In the News: May 5, 2014

Posted on by adk

European Union: European Commission Solidifies Reform to the Product Safety Regime
April 25, Mondaq
The European Union has published a proposal to reform product safety rules and regulation that could go into effect as early as 2015.  Read about the proposal and what it means for companies doing business in Europe…

Blog: Walmart Pushes for Collaborative Sustainability Goals
April 30, Greenbiz.com
The world’s largest retailer just held its first Sustainable Product Expo. Read about what was accomplished and how Walmart is trying to increase sustainability and revenue simultaneously…

5 Traps to Avoid when using Simulation for Product Development
April 28, Engineering.com
Product testing is an essential part of the life cycle of product development.  Read five tips that if followed in the early phase of development could help prevent headaches later on…

Efforts to Zap Bacteria in Food are Slow to Catch Hold
April 27, Washington Post
Every year, there are many food borne illness outbreaks across the United States.  Read about the irradiation process, how it works, and why it is not used more despite its approval by the FDA…

National Institution Launched to Ensure Accurate Measurements
April 27, Gulf News
In the United Arab Emirates, The Emirates Metrology Institute (EMI) recently launched with the goal of standardizing quality for manufactured products.  Read about EMI and what the founders of the institute hope to accomplish…

The Tricky Game of Risk Management
April 28, EBN
Weaknesses in the supply chain are usually exposed after a man made or natural disasters.  Read some tips about how to manage your risk and limit your exposure here…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Food Safety, Global Developments, Innovation, Risk Assessment, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: April 28, 2014

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GM Restructuring Engineering in Response to Recall
April 22, Washington Post
The General Motors recall has been a high impact event with a lot of negative publicity for the automaker.  Read about some changes the company is making in regards to product safety…

Product Liability: Sanctions and Recalls in the UAE
April 25, Lexology
The United Arab Emirates is increasingly a place where companies aim to market and sell their products.  Read some rules and regulations you should be aware of if you are doing business in the UAE…

Lax Oversight Cited as Factor in Deadly Blast at Texas Plant
April 22, New York Times
Investigators have concluded that lack of oversight at all levels of government is partially to blame for a deadly chemical explosion in Texas last year.  Read about the findings and why investigators believe this accident was preventable…

2020 Plastic Additives Market Worth $57.8 Billion
April 14, Environmental Leader
Even though plastic additives are under increasing regulation in the use of consumer products, the market is expected to grow substantially over the next several years.  Read why this is likely to happen and what impact it will have on the manufacturing of products…

Blog:  Where is your Company on the Path to Safer, Healthier Products?
April 17, Greenbiz.com
Manufacturers and big box retailers are beginning to try to eliminate chemicals of concern. Learn about some tools being used in the elimination of harmful chemicals from products…

Risk Assessment vs. Risk Management: What’s the Difference?
April 23, Food Safety News
Separating risk assessment and risk management in Europe’s food chain a decade ago has had a high impact of Europe’s food supply. Read about the separation of these activities and why it has had such an impact…

 

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Food Safety, Global Developments, Innovation, Product Liability, Risk Assessment, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: April 21, 2014

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Consumer Groups Win Appeal to Reveal Company Doe
April 16, Washington Post
The three year old law suit over a company’s identity and the CPSC database, saferproducts.gov had a major development on April 16.  Read about the court’s ruling and what it could mean for the future of the database…

Vermont House Panel Likely to Scale Back Toxic Chemicals Bill
April 11, Reformer.com
The state of Vermont is considering the country’s strictest chemicals law for a variety of products sold in the state, including consumer products.  Read about the bill under consideration and the implications for companies that do business in Vermont…

MEPs Seek Mandatory “Made-in” Labeling to Boost Product Safety
April 16, Novinite.com
The European Parliament recently voted on two measures aimed at increasing product safety in the EU.  Read about the measures and what it means for manufactures that do business in Europe…

Blog:  Criminal Liability for Faulty Products
April 14, Business Standard
Product safety and the recall of harmful products, especially automobiles are on the rise in India.  Read about the development of product safety and liability in the country here…

World’s First Guide on Traceability Advances Supply Chain Sustainability
April 17, Eco-Business
The United Nations Global Compact and BSR recently released the first guide guidance to help companies source sustainable materials.  Learn about the report and find a link a copy here…

TIA Advocates to Reduce Third Party Testing
April 10, Gifts and Decorative Accessories
The CPSC recently held a workshop aimed at reducing third party testing costs for manufacturers.  Read about the workshop, and specifically what the Toy Industry hopes to gain…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Global Developments, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: April 14, 2014

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Senate Panel Considers Nominee to Head Safety Commission
April 9, NPR
On April 8th, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing for the nomination of the next head of the CPSC.  Listen to a clip and read some of the issues raised by Senators in the hearing…

Apple Move Highlights Commercial Pressure To Enhance Supply Chain Responsibility
April 9, Business Computing World
In an effort to increase transparency in the supply chain, Apple recently released a report that details some of their suppliers.  Read what is contained in the report and why they did it here…

Researchers Develop Technique to Measure Quantity, Risks of Engineered nanomaterials Delivered to Cells
April 9, Health Canal
The use of engineered nanomaterials is prevalent in thousands of consumer products.  Learn some of the hazards with such materials and a recent breakthrough in research to determine the impact they have on humans…

Opinion:  GM Crisis Latest Example of how Risking Lives is ‘Acceptable Business.’
April 8, USA Today
The recent GM recall has sparked debate from many different sides of the product safety community.  Read one opinion about the impact of the recall and other recent product recalls…

‘Gaps’ in Food Safety Processes
April 10, Coleraine Times
After a major food recall last year in the UK, the government commissioned a report on food safety and the integrity of the supply chain in the UK.  Read the findings and learn the impact it has on the food supply chain…

P&G Opens Largest Private Research Facility in Singapore
March 28, Channel NewsAsia
Procter and Gamble is one of the largest producers of consumer products in the world.  Read about a new presence in Singapore which has product safety and testing as one of the core components…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Food Safety, Global Developments, Product Liability, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: April 7, 2014

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Kaye & Mohorovic Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Confirmation Hearing Set for April 8th
April 3, National Law Review
The United States Senate is poised to consider the nominations for a new Chairman and a new Commissioner for the Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Read about the nominees and the schedule for the hearings…

GM Ignition Switch Recall: 5 Things to know from Congressional Hearing
April 2, Michigan Live
Congress recently held hearings to look into General Motor’s ignition switch recall. Here is what happened at the hearings and five takeaways…

Noted Government, Labor and International Development Leaders join Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety Board of Advisors
April 3, Reuters
The Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety aims to improve worker safety in garment plants in Bangladesh.  Read about the organization and some new leaders who have joined the effort…

The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act: Three Things to Remember about Canada’s Consumer Product Oversight Regime
April 4, Mondaq
The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) turns three this summer.  Read three things to keep in mind when doing business in Canada…

CA Regulator Eying More Detailed Warnings in Prop 65 Reform
April 4, Food Product Design
Last year, the Governor of California attempted to modernize Proposition 65 through the legislative process, which did not succeed.  Read about the Administrative effort, and the attempt to modernize the law through regulation…

Blog: Ideas Power the Future Supply Chain
April 3, EBN On-Line
Making your supply chain efficient can improve your company’s bottom line.  Read about zero marginal cost and how this economic theory can help you improve your supply chain efficiency…

 

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Food Safety, Global Developments, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain

In the News: March 31, 2014

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Flammability Rules Face New Questions
March 23, Boston Globe
California has new flammability standards in place that impact the chemicals that can be used in furniture.  Read about what Massachusetts is considering and the impact it could have on the use of chemicals in furniture…

Senator Urges CPSC to Rethink Proposed Changes to Voluntary Recall Rules
March 21, Sports One Source
The CPSC is currently receiving comments about proposed changes to a voluntary recall rule.  Read one Senator’s reservations and his reasoning for opposing the changes…

Blog: A Winning Formula: 4 Secrets to Sustainable Chemistry Success
March 24, Greenbiz.com
Major retailers and some states have begun to expect companies to reduce the harmful chemicals in their products.  Read about four elements of enhanced sustainable chemistry programs…

ACCC Releases Product Safety Guide for Online Businesses
March 26, AFN
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission recently released a new guide for companies that sell products on-line.  Read about the guide and what you need to know to comply with Australian guidelines…

Supply Chain Mapping Combined with Risk Assessment
March 25, Supply Chain Brain
Risk in the supply chain is on the rise as firms put more links in the chain and do business in more remote parts of the world.  Read what the Risk Consortium recommends to reduce the risk in your supply chain…

GM Creates Global Safety Czar in Response to Recall Crisis
March 19, Tirebusiness.com
General Motors has come under fire for the company’s handling of an ignition problem in its vehicles.  Read about what the company is doing to improve product safety in its products…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Food Safety, Global Developments, Innovation, Product Safety Rules, Risk Assessment, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: March 24, 2014

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EU Council Misses ‘Opportunity’ to Improve Product Safety
March 17, The Parliament
Market surveillance is critical to product safety in the European Union. Read about some of the issues with surveillance in the EU, a proposal for member states to align, and where the proposal is now…

Test for China’s New Consumer Protection Law Lies Ahead
March 18, The China Post
A new consumer law in China that can bring liability to any party in the supply chain aims to protect consumers. Read how the law was intended to help consumers and the questions that loom about enforcement…

Fitbit Now Faces a Class-Action Suit in Rash Fallout
March 19, Wall Street Journal
Over the last several months, Fitbit has been in the news for a recall that stems from a rash appearing on consumer’s skin.  Now, the company is faced with a class action law suit in California.  Read about the details of the suit and what it could mean for the company and consumers…

Critics Question Strength of Auto Recall Process
March 20, CNBC
Over the last three years, there have been 430 automobile recalls involving over 22 million vehicles.  Read about the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act and what some say is a law that is falling short of its intended purpose…

The State of Data & Analytics in Consumer Goods
March 18, Consumer Goods Technology
Effectively using data analytics in the consumer goods industry can give you an advantage over your competitors. Read some examples of how big data can be used, and one of the most important critical activities when using data analytics…

Moving Beyond the Traditional through Supply Chain Planning & Optimization
March 18, Supply Chain Brain
New technologies and processes have linked planning and execution in the supply chain closer than ever. Read about different planning considerations and how your plans should go beyond your supply chain…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Global Developments, Innovation, Organizational Development, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain

In the News: March 17, 2014

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GM Excluded Crash Deaths from Ignition Inquiry
March 12, Washington Post
General Motors has been in the news because they allegedly delayed recalling automobiles when they knew there was a problem.  Read about the failure to report, and how no matter what regulatory agency your product falls under, choosing to report a known issue will save you headaches down the road…

State Agency IDs 3 Consumer Products using Toxic Chemicals
March 14, San Francisco Chronicle
Last week, California identified three consumer products that contain harmful chemicals as identified by the State’s new Green Chemical Law.  Read about the process that could lead to the California banning these products under the new law…

Food Safety Law to be Issued Soon
March 11, Gulf News
There is rising concern in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the lack of standards for food, commodities and other products.  Read about proposals that have been introduced to oversee consumer markets, regulate recalls and protect the consumers…

The Supply Chain Side of Foreign Retailers Operating in India
March 13, Supply Chain Brain
Indian regulations now allow 100 percent foreign owned retailers to build infrastructure and sell products in the Country.  Read about some considerations that companies will need to thoughtful of before doing business in India…

MetricStream Product Quality, Safety, and Compliance Management Solution Helps Retail and CPG Companies Mitigate Risks, and Strengthen Regulatory Compliance
March 13, Reuters
Companies are taking a holistic approach to product quality, safety and compliance across their entire supply chain.  Read about a product that is assisting this effort and things you should be thinking about in your supply chain…

Toy Companies Sued for Importing Defective Products
March 6, National Law Review
Recently, the Department of Justice filed suit against four toy manufacturers for violations related to the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and the Consumer Product Safety Act.  Read about the law suits, and the violations alleged by the government…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Food Safety, Global Developments, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain

In the News: March 10, 2014

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How Fitbit, like Tylenol before it, Handled a Recall the Right Way
March 3, Entrepreneur
Product recalls are part of doing business in today’s regulated markets.  Read what happens when you get out in front of the recall and when you wait to react to a report…

Wal-Mart tells Suppliers no more Harmful Chemicals in Products
February 27, San Jose Mercury News
Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer recently notified it’s suppliers that it must remove toxic chemicals from certain products.  Read the details on the new initiative and what products may be impacted.

Why Product Standards?
February 22, Star Local Media
Standards are guidelines that establish a uniform model for quality and safety in products. Read one view on why standards are so important and how they can impact your manufacturing process…

Simplify Compliance, Maximize Profitability and Protect your Brand with an Integrated Value Chain
March 4, Consumer Goods Technology
The quality of a company’s product is directly linked to their brand and image.  As a result, companies must be able to identify problems quickly in their supply chain and elsewhere in the manufacturing process.  Read a technology that can help you identify issues anywhere along the product life cycle…

Australian Focus on Mandatory Safety Standards
March 1, Mondaq
A recent court case in Australia has served as a reminder of the importance of complying with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Read about the product safety requirements under the ACL and how the recent case has served as a reminder that companies must comply with the Australian law…

The Challenges of Having ‘Green’ Supply Chain Management
March 6, Supply Chain Brain
A green supply chain can be a good business decision, but can also present management with some challenges to the bottom line.  Read about green supply chain management and how you can bring it to your company…

 

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Global Developments, Innovation, Product Safety Rules, Product Standards, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: March 3, 2014

Posted on by adk

12 Most Brand Saving Reasons for Social Media Monitoring
February 29, Business to Community
Social Media has had a heavy impact on the product safety world, especially when a customer is experiencing a problem or when there is a recall.  Read the 12 reasons this author thinks your company should be monitoring social media…

CPSC Takes Closer Look at Third Party Testing
February 27, Gifts and Decorative Accessories
One controversial rule that resulted from the passage of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act is the third party testing rule.  Read the CPSC approach to easing the burden on the amount of testing a company must perform…

Leveraging Regulatory Data to Improve the Customer Experience
February 25, Data Informed
Companies have long been collecting data to improve customer experience.  Read about a data source companies, including consumer product companies are beginning to explore to give the customer the best experience possible…

Blog: Essential Team Tools for the First-Time Supply Chain Manager
February 28, EBN
Professionals making the jump from production to supply chain management may have a few things to learn as they transition into their new role.  Read about some tools that could help make your transition smooth…

EC Recommendation Published for Skin Sensitivity Test
February 27, Cosmetics Design-Europe
The European Commission has recommended a skin sensitivity test that will help the Europe determine what chemicals should be avoided in the production of cosmetics.  Read about the test and the impact it could have on cosmetic products…

BASF Drives Sustainability down Textile Value Chain
February 27, Fibre 2 Fashion
One of the world’s largest chemical companies is attempting to increase sustainability in the textile supply chain.  Read about BASF’s initiatives and the impact it could have on chemicals in textiles…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Global Developments, Innovation, Product Standards, Supply Chain, Sustainability