Crowley Moves Forward On Salem Wind Terminal With Land Closing

SALEM, Mass. — October 5, 2022 — Crowley has completed the purchase of 42 acres in Salem, Mass., the latest milestone toward the development of the state’s second major offshore wind port terminal.

The Salem Harbor Wind Terminal is a public-private partnership between Crowley and the City of Salem, with AVANGRID serving as the port’s anchor tenant through its Commonwealth Wind and Park City Wind projects. The terminal will be a logistics and operations center for turbine pre-assembly, transportation, staging activities and storage of assembly components. Crowley Wind Services, the company’s business unit dedicated to helping develop clean wind energy resources, will operate the terminal.

“By closing on the property, Crowley, the City of Salem, and AVANGRID as the port’s anchor tenant, have moved one step closer to creating a dedicated port terminal to support the U.S. offshore wind industry’s growth,” said Bob Karl, senior vice president and general manager, Crowley Wind Services. “We will continue to focus on delivering a high performing terminal that the community can take pride in, providing economic opportunity and environmental sustainability.”

The terminal site project will result in the redevelopment of the former Salem Harbor Station, a decommissioned coal-fired energy plant creating more than 800 jobs (FTE job years) in the support of the construction and staging of wind projects and daily operations.

“Crowley’s acquisition of this site in Salem marks an important step forward for Massachusetts’ offshore wind industry and the development of the critical port infrastructure needed to build a clean energy future in the United States,” said AVANGRID CEO Pedro Azagra. “The Commonwealth Wind project is a transformational opportunity that will bring substantial jobs, investment, and clean reliable energy to Massachusetts, and we are pleased to work with Crowley and the City of Salem as this important port project moves forward.”

“Crowley’s acquisition of this property represents a major milestone in our shared efforts to transform Salem Harbor into a world class offshore wind port,” said Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll. “I am grateful to both Crowley and Avangrid for their commitment to our partnership and to our community. This critical project will bring hundreds of good paying jobs and millions in direct investment to Salem and is critical to the Commonwealth’s ability to achieve our clean energy targets.”

The Commonwealth Wind project represents the largest offshore wind project in New England and will create 11,000 full time equivalent jobs over the project’s lifetime while generating enough energy to power 750,000 homes annually. Park City Wind, named after the City of Bridgeport, is an offshore wind project to power that will power 400,000 homes per year for Connecticut.

Construction of the wind terminal is expected to start in summer 2023, with the terminal complete in 2025.

Posted: October 5, 2022

Source: Crowley

The International Furnishings And Design Association (IFDA) Educational Foundation Announces Design Student Scholarship Winners For 2022

LEWISVILLE, N.C. — October 5, 2022 — The Educational Foundation (EF) of IFDA, the International Furnishings and Design Association, is pleased to announce its design student scholarship winners for 2022. Since the early years of this 75-year-old global design industry alliance, EF has awarded scholarships to high-achieving design students.  This year the nine scholarship winners received a total of $16,000. The judging was conducted by a subset of the EF’s Board of Trustees.

“Congratulations to all the winners!  We are very pleased to award scholarships to these talented individuals who will shape the design and furnishings industry in the years to come,” said Helen Wagner, Chairman of the Board of the Educational Foundation of IFDA.  “Nurturing and supporting talent is what we are all about.”

Jane Nichols, FIFDA, Director of Scholarships and Grants, echoed the sentiment. “We received many applications from across the country, and the judges were challenged to select the winners.”

Applicants must be currently enrolled and scholarships are paid to the school for the 2022 fall semester tuition. The eight scholarship winners share a passion for creating interior environments that are healthy, sustainable and enhance the quality of life. They are as follows:

Dylan Boroski of Florida State University in Tallahassee won the IFDA Leaders Commemorative Scholarship for $1,500 open to full-time undergraduate students. He is a fourth-year student in the Interior Architecture and Design program focusing on a career in interior design and architecture. He says, “As a designer, I adhere to taking an individualistic approach to the concept and philosophy behind my work. I believe that architecture and design have a responsibility and purpose to cohesively adapt the built space and the surrounding environment in both a functional and aesthetic way.”  Boroski wants to focus his career on sustainable design.

The Part-Time Student Scholarship for $1,500 open to undergraduate students was awarded to Elaine Mansure, a furniture design student at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., graduating in the spring of 2023. She is excited by the world of furniture design and inspired by the vibrant colors and soft forms that characterize her home in the mountains of North Carolina. She looks forward to experiencing future opportunities within the furniture industry.

Brianna Lee, a third-year college student at Converse University in Spartanburg, S.C. studying interior design was the winner of the IFDA Student Member Scholarship for $2,000 open to undergraduate IFDA student members. “As a passionate and self-driven creative student, I’m drawn to how interior designers have the power to subconsciously influence people’s emotions, lifestyle and personal interactions,” she advises. Her goal after graduation is to work in a interior design firm doing commercial and hospitality design.

The Vercille Voss IFDA Graduate Student Scholarship for $2,000 went to Abel Peter, a graduate student at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. He is pursuing a Masters in Architecture with a concentration in Interior Design. Born and raised in Cochin, India, Peter worked in several firms before deciding to pursue his masters. He specializes in ‘Building Adaptive Reuse’ and is a licensed architect. He says, “As a pragmatist, I believe in striving to do the most good possible with the minimum of resources. Sustainable design, particularly building reuse will be more and more important in the future. An admirer of Lacaton & Vassal, I closely identify with ‘never demolish’ principle.”

Tomoki Nomura of ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., won the Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship for $4,000 open to full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate students with a course emphasis on furniture design.  Born and raised in Japan, Nomura has lived and worked around the world since the age of 13. “My peripatetic background heavily influences my design process and enables me to find unique perspectives and approaches,” he says.  “By combining my wide and deep understanding of cultural variances with my technical skills, I create forward-thinking designs that appeal to a global market. As a furniture designer, I emphasize quality and refinement in my designs and strive to create products that enrich the ambiance of a space. In addition, my designs are produced ethically and everyone involved makes a livable wage.”

Sarah Lewis, a senior at North Carolina State University in Raleigh studying Industrial Design, was awarded the Tricia LeVangie Green/Sustainable Design Scholarship for $1,500  for  full- or part-time undergraduate students.  Growing up in Asheville, North Carolina, Lewis loves outdoor activities like hiking, playing soccer, skiing and running.  Her passion for the outdoors drives her focus to create and develop sustainable products as an industrial designer. In the future, she sees herself developing eco-circular products that inspire consumers to live sustainably. “It is my responsibility as a designer to only create products that are healthy to be harvested and returned to the Earth,” says Lewis.  “I’m looking forward to learning more about sustainability and design throughout the rest of my undergrad and professional career.”

Melanie Calan Sanchez, a student at Salem College in Winston-Salem, N.C. with a great love of art, was named the winner of the IFDA Philadelphia Scholarship for Graphic Design for $2,500, open to two- three- or four-year undergraduates.   Sanchez will graduate with a bachelor’s degree this upcoming year and is working toward a major in Graphic Design with a minor in Visual and Performing Arts. “I come from an immigrant family but am privileged to have been born in New Jersey,” said Sanchez. “Because of my background, I am aware of all the opportunities available to me. It motivates me to challenge myself and strive for excellence.”

Lauren Hellner, a fourth-year student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, won the Window Fashion Certified Professionals Fast Track Scholarship for $1,000 (one full registration for the webinar series) that is open to undergraduates in a two-, three- or four-year design school program. She is studying Interior Architecture and minoring in Professional Selling. “It is an absolute pleasure to be receiving this scholarship and with this reward, I plan to continue to pursue my dream of helping others through Universal Design,” advised Hellner.

Posted: October 5, 2022

Source: IFDA Educational Foundation

FUJIFILM Introduces New Acuity Ultra Hybrid Led Wide Format Printer

HANOVER PARK, Ill. — October 4, 2022 — FUJIFILM North America Corp., Graphic Systems Division, proudly announces its entry into the high-end wide format hybrid market with the unveiling of the new Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED printer. The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED expertly handles both rigid and flexible media, all in one platform, delivering an extremely versatile solution with maximum speeds of up to 2,346 ft²/hr. (roll-to-roll) and resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi.

The printer, which will be commercially available the beginning of 2023, will be available for demonstration at PRINTING United Expo 2022 in Las Vegas, October 19-21, in the Fujifilm booth (#825, North Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center).

“The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED wide format printer is a high-end printer for rigid and flexible media for the sign and display market, offering superb, high-quality printing in a 3.3m platform,” said Shaun Holdom, marketing manager, Ultra products, FUJIFILM Corporation, WFIJ System Business Headquarters. “The printer features new Fujifilm Uvijet UH inks, designed to produce both exceptional near-photographic quality for close viewing applications including interior graphics, signage and decor as well as the speed and durability for long distance viewing applications including short- and long-term exterior signage and industrial applications.

Media handling and functionality

The Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED features media loading and unloading tables with a unique textured table surface designed to optimize the feeding and alignment of rigid media. A strong catch mechanism protects against accidental damage, and secure locking allows for media feed accuracy throughout every print run.

The Graphic User Interface (GUI) features the same design features found on the Fujifilm Acuity Ultra R2 and includes additional functionality to handle rigid media production—up to six sheets simultaneously.

An intelligent vacuum control system automatically turns on the correct vacuum zones needed for any print job based on the width of the media, and the vacuum motor power constantly adjusts to maintain optimal media hold down, regardless of media type and size, ensuring an accurate and high-quality print finish.

A tailored designed airshaft allows dual roll functionality, two media rolls of different diameters (each up to 14 in.) that can run at the same time.

Uvijet UH: New LED UV inkjet ink from Fujifilm

Fujifilm has developed an entirely new inkjet ink series, Uvijet UH, designed specifically for the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED printer, with six colors (CMYK, Lm, Lc) available as standard and white ink available as an option. The new ink has both GREENGUARD Gold and AgBB certifications.

Uvijet UH has been designed to adhere to a broad range of rigid and flexible media types, delivering the same exceptional high quality of the Uvijet GS and AU inks used in the Acuity Ultra R2, while also minimizing ink usage and waste, helping to reduce running costs.

“Our new blueprint for wide format printer offering, announced last year, will provide our customers with greater flexibility, ease-of-use and even better ROI,” said Holdom. “The development of the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED showcases Fujifilm’s commitment to continually meet our customer changing needs.”

Posted: October 5, 2022

Source: FUJIFILM North America Corp.

Beverly Knits Inc. Acquires Gentry Mills: Forms Creative Dyeing & Finishing LLC

ALBEMARLE, N.C. — October 4, 2022 — Beverly Knits Inc has purchased the assets of Gentry Mills. The new business, Creative Dyeing & Finishing LLC, will continue to provide dyeing & finishing services to the textile industry. The operation will complement the Beverly Knits group of companies — Creative Fabrics, Creative Ticking, Altus Finishing and Hemingway Sewing Solutions.

“A combination of factors led to the decision to invest and expand,” said Ron Sytz, CEO of Beverly Knits Inc. “We have been producing quality circular knit textile products for over forty-two years in Gastonia, North Carolina. We feel that this is the right time to further expand our capabilities into dyeing and finishing of fabrics. This continues to support the re-shoring of textile production and to strengthen our capability to produce goods ‘Made in the USA.’ With this addition, Beverly Knits companies have the ability to provide solutions from knitting all the way to a completed garment.”

“It is a great time to be involved in manufacturing in the US,” Sytz continued. “Similar to Gastonia’s heritage, Albemarle has a history steeped in textiles. We are very excited to invest locally in the people and equipment that will be required to grow this operation.”

As a result of projected increased demand, the new company expects to hire an additional 50+ employees through 2023. Applicants can apply at www.creative-dyeing.com .

The Creative Dyeing and Finishing operation will provide fabric dyeing, finishing, napping and printing services to the apparel, industrial and bedding markets. The operation is starting with an experienced workforce. Investment in advanced control technologies, including upgrading of equipment, will modernize the operation over the next two years.

Posted: October 5, 2022

Source: Creative Dyeing & Finishing LLC

Spinnova Receives Business Finland NextGenerationEU Grant For Fiber Development Work

HELSINKI — October 4, 2022 — Spinnova Plc has received a grant of a maximum of 1.6 million euros for its research and development work from Business Finland for the time period October 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The grant amount represents 50 percent of the project’s total cost estimate of 3.2 million euros.

The development project focuses on the follow-up research of Spinnova technology and fiber, targeting fiber utilization in new application areas and product segments such as composites and nonwovens. For example, the project includes continuous natural filament development, which allows SPINNOVA® to be used in new types of textile products and to explore the composite segment. In addition, the project includes development of scalable environmentally friendly dope-dye technology where the raw material of Spinnova fiber is dyed already before yarn production. Compared to conventional dyeing, the dope-dye method significantly reduces the use of water, energy and chemicals. The utilization of non-toxic natural dyes in textile dyeing is also being explored in the project.

The grant is part of the European Union’s NextGenerationEU financing and Finland’s Bio & Circular Finland sustainable growth program. The project must during its whole lifecycle meet the DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) requirements and environmental and digital criteria presented in the funding application. Business Finland’s financing speeds up and expands the project by improving its business potential and allows more risk taking in the content of the project.

”With the Business Finland grant we can continue our extensive development work of Spinnova’s unique technology and fiber. It’s great to see that Spinnova’s potential in the global fibre markets has been recognized and top-level Finnish research and development work is being supported financially,” commented Spinnova’s CEO Kim Poulsen.

“Spinnova is a great example of how a company’s continuous development is important — they never settle for the existing but always develop something new. The sustainable competitive advantage Spinnova has gotten from their technological development has been the driving force for them,” Business Finland’s Funding Manager Veli-Pekka Ihanus said.

The grant contributes to Spinnova’s growth plan. Established in 2015, Spinnova is ramping up its global commercialization phase. The first commercial-scale factory of Spinnova’s joint venture company Woodspin is expected to be completed in Finland at the end of this year. Spinnova aims to scale the production of sustainable Spinnova fiber to 1 million metric tons by 2031-2033.

Posted October 4, 2022

FRX Innovations, Sichuan EM Technology Co. Jointly Develop Flame Retardant Upholstery Fabrics For U.K. Market

BOSTON, Mass. — October 4, 2022 — FRX Innovations Inc. has announced a collaboration with Sichuan EM Technology Co., Ltd. to introduce a halogen-free inherent flame-retardant (FR) upholstery fabric solution capable of meeting the stringent British Fire Standard BS 5852; part 1 for furniture, while providing outstanding touch and feel, all in a solution that is environmentally sustainable and permanent. The introduction of this new fabric technology, Glentham® anti-dripping FR Polyester fiber and yarn solution, comes on the heels of new regulations banning the content of Persistent Organic Pollutants like halogenated flame retardants in recycled furniture sold in the United Kingdom.

According to the regulations in the United Kingdom, upholstered furniture needs to be fire retardant to ignition by a cigarette and by a small flame like a match, and must meet British Standard BS 5852; part1, a very stringent fire test. Today, most upholstery fabrics are treated with halogen contained flame retardant chemicals to meet this standard. While these solutions do reduce the risk of fire, toxicity concerns due to the flame-retardant system remain. Moreover, as of January 1, 2023, persistent organic pollutants like halogenated flame retardants will be required to be disposed of like chemical waste which means that furniture treated with these persistent organic chemicals will need to be incinerated and will no longer be allowed to be land filled.

Sichuan has launched a series of fabrics, based on Nofia® Polyphosphonate halogen-free flame retardants, which meet the British Standard while at the same time offer permanence of FR performance after numerous wash cycles. Sichuan’s Glentham anti-dripping FR Polyester fiber and yarn solution, based on modified polyester fibers with a high Phosphorous content (22,000 ppm),show exceptionally high resistance against ignition in both surface and edge ignition. At the same time, they provide outstanding textile properties such as hand and feel, breathability and abrasion resistance. Nofia Flame Retardants from FRX is the only halogen-free FR technology capable of such high loading in Polyester fabrics.  Other halogen-free technologies are limited to about 6500ppm of phosphorus and thus could not meet the United Kingdom’s stringent fire safety standards.

The fabrics come in blends with wool, cotton or viscose and have the natural feel of the organic fibers, the strength of the polyester and breathability needed for cozy and comfortable seating. With comfort, safety, and sustainability these fabrics will set a new performance bar not previously possible.

This development opens new opportunities for flame retardant fabrics without the use of halogenated flame retardants which are already banned in the European Union and will also come under regulatory pressure within the short term in the United Kingdom as well.  Based on publicly available information, this joint development gives access to roughly 20 million square meters per year (400 g per square meter) of upholstery fabrics in the United Kingdom alone and an estimated market potential of around $500 million.

“The UK government’s strict Furniture Fire Safety regulations coupled with new regulations limiting disposal of furniture treated with persistent organic pollutants has enabled new innovative materials to come onto the market, which provides the market with a no compromise fabric that is both fire safe and human health safe,” said Marc Lebel, CEO of FRX. “This development could not have been possible if not for our Nofia Flame Retardant technology.  Consumers can enjoy the comfort and safety of the modern furniture solutions without compromise.”

Posted October 4, 2022

Source: FRX Innovations

CORDURA® And Sapphire Finishing Mills Ltd. Collaborate With Dovetail Workwear To Produce The New Ready Set Cargo Pant

KENNESAW, Ga. — September 9, 2022 — With the upcoming launch of the new Ready Set Cargo Pant from Dovetail Workwear – the exclusively women’s workwear apparel company based in Portland, Oregon – CORDURA® and Sapphire Finishing Mills Ltd. are equally proud to announce their partnership on the development of the evolved style built for, with, and by women.  A pant often worn by emergency medical technicians (EMTs), tactical teams, and outdoor adventurers, the Ready Set Cargo is a reimagined and stylish multi-pocketed pant designed with intuitive functionality for tough jobs featuring Cordura NYCO Fabric in a micro-ripstop fabric and milled by Sapphire Finishing Mills Ltd.  The Ready Set Cargo is a classic example of Dovetail Workwear’s exemplary design and production processes where women are involved every step of the way.

“We worked closely together, pooling ideas, and combining our strengths. This third Dovetail Workwear x CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics launch is yet again a testament to innovation through collaboration which has resulted in building durable relationships and products designed to withstand the test of time,” explains Cindy McNaull, Cordura brand business development director. “Whether hiking up a mountain to rescue a fallen climber, teaching survival tactics in an outdoor school, or handling airline cargo in rural Alaska — the women who tested Dovetail’s new Ready Set Cargo need serious pants that stand up to the job.  This latest Sapphire Finishing Mills Ltd. Cordura NYCO Fabric innovation is designed for ultimate endurance and lasting comfort.”

A fresh take on the classic cargo, ‘Ready Set Cargo’ is the star of the show in Dovetail’s Fall–Winter 2022 Second Nature campaign, and another mark of Cordura Advanced Fabrics recognizing the growing cross-over lifestyle trend in apparel, gear, footwear — and in particular workwear.

The pants are sewn in the same facility that mills the fabric; a process that involves a 90 percent women-powered workforce. Sapphire Finishing Mills Ltd. weaves together innovative technologies and traditional craftsmanship, with a robust women’s empowerment program and a wraparound approach to sustainability.  Home-to-work transportation and childcare are among the benefits for all 2,400 of the mill’s working women.

This classic utility-cargo has benefited from a fresh look and the details have been ‘Dovetailed’ for optimal function and a flattering fit. With 8 pockets (including 2 big-bellowed pockets) and 2 clip tabs for carabiners, Ready Set Cargo is a walking storage unit for tools, supplies and gear. An elasticized EZ Waist adds comfort, and elastic cuffs keep out the grit and grime. With style and storage, wearers can have it all, and carry it too. Available in Black, Olive Green, and Dark Navy, sizes 000–18, inseams 28, 30, 32, 34. MSRP: $109 with worldwide shipping.

Sapphire Finishing Mills Ltd. Senior Merchandiser Alishba Shabbir explained: “Very few names in the industry are dedicated to workwear garments engineered especially for women and catering to their distinct needs. I was moved by Dovetail’s brand story, and together with our long-standing relationship with Cordura Advanced Fabrics, this was the perfect opportunity to take women’s workwear to another level and into new cross-over markets.”

Responsibly made, Ready Set Cargo is virtually indestructible and beautifully sewn. But to be sure the pants are ready for anything, Dovetail put them to the test with Wilderness EMT Instructor and member of a technical rescue squad in New Hampshire, Ariel Temper. Bruise wheels, medical tape and trauma shears are just a few of the tools found in Temper’s pockets. In addition to outdoor rescue and instruction, Temper also works in her local Emergency Room. As with all Dovetail pants, wear testers suggested tweaks in fit and function, which made their way to the final product to ensure they are ready for anything.

Temper explained: “These pants passed all my tests, including my ‘pick-your-patient-off-the-floor test.’’ Thanks to the integration of Cordura nylon fiber into the fabric’s construction, the Ready Set Cargo is tough enough for sharp tools and jobsite hazards, while the cotton helps keep them breathable, with a flattering high-waisted fit.”

Dovetail Workwear founder and Product Director Sara De Luca is proud of the stellar innovation, manufacturing, and wear tester partners, who bring her designs to life. “From Alishba, Ariel, and Cindy to all the extraordinary women they represent and work with Ready Set Cargo has truly been the dream team. Dovetail Workwear was born to lift women up. Now more than ever, women need each other to push against serious obstacles to our empowerment and protection. But we are ready — and we’ve got the pants to prove it,” De Luca commented.

Posted: October 4, 2022

Source: INVISTA

Hexcel HexPly® M9.6 Prepregs Receive Bureau Veritas Type Approval for Marine Use

STAMFORD, Conn. — October 4, 2022 — Hexcel Corp. has received Type Approval for its HexPly® M9.6GF prepreg products from Bureau Veritas (BV), a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification services.

This important third-party certification enables these carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy prepregs to be used in the production of parts for all BV-approved marine vessels. It also guarantees the quality, performance and consistency of the prepregs for ship and boat builders.

BV-approved HexPly M9.6GF prepregs can be reinforced with unidirectional, non-crimp and twill-weave fabrics. They are particularly suitable for use in the manufacture of masts and other large structural components for wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP). To reduce reliance on engines and cut fuel usage, WASP vessels harness the power of ocean winds often using large carbon fiber-reinforced masts flying durable composite solid sails.

HexPly M9.6 prepregs were recently used to manufacture the mast for the Chantiers de l’Atlantique Silenseas project. The HexPly M9.6 prepregs satisfied all the requirements of the Silenseas consortium’s mast-section manufacturers for quality, mechanical performance, and processing characteristics, while also proving to be cost effective.

“Hexcel has supplied advanced composite materials to the marine industry for more than 40 years,” said Thomas James, Marine Business Development Manager, Hexcel. “Receiving BV Type Approval for our HexPly M9.6GF prepregs demonstrates that we are committed to developing new composite technologies for the marine sector, helping builders evolve their designs to produce lighter, more fuel-efficient, and more sustainable craft for the future.”

Posted: October 4, 2022

Source: Hexcel Corp.

California Governor Signs First-In-Nation Ban On PFAS “Forever Chemicals” In Textiles

PORTLAND, OR — September 30, 2022 — Yesterday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a first in the nation groundbreaking bill (AB 1817) that explicitly bans the use of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals,” in many textiles. The policy includes first in the nation bans on PFAS in apparel (both indoor and outdoor), accessories, and handbags starting in 2025. PFAS in outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions will be eliminated as of 2028 and manufacturers will be required to disclose the presence of PFAS in the products as of 2025. The law also directs manufacturers to use the least toxic alternative as they move away from PFAS. In addition, a bill to ban PFAS in apparel is currently awaiting the governor’s signature in New York. And, Washington state is considering similar action on PFAS in apparel via their existing regulatory processes.

Governor Gavin Newsom also signed two other significant bills that help protect people from toxic chemical exposures. These include:

  • AB 2771 restricts PFAS in cosmetic products. California now joins Colorado in becoming the second state to pass a state law that explicitly bans the entire class of PFAS in cosmetics.
  • SB 502 reforms aspects of California’s Safer Consumer Products program. The new policy will make California’s program more efficient by granting data call-in authority to the program, streamlining processes (including giving the program the authority to regulate on the basis of alternatives analyses published by other governments or in the peer reviewed literature), and setting clear timelines and more transparent work plans.

Health and environmental advocacy organizations from California and states across the country applaud this move and anticipate more government policies to follow. Natural Resources Defense Council, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, and Safer States released the following statements in response to this news.

“Californians across the spectrum overwhelmingly support getting PFAS out of everyday products like clothes and textiles,” said Avinash Kar, a senior attorney and director of the Health & Food program at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “By making AB 1817 California law, the Governor and the legislature are helping to protect the health and environment of Californians and beyond.”

“An estimated 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, yet manufacturers continue to use unnecessary and toxic PFAS chemicals, which are linked to breast and other cancers, in everyday products, including textiles,” said Nancy Buermeyer, director of program & policy for Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. “This critical bill will protect Californians, and consumers across the nation, from these dangerous chemicals in the clothes and textiles we wear and use in our homes and businesses.”

“California is once again at the forefront of states taking action to stop the flow of toxic PFAS chemicals,” explained Sarah Doll, national director of Safer States. “With one of the largest economies in the nation, California’s chemical policies will have ripple effects across the marketplace.”

Background On PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

Chemical companies sell PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) for application to products such as paper and textiles as stain-resistant, water-repellent, and grease-proofing treatments. PFAS has been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, immune system suppression, increased cholesterol levels, pregnancy-induced hypertension, liver damage, reduced fertility, and increased risk of thyroid disease. PFAS are known as “forever” chemicals because they don’t break down in the environment.

State governments are taking legislative and regulatory actions to phase out PFAS in products to prevent contamination in favor of safer alternatives. For example, laws in ME and WA have given state agencies authority to ban PFAS in a wide range of products. Maine’s law requires product manufacturers to disclose the presence of PFAS. Eleven states (CA, CO, CT, HI, MD, ME, MN, NY, RI, VT, and WA) have enacted state bans on PFAS in food packaging. CO also adopted restrictions on oil and gas products and personal care products. Eleven states including CA, CO, CT, HI, IL, ME, MD, NH, NY, VT, and WA have put in place bans on the sale of firefighting foam containing PFAS. On textiles specifically, five states including CA, CO, ME, MD, and VT have adopted restrictions on PFAS in carpets, rugs, and aftermarket treatments and regulatory action is pending on these products and other home textiles (e.g. upholstery, bedding) in CA and WA. In addition, CO adopted restrictions on indoor and outdoor furniture.

Posted: October 4, 2022

Source: Safer States

ASTM International’s Cannabis Committee Approves Four New Standards

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — October 3, 2022 — ASTM International’s cannabis committee (D37) has approved four new standards that will benefit those working within the cannabis industry, as well as regulators and consumers of cannabis and cannabis-related products.

The first standard (D8375) will provide a method to establish cannabinoid content in cannabis and hemp samples.

ASTM member Garnet McRae notes that laboratories, producers, and researchers will find the standard useful. He adds that regulatory bodies and consumers will also benefit as the standard will help ensure products are labeled properly in jurisdictions where they are legally produced and sold.

The standard may also be used in forensics labs for analysis of illegal samples to confirm cannabinoid content and to support further cannabinoid research.

A second standard (D8399) will aid laboratories in analyzing cannabis and hemp samples to establish pesticide concentration levels – or lack thereof – to ensure products meet regulatory requirements within appropriate jurisdictions.

Regulatory requirements typically include minimum concentration performance limits which pesticide methods must achieve. The standard will help to address health and safety concerns as well as labelling and regulatory requirements for consumable cannabis products.

McRae adds that cannabis testing laboratories, producers, regulatory bodies, and consumers, will all benefit from the new standard.

The third standard (D8442) will provide a method to test for terpenes and cannabinoids in cannabis using gas chromatography.

According to ASTM International member Randall Shearer, this standard will assist in quality control for cannabis, allowing cultivators, extractors, producers, and regulatory bodies to ensure safety and consistency of cannabis and hemp products. Shearer notes it will be most useful to manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and labs to address consumer needs.

The final standard (D8469) will aid manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and other cannabis industry stakeholders by providing a new test method for metals in cannabis.

The standard provides a method through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) that will be used for detecting dangerous metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in cannabis.

The committee is planning a full inter-laboratory study of the standard later in 2022.

Posted: October 4, 2022

Source: ASTM International

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