, the natural environment. , as it addresses our dependence on petroleum and concerns of further contributing to landfills or ocean pollution. But those expectations may mean a grey area for “green” plastic, as not all of these materials are created equal. Breaking down compostability   The compostability of plant-based plastics is akin to the recyclability claims for petroleum-based plastics. Everything doesn’t break down in every setting. In the case of compostable plant-based plastics, most require processing in an industrial composting facility to get the mix of the right temperatures and moisture levels to break down as quickly as possible. Many won’t cycle down in your backyard pile, let alone the ocean or in a landfill. The good news is the number of composting facilities in North America is growing, particularly as governments push for food waste diversion away from landfills and incinerators. One of the big challenges centers on “biodegradable” claims. Many composters report that most so-called biodegradable plastics don’t break down into nutrient-rich material as, say, food scraps or yard clippings, which have a wide range of micro- and macronutrients as well as a living ecosystem of bacteria and other microbes. There is growing pressure to ban “biodegradable” claims completely because they are seen as misleading for consumers. All aboard What producers can do is ensure new materials are in line with the system as it is currently. Club Coffee, a major Canadian coffee company, created the world’s first BPI Certified coffee pod for the most common brewers in North America. Unlike the traditional plastic pod, their pods break down in as little as five weeks in facilities designed to produce high-quality compost. A big reason is the pods include the skins of roasted coffee beans, turning what was a waste byproduct into a key ingredient for compostability.   The PURPOD100TM meets ASTM International’s Standard D6868 for compostability and required quite a bit of lab testing, and transparency around ingredients and production. The company has worked to ensure that marketing and advertising materials are accurate and not misleading. Club Coffee has worked closely with leaders like the Compost Manufacturing Alliance, which brings together major U.S. composting operators to test products to make sure they really deliver the composting results that consumers expect and that operators need. The company also works with the Compost Council of Canada. The result of taking into account the inputs of all stakeholders? Consumers value the coffee, convenience, and compostability; retailers get the positives of a more sustainable, premium product; composters have a product that works in their systems; and Club Coffee enjoys brand affinity. Where the private sector here is stepping up to solve for single-use plastic on its own, governments can drive change by subsidizing research and incentivizing environmentally preferable uses of materials to ease the financial risks. As with recycling, supporting the expansion of the composting network will be an important step forward. According to a study by Frontier Group and U.S. PIRG Education Fund, composting could aid topsoil quality and reduce the amount of trash sent to landfills and incinerators in the U.S. by at least 30 percent.   Get in the ‘Loop’ Exploring alternatives to conventional plastics is one valuable solution as are single-use plastics bans. Another way forward is to reduce waste at the source through reduction and preventing the need to dispose. To get there, consumers need the alternatives that businesses are in a position to provide. TerraCycle’s new circular shopping platform Loop currently features durable versions of goods previously housed in single-use packaging. The products are offered in a combination of glass, stainless steel, aluminum, and engineered plastics designed to last up to 100 uses; when they do wear out, they are processed to cycle the value of the material continuously. Offering trusted brands in upgraded containers, consumers enjoy products they love while eliminating disposable packaging. Delivered to one’s door, a modern version of the milkman model of yore, the Loop Tote doesn’t use bubble wrap, air packs, plastic foam, or cardboard boxes, scrapping e-commerce excess. Loop partners with retailers to bring reusable packaging into stores, making it easy for consumers to make the switch. In the U.S., the founding partners are Walgreens and Kroger, Europe has Carrefour, and Canada’s largest food and pharmacy retailer Loblaw recently announced it would launch the platform early-2020. Executive Chairman Galen Weston said, “Our industry is part of the problem, and we can be part of the solution.” Buying into solutions for single-use plastics The state of the recycling industry around the globe is fragmented, as are the needs of each region, but the world’s problems with plastic pollution are the same. While improvements are made by governments, there is a strong demand for authentically “eco-friendly” plastics and durable alternatives. Consumers hold more power in this aspect than they know. If we demand less disposability and more systems-thinking, businesses will push suppliers, vendors, peers, and stakeholders for better materials and models for waste reduction, and profit, in the face of many challenges. Thus, the most important shift toward solutions for single-use plastic waste is a collaboration with valued experts. Businesses can close the loop by sharing learnings, taking responsibility, and inspiring others to start their circular economy journey. All players on the supply chain are accountable for the life cycle of goods, and exploring bold alternatives that create value from every angle are the ones that will stick.

 

Destinação difícil, falhas de concepção, falta de postos de coleta… Sobram problemas para o descarte de um produto apreciado, mas poluente

 

On Friday (Aug. 9), interns with the Downtown Surrey BIA spent part of the afternoon collecting and counting cigarette butts from people in the community.   Area enhancement intern Jeanette Lim said the idea was to combat cigarette waste, with a slogan of “be your city’s superhero.” Some of the interns dressed up in some familiar superhero costumes such as Captain Marvel and Spider-Man.   “Our goal is to get cigarette butts off the streets because that is the number one most littered item in the world,” Lim told the Now-Leader during the event, adding that “litter is a huge problem in downtown Surrey.”   “So we’re trying to tackle that issue.”   For the cigarette buy-back, people could get five cents per butt, with a cap of $50 per person.   The event also included cash prizes. The person to collect the most cigarette butts would win $150, second place was $125, third place was $100, fourth place was $75 and fifth place was $50.   “We had this one guy come with a massive bag and it was a lot of butts. We didn’t even bother counting them, we just gave him the capped money,” she said.   While the event was supposed to last four hours, Lim said they closed up early because they ran out of cash.   Lim said it was mostly people living on the streets who came through with cigarette butts, “which is a good thing because they need the money as well and they can help clean up the city.”   The Downtown Surrey BIA received a $500-grant from the City of Surrey for the pilot project, and Lim said the hope is to be able to bring it back next year on a slightly larger scale.   She said Victoria and Vancouver have both done cigarette buy-back programs.   “I’m hoping that if more cities get on this idea then they will be more aware of the problem of cigarette butts being littered. It’s small and it’s not very noticeable, but it’s damaging.”   After collecting the butts, Lim said they will then be sent to TerraCycle.   The company has a cigarette waste recycling program that recycles all parts of the extinguished cigarettes, cigarette filters, cigar stubs, plastic packaging, inner foil packaging, rolling paper and ash.   According to TerraCycle, the cigarettes and packaging “are separated by composition and melted into hard plastic that can be remolded to make new recycled industrial products, such as plastic pallets.” The ash and tobacco are separated out and composted in a “specialized process.”   Also this month, the BIA has been handing out “pocket ashtrays.”   “The idea is that instead of putting your cigarette butts on the floor, you put it in this reusable bag or pouch, and then when it’s full, you empty it into the garbage can instead of having it all around the city,” Lim said.   The cigarette buy-back initiative was part of the city’s Love Where You Live program.  

Art enthusiasts of all ages are invited to attend a free, all-day celebration of live painting and hip-hop music at TerraCycle headquarters in Trenton Saturday, August 17, Noon-7 p.m. Now celebrating its 14th year, the annual Jersey Fresh Jam is one the most respected celebrations of Hip-Hop culture on the east coast. Visitors can watch over 50 graffiti artists express their vision on the walls of TerraCycle and catch live performances from entertainers from around the country. Organized by Jersey Fresh Jam co-founder and Trenton-based graffiti artist Leon Rainbow and the national art collective Vicious Styles Crew, the event features the four performing elements of Hip-Hop: MCing, DJing, graffiti, and breakdancing. Nearly a dozen guest musical artists, including Roscoe (SKOE), King Who?, Patrice McBride, Jason Famous and Pretty Ugly will showcase their talent while DJs and breakdancers perform throughout the afternoon. Local food vendors will also be on-hand serving a variety of food. 2019 Jersey Fresh Jam Event Details: Saturday, August 17 – noon to 7pm. The event is held at TerraCycle HQ: 1 TerraCycle Way, Trenton, N.J. 08638. (Rain Date: Sunday, August 18).  

Keep Golden Isles Beautiful and the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant were out on the pier on St. Simons Island on Friday afternoon for their monthly “Pier Day,” where they raise awareness about the harm that cigarette butts can cause the environment.   The two organizations have been partnered in an effort to deter cigarette smokers from tossing their butts on the ground since 2014.   Lea King-Badyna, executive director of Keep Golden Isles Beautiful said she and Katy Smith of the UGA Marine Extension got rid of over 2,000 cigarette butts the first time they worked together on the pier.   “You haven’t lived until you’ve crawled on your hands and knees picking up cigarette butts,” King-Badyna said.   At their display table setup, the two handed out two different types of ashtrays to passing smokers or people with smokers in their lives.   One of the ashtrays fits comfortably in a car or chair cup holder, and the other is a keychain model that can fit in a pocket.   Smokers and non-smokers alike stopped by the table to pick up the handy trinkets as well as to hear more about the cause of the two organizations.   “Even if people don’t smoke, we can talk to them about the toxic effect that littered cigarette butts have on the environment,” King- Badyna said.   The cup holder ashtrays were provided by the nonprofit organization Keep America Beautiful, which KGIB is affiliated with. Keep America Beautiful was also involved in the installation of the mounted cigarette butt receptacles on the light poles next to the entrance of the pier.   One odd-looking item stood out on the display table — an ashtray made from recycled cigarette butts was provided by the company TerraCycle.   King-Badyna said that Terracycle was the only company that would take all the cigarette butts that they collect to reuse them. She said that since they started sending their butts to the company, other local businesses such as Maggie Mae’s and Castaway’s Lounge have done the same.  

Loblaw Companies will not need to make any up-front investment in or changes to its logistics cycles to incorporate reusable packaging partner Loop into its operations, a spokesperson for the company says. “In the first phase, Loop is responsible for the logistics from the storing and delivery of the goods to consumers, so there will be no impact on our logistics,” Catherine Thomas, senior director of external communication for Loblaw Companies Limited, told Inside Logistics. Loop, a subsidiary of New Jersey-based Terracycle, integrates reusable packaging product cycles into existing retail environments. It will kick off the service by selling President’s Choice products in reusable packaging entirely through the Loop + Loblaw online purchasing platform. This system will be accessible via the PC Express website but will transact independently. Should the Canadian pilot be successful with its Toronto launch, both parties intend for Loblaw to become more involved as Loop’s processes become integrated directly into the retailer’s online platform and, eventually, into in-store applications and across additional markets. Product returns will also fall under Loop’s purview, which will not present logistics challenges. “A return will not impact the logistics cycle in any way,” says Lauren Taylor, Loop Global’s vice-president of creative and communications. “Each Loop company owns its own package, so each company will handle any product dissatisfaction.” Loop maintains a rigorous sanitation process that ensures high hygiene standards as containers are reused. They will be washed above 150°F with a sodium hydroxide solution, then rinsed over 180°F with a mild acid sanitizer. Last, the containers will be rinsed with deionized water. “Loop has partnered with manufacturers to implement stringent Quality Assurance processes throughout each stage of our cleaning and fulfillment systems, so consumers are receiving products that are entirely safe for consumption. Loop will also follow strict reporting processes to ensure that any adverse events or quality complaints are immediately escalated and addressed by both Loop and the manufacturer of the product.” The Toronto pilot project is one of several worldwide. Loop is currently active in Paris and New York, and launches are in the works for London (U.K.), Tokyo, Germany, and California.

Summer might be ending, but the extreme heat waves and storms this year brought won't stop any time soon. The good news is, businesses and individuals from all industries are making strides to combat climate change in 2019. This year, GreenBiz has continued to track the progress of the clean economy for our sustainability-conscious readership. Thoughtful innovations are leading the charge, from zero-waste packaging to airless tires to regenerative agriculture. During these dog days of summer, we rounded up the 10 stories that our readers collectively tuned into the most, in case you missed them or want a refresher. We hope this list will keep you inspired — and here’s to the stories of the clean economy that are still to come. 1. A zero-waste packaging innovation launched in February, and blue-chip companies have been joining in droves since. We want to Loop you in.   Loop, a zero-waste system that recycles and refills high-quality packaging, attracted an impressive roster of consumer brands — and the largest GreenBiz readership this year. The system aims to eliminate the environmental consequences of disposability but also maintain its virtues, such as convenience, said Tom Szaky, CEO and co-founder of TerraCycle, the company that made Loop. Big names such as Procter & Gamble, Nestlé and Unilever are joining because they recognize the growing demand for sustainable products and packaging, but it remains to be seen whether consumers will match the enthusiasm, our executive editor wrote in this article. 2. At the beginning of the year, the EAT-Lancet Commission released dietary guidelines for the "Great Food Transformation," which aims to achieve sustainable human and planetary health by 2050. The recommendations in their current form, argued our op-ed writer, nutrition consultant Erica Hauver, cannot accomplish either goal. The Eat-Lancet Commission on Food, Planet, Health sought to answer a critical question: "Can we feed a future population of 10 billion people a healthy diet within planetary boundaries?" Its answer — the EAT-Lancet Commission on Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems (PDF) — gives recommendations for global diets for the next 30 years. However, its findings have been controversial. Contributor Hauver explores these recommendations and their shortcomings. She notes of the commissioned report: "First, it is founded on outdated, weak nutrition science. Second, the commission failed to achieve an international scientific consensus for its dietary targets, in spite of its claims to have done so. Third, it has suffered from biased, or at least unrepresentative, leadership." The need for a sustainable food system and for transformational change within it are critical — and must be given the consideration deserve, argues Hauver. 3. Car owners know how scary tire blowouts can be, but this new development might offer them a peace of mind: Michelin is teaming up with General Motors to test airless tires.   A prototype of the Michelin Uptis technology — the potential benefits of airless tires include fewer punctures and reduced materials requirements. "Airless tires" might sound like an oxymoron, but the iconic French tiremaker is looking for new ways to advance sustainable mobility. It’s doing just that with Uptis, a new generation of airless tires, made up of composite materials, which could decrease the amount of rubber and raw materials used. Their unique design, which bears the weight of cars at high speeds, also could improve passenger safety. They are likely to be quickly adopted in markets with higher rates of tire blowouts because of gnarly road conditions, such as India and China. Michelin and GM are testing them later this year and hope to make them commercially available by 2024, wrote GreenBiz’s editorial director, Heather Clancy. The ultimate vision is to produce "100 percent sustainable" tires, sourcing entirely from renewable or bio-sourced materials. 4. We put out our fourth list of up-and-coming changemakers in the sustainability field. These twentysomethings represent what makes us hopeful about our work during these uncertain times. One of our most widely-anticipated stories is our annual 30 Under 30 list. After nominations from the global GreenBiz community throughout the spring and much-appreciated partnership from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and BSR in gathering suggestions, the GreenBiz editors must whittle the hundreds of names we've received down to only 30. They're always difficult deliberations, but the application pool was particularly incredible this year. As we wrote: "They work in the worlds of technology and tires, finance and forestry, retail and recovery operations. They hail from Tokyo and Toronto, London and Lima, Mexico and Manhattan. They toil in data centers and diversity, conservation and conservative politics — and generally are making the world greener and more just." 5. We spent International Women's Day doing what we do every day: feeling inspired by the work that women in corporate sustainability are undertaking. To celebrate, though, this year, we decided to write about those amazing women.  From women running corporate offices to those running for office, incredible badasses around the world are leading the way to a more sustainable and just future. They're fighting for everything from greening finance to equity in tech startup acceleration to healthy materials in fashion to decarbonizing transportation. "Whether it's the unwavering diplomacy of public-sector leaders such as Christiana Figueres or the steely resolve of executives such as Apple's Lisa Jackson, this group is especially noteworthy both because of what they already have achieved and for their ability to directly influence future innovation and progress," wrote our editorial director, Heather Clancy. 6. Our food production system and climate change are inextricably linked. However, better decision-making in our land use and agricultural practices has the potential to stop climate change — and even, reverse it. The agriculture sector represents a far outsized proportion of global emissions that contribute to climate change — between 20 and 25 percent, according to scientists. However, in order to feed the growing population nutritiously and maintain millions of livelihoods around the world, the field is a difficult one to transition to low-carbon. However, the way that we manage agriculture and husbandry makes a massive difference in the amount of greenhouse gases both of them emit. General Mills’ Head of Sustainability of Natural and Organic Operations, Shauna Sadowski, wrote for GreenBiz on why how the future of land and livestock management is regenerative. 7. Oil companies love to talk about their transition to clean energy. BP even changed its name to "Beyond Petroleum." But how are they really doing? Our senior energy analyst Sarah Golden breaks it down with facts and numbers.    Oil supermajors such as Chevron and ExxonMobil are ratcheting up PR budgets to brand themselves as clean energy allies. They're talking the talk, but are they walking the walk? As it turns out, "only 3 percent of the capital expenditures by the top five supermajors is dedicated to low-carbon technologies," GreenBiz’s senior energy analyst, Sarah Golden, wrote. These companies might understand the importance of energy transition to stop runaway climate change, but in the meantime, they’re cashing in on the current U.S. oil boom, with plans to increase oil production and export to foreign markets. Golden also explained in detail what the big five are doing to transition to clean energy. "In some ways, the oil companies would be perfect renewable allies," she concluded. Want to know why? 8. Amazon makes it easy to start your own delivery business by providing its branded vans. Why not make it easier on the planet by electrifying them? Amazon has set ambitious goals to minimize its carbon footprint, from investing in electric pickup truck maker to championing reusable packaging. The logistics giant could make another leap by electrifying its branded vans, which it lends to contractors to launch local delivery businesses and courier packages for Amazon customers. Without electrifying its delivery fleet, Amazon is missing a cost-saving opportunity, wrote GreenBiz’s transportation analyst Katie Fehrenbacher. As these last-mile delivery trips are "relatively short-range, occur over a condensed area and have somewhat routine routes," electric vans can save money by eliminating fuel costs, she analyzed. UPS, FedEx and DHL are already electrifying their delivery fleets, but the market is still relatively new. Could Amazon make a move and tip the scale? 9. Looking for some new listening material to learn even more about the diverse field of sustainability? We have some recommendations for you.  You might have heard our GreenBiz original podcasts, but you might not know that we're generally major podcast aficionados — and we wanted to share the love with you. We've been creating podcast roundups for the past few years, and this year was our longest list so far. We couldn't choose our favorite — but maybe you can find a new one of yours. From transportation expertise to stories of resilience to sustainability comedy (yes, that's a thing), our list has something for everyone. 10. WeWork’s leader of sustainability and well-being sat down with GreenBiz contributor Mia Overall to explain her role in the coworking brand, how she got there and how the company plans to take on climate change.   Lindsay Baker, WeWork's first chief sustainability officer. You won’t find any trace of meat at WeWork’s corporate spread. Don’t worry — carnivores are still welcome, but the coworking brand has stopped spending its budget on meat. This is only one of the ways it’s minimizing its environmental footprint, spearheaded by The We Company's new leader of sustainability and well-being, Lindsay Baker. From building healthier office space to imagining cities of the future, she has seen the role evolve tremendously since jumping on board. And now, the most pressing matter on her mind is climate change. "For us, this means tackling our own climate footprint, but also helping entrepreneurs start businesses to help tackle climate," Baker said. "We’re also disproportionately trying to have a positive impact in areas of the world that are impacted by climate change."

A Câmara dos Deputados enviou, no último mês de julho, 2,85kg, equivalente a aproximadamente 300 esponjas, à TerraCycle, empresa especializada em soluções para resíduos de difícil reciclabilidade. Os materiais foram coletados nas duas Praças da Logística Reversa, localizadas no térreo do Anexo IV e no Cefor.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Newtown Macon is helping to keep the city clean by recycling cigarette butts. Jene Bragg of Newtown Macon says 20 cigarette butt receptacles were installed in downtown Macon in July.

GETTING PAID

Bragg says the recycled butts will generate funds for the district. “We will turn these into money,” Bragg said. The cigarette butts that are collected will be packaged and sent to a recycling company, TerraCycle, who pays for recycled butts by the pound. The funds collected from this project will go back into the Business Incentive District Fund, benefiting businesses in downtown Macon. “We will also donate $1 per pound of recycled butts to ‘Keeping America Beautiful'”. Bragg also says that the business incentive district fund paid for the recycle bins with excess funds raised by downtown business owners. She says the bins are tamper-proof and emptied monthly.

The North American edition of the Sustainable Cleaning Products Summit took place in New York in July. Senior executives discussed pressing sustainability issues facing the detergents and home care industry. Some of the key take-aways from the event include: Need for positive vision. In his opening keynote, Professor Steve Cohen from Columbia University called for a positive vision for sustainability. According to Cohen, “sustainability is not about a denial...trying to make people feel guilty for their consumption is a losing strategy.” The way forward is a sustainable lifestyle whereby we (consumers) pay more attention to the environmental impact of our products and services. Sustainable product design. Many of the sustainability issues facing the planet are caused by product design; this was the key message from Howie Fendley from McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry. The Cradle-To-Cradle (C2C) design approach enables eco-friendly products to be designed and materials / nutrients to have infinite cycles. Method cleaning products and CandA jeans are examples of products made according to the C2C design approach. Indoor pollution and allergens. According to Dr. John Ryan from Allergy Standards, the rising incidence in asthma and allergens is partly because of indoor pollution. Chemicals in cleaning products are a major contributor to this pollution, with many ‘allergy aware’ consumers looking for healthier products for their homes. He requested home care companies to phase out possible allergens from their products. Removing packaging waste. Terracycle is working with cleaning product companies to remove plastics from waste streams. It has partnered with Procter and Gamble to create ocean plastic bottles for Fairy washing up liquid. Its new Loop shopping platform is making cleaning products available in multiple use packaging. Measure chemical footprints. Gojo Industries has adopted the chemical footprint project to evaluate the chemicals in its home care and personal care products. It is on track to meet its target of reducing its chemical footprint by 50% by 2020. Dylan Beach called on other companies to follow Gojo Industries and ‘clean up’ their formulations. Green fragrance options. Formulators now have access to a wide range of green fragrances for their home care products. Jack Corley from Custom Essence gave details of the natural essential oils, chemicals, and carrier oils that are being used to fragrance such products. Adulteration, price fluctuations, and supply issues were cited as challenges when using such green ingredients. Nature-inspired biosurfactants. Detergent producers can learn from nature to create microbial biosurfactants from fungi and bacteria. Professor Richard Gross from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute gave a workshop on how sophorolipids and their derivatives are being used as biosurfactants. Ethical labelling trend. The number of ethical labelling schemes for cleaning and home care products is increasing. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) gave details of its new EWG Verified standard for home care products, whilst an update was given on Green Seal and other standards. The development is leading to multiple certification: over 70 home care products are certified according to the USDA Certified BioBased and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice standards. Emerging green brand. Clotilde Balassone from Unilever gave details on how the Love, Home and Planet brand was created. Launched earlier this year, the brand has a range of laundry and surface cleaning products that have plant-based ingredients and sustainable packaging. The brand is designed for millennials and aims to ‘build a movement for a cleaner, greener planet’. Marketing best-practices. Brands need to use social media to get green messages across to consumers, especially the Millennials and Gen Z. This was the message from Sourabh Sharma from FIG Or Out. He also called for experiential marketing and clear communications by home care brands if they are to market products effectively to these consumers.