Researchers at the University of Birmingham investigated the environmental effects of microplastics and Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and showed that, combined, they can be very harmful to aquatic life. PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, and microplastics are more toxic when combined than on their own. Researchers compared water fleas (Daphnia) unexposed to pollution with another group […]
L’Oreal Fund to Support Decarbonisation
L’Oréal is partnering with the financial services firm Chenavari Investment Managers to launch Solstice, a debt fund that helps suppliers in decarbonisation. L’Oréal is making an initial investment of EUR 50 million into the fund. The move will help the company deliver Scope 3 commitments by enabling its extended value chain – in particular small […]
COP16 Landmark Biodiversity Agreements Adopted
The UN biodiversity summit (COP15) in Colombia agreed on the creation of a fund to share the profits of digitally sequenced genetic data taken from animals and plants with the communities they come from. Such data, much of it from species found in poor countries, is notably used in medicines and cosmetics that can make […]
Whole Foods Market to Expand Daily Shop Format
Whole Foods Market has is planning to expand its ‘Daily Shop’ concept, a smaller-format store designed for urban convenience. The debut location opened in New York City, in Manhattan’s Lenox Hill neighbourhood. The 9,101-square-foot store at 1175 Third Avenue is tailored to meet the fast-paced needs of Upper East side residents with its compact size […]
Tom’s of Maine Called up by FDA
Tom’s of Maine, a leading natural oral care brand, received a warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November after the agency found disease-causing bacteria and mould-like and powdery substances in its products and facilities. In a letter to Tom’s of Maine, an FDA inspector identified several types of bacteria in the water […]