In the News: September 30, 2013

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Blog:  Corporate Social Responsibility: What Business Owners Should Know about Product Recalls
September 26, Environmental Leader
If you sell a product, there is a chance that at some point in time, your company could face a product recall.  Read on author’s account of how you can execute that recall, and keep your brand intact…

CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum Announces 2013 Circle of Commendation Award Recipients
September 25, Digital Journal
Each year, Chairman Tenenbaum awards the Circle of Commendation Awards to individuals or organizations that have had a unique impact on product safety.  Read this year’s winners, and the impact they have had on the industry…

California to Review Toxic Substances in Consumer Products
September 26, Los Angeles Times
California’s new chemical review regulations will take effect on October 1st.  Read about product classifications  and how this review may impact your company…

UL Global Study Reveals Critical Gaps Between Manufacturer and Consumer Priorities
September 24, Reuters
Underwriters Laboratories released their 3rd annual study, Product Mindset.  Read the insights about the ways manufacturers and consumers think and feel about the products they make, sell, purchase and use…

The GlobalEthicist – Supply Chain Risk: What Companies Need to Know
September 26, Ethical Corporation
Supply chain risk is part of any company doing business.  Read about some supply chain risk factors, and what your company can do to mitigate that risk…

5 Ways to Assess how Green that Chemical is
September 20, Greenbiz.com
How does a company credibly establish for a skeptical public that a chemical really is green, or at least a safer alternative?  This article seeks to answer the question…

 

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

In the News: September 23, 2013

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Blog: Bipartisan Compromise will Strengthen Chemical Safety Laws
September 18, The Hill
The Chemical Safety Improvement Act aims to update the Toxic Substances Control Act, giving the EPA the ability to review every chemical currently in use.  Learn what this could mean for states like California that have tougher standards than the federal laws…

The Retail Challenge Facing Manufacturers
September 18, Business Week
Omnichannel, a new model of retailing allows consumers to move between retail outlets and on-line represents a shift for manufacturers. Read what manufacturers must do to keep up with changing world of retail…

Emotional Needs: A Business Priority?
September 17, Business Excellence
Customer relationships, like interpersonal relationships are built on trust.  Learn how you can better understand your customer, retain them, and increase your profits…

China-Based Greating Shipping Selects Unisource – Visionship G3 for Container and Shipment Management
September 19, Reuters
A new partnership in China may have an impact on how your company is able to track your shipments from China.  Read about the partnership and the real-time visibility of all ocean and air import shipments scheduled for domestic deliveries…

Imposing Stricter Supply Chain Control
September 16, BCW
According to one author, the supply chain is becoming increasingly complex and extended, creating greater risks of miscommunication and inconsistent performance. Learn how creating a data management system can help you maximize your supply chain and gain commercial advantage…

CPSC Chair in Seattle: Much Progress made but more Funding Needed
September 19, Komonews.com
The Commission of the Consumer Product Safety Commission was in Seattle last week making sure that businesses understand product safety rules.  Read what she had to say here…

 

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Global Developments, Innovation, Organizational Development, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain

In The News: September 16, 2013

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Blog: What You Need to Know about California’s New Consumer Products Law
September 9, Green Biz
Safer Consumer Products Regulations were signed into law on August 28th and go into effect on October 1, 2013.  Read what your company needs to do for the first 60 days of these new regulations for products sold in California…

GS1 Unveils Online Product Recall Portal
September 10, ARN
GS 1 in Australia has launched a new portal to stream line recall and non-recall notifications.  Read about the new portal, and how it will help patient safety in Australia…

Product Safety Recalls Generating Greater Insurance Risks
September 9, Insurance Journal
Consumer product recalls have risen 61% since 2007.  Recall insurance is one of many ways to limit damage from a product recall. Read about recall insurance, and how it, coupled with a pioneering university program can help your company mitigate risk from a recall…

Supply Chains still Avoiding Risk Management, says Supply Chain Consultants
September 9, Consultant-News.Com
A report issued last week by Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (SEDEX) found that 13.5% of European supply chains fail to comply with safety measures.  Read what can be done to ensure that your supply chain complies with safety standards…

Blog: Materiality Assessments: The Missing Link for Sustainability Strategy
September 10, Green Biz
Sustainability is an emerging trend in business, but how do you track it?  Learn about materiality assessments and how they can track your company’s sustainability practices so you have a better understanding of your return on investment…

Anti-Counterfeiting Ink for Enhancing Product Authenticity and Traceability
September 10, Science Daily
Counterfeit products in the marketplace can harm your brand.  Read about a technology that aims to help you identify your product anywhere along the supply chain…

 

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

In The News: September 9, 2013

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Supply Chain Energy Initiatives ‘Putting Pressure’ on Suppliers
August, 30 Energy Manager Today
Companies are being forced to reduce their footprint through legislation, shareholder, and consumer pressure.  Learn how this impacting suppliers here…

Prop. 65 Talks Fail to Produce Toxic Chemical Reforms this Year
September 3, Sacramento Business Journal
Negotiations over California’s Proposition 65 revision have ended for this legislative session.  Read about the proposed changes, and why the talks have stalled…

Understanding the Real Impact of Social Media Monitoring on the Value Chain
September 4, IT Pro Portal
Social media has changed the way companies understand their customers.  Read how monitoring social media can actually be used to make critical adjustments to inventory allocation, order management and returns management…

DuPont announces Finalists for 2013 Safety and Sustainability Awards
September 3, AME Info
The DuPont Safety and Sustainability awards aim to recognize companies that excel in one of the following areas: Safety Performance Improvement, Innovative Approach to Safety, Visible Management Commitment, Sustainable Corporate Footprint, Cultural Evolution and Stakeholder Engagement. Read about some of the finalists here…

What Happens when you Mash up 3D Printing and Amazon’s same-day Delivery?
August 29, Washington Post
Companies are making adjustments to their supply chain to make delivery time of their products faster and faster.  Learn about the future of product delivery, and the technology behind it…

Blog: Critical Considerations in Medical Device Design & Development
September 3, EMS Now
The medical device industry could see revenues as high as $302 billion by 2017.  Read about safety considerations companies will have to consider as they continue to develop products to bring to market…

 

 

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

In the News: September 3, 2013

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CPSC’s Attack On Corporate CEO More Dangerous Than Rare Earth Magnets?
August 28, Forbes
The controversy surrounding buckyballs and other high powered magnets has been raging for more than a year now.  Read about the concerns that some prominent product safety attorneys have about the way the CPSC is proceeding against the former CEO…

The 5 Ways You are Failing at Compliance Management
August 28, Business 2 Community
Compliance management can help maximize performance and mitigate risks.  Read the top five mistakes companies are making as when it comes to managing their compliance…

Sustainability in Textile Sector is a Supply Chain Issue
August 28, Fibre 2 Fashion
Sustainability can often play a role in the public perception of a company or brand.  Learn about some initiatives being taken in the supply chain of some textile manufacturers to promote a sustainable image…

Linking the Global Food Chain and $2.9 Billion in Food Microbiology Testing
August 29, Reuters
Imported food currently represents about 15-20% of the food consumed in the United States.  However, food testing varies around the world.  Read about microbiology testing and how the differing methods may be impacting the food that you eat…

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Stakeholders Recognize Five Year Anniversary of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)
August 26, National Law Review
August marks the five year anniversary of the CPSIA.  Read some of the major changes that have occurred since the law was passed and how they might affect your company…

Blog: Appliance Recalls: Understanding Their Importance
August 28, Huffington Post
In the last five years, more than 15 million appliances have been recalled.  Read one appliance repairman’s opinion on why these recalls should be heeded and what you should know about recalled appliances…

 

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

In the News: August 26, 2013

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Consumer Protection Policy Planned for Ghana
August 21, Ghana Web
The Government of Ghana has realized that consumer products are entering the stream of commerce that are not properly labeled and can cause harm to consumers in the country.  Read about the proposed consumer protection laws there…

New Tests for Determining Health and Environmental Effects of Nanomaterials
August 21, Phys.org
Nanomaterials (ENMs) are appearing in laboratories, factories and consumer products as a result of advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology.  Learn about some of the effective testing mechanisms that can ensure safety to consumers here…

Pesticides Industry Rep: Tighter Rules on Chemicals could Lead to Crop Losses
August 22, EurActiv
There have been calls on the EU to ban all endocrine-disrupting chemicals used in the production of some pesticides and everyday consumer products.  Read about the debate and why the pesticides industry has concern over a ban…

Intertek Opens Apparel & Textile Testing Lab in Vietnam
August 21, Fibre2Fashion
Like many industries, the apparel and textile industry has requirements that they must adhere to since the passage of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.  Read about a new testing facility in Vietnam that is aimed specifically at the apparel and textile industry…

Keeping Cool in the Consumer Products Supply Chain
August 26, Supply Chain Brain
The consumer product supply chain can consist of many suppliers, shippers and facilities that assemble parts of a product.  Read how one small company utilizes different suppliers and facilities…

Insurance Premiums Rise Following Supply Chain Failures
August 23, The Manufacturer
Business continuity insurance premiums are on the rise.  Read why this is happening, and some steps your company can take to keep your risk profile down…

 

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

In the News: August 19, 2013

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Understanding Food Recalls: The Recall Process Explained
August 12, Food Safety News
In the past 12 months, there have been more than 600 food recalls in the United States and Canada.  Understand the regulatory agencies involved, recall classifications, and the reasons food get recalled here…

USW Celebrates Five Years of Consumer Safety
August 9, Reuters
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act is nearly five years old.  Read why one of the nation’s largest labor unions is celebrating the anniversary…

Consumer Perception in China stable – Fonterra CEO, quoting social media reports
August 11, National Business Journal
Fonterra, a New Zealand company has recently had to issue a recall of milk due to a botulism scare. The company has received negative press due to their handling of the recall, and you can see an example in this interview with the CEO…

Gaps in U.S. Nanotechnology Regulatory Oversight
August 13, Nanowerk
Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have a three staged life cycle that could potentially be regulated by the CPSC, FDA, EPA or OSHA depending on what stage of the life cycle the material is in. Read an overview of nanotechnology and the complicated regulations that can apply anywhere along the life cycle…

What Makes a Supply Chain Successful? New Research Initiative From the APICS Foundation and Michigan State University to Redefine the Future of Global Supply Chain Management
August 15, Interest Alert
APCIS and Michigan State University have partnered to study the future of the global supply chain.  Read the announcement of the initiative that hopes to redefine the future of supply chain management…

Increasingly, Companies See Sustainability and Risk Management as Related Issues
August 15, Supply Chain Brain
According to a new study by Ernst and Young, companies are beginning to link risk management and sustainability by putting sustainability issues on corporate agendas.  Learn the six trends, and the details surrounding them…

 

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

In the News: August 12, 2013

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UL Inaugurates New Product Testing Facility in Gurgaon
August 5, Web Newswire
Product safety activity in India continues to expand.  Read about UL’s newest testing facility, and how that may impact product safety testing in India…

Editorial:  Kanebo and Consumer Protection
August 4, Japan Times
A well known Japanese health care product company recently had to go through a major recall.  In one publication’s eye, they did not respond well to concerns of the consumers.  Read what can happen when a recall is perceived to have been handled poorly…

Warning Labels on Helmets Combat Injury and Liability
August 5, New York Times
Football is back.  And so is the controversy about player safety and head injuries.  Learn the different sides to the issue, and what is at the center of the debate…

Enhanced Consumer Protection in Hong Kong
July 29, Lexology
In July, Hong Kong put into effect, a new trade ordinance aimed at increasing consumer protection.  Read here about the new regulations and how they will impact business there…

Bright future for China’s Supply Chain
August 7, China Daily
Historically, low cost labor has been the backbone of China’s supply chain.  Wages are on the rise and the advantage is dissipating.  Read what manufacturers are starting to do to stay competitive…

OEHHA Agrees to Accelerate Chemical Review and Prop. 65 Listings
August 2, Lexology
As a result of litigation, California is making some changes to the process of listing chemicals under Proposition 65.  Read the details and how they will impact the listing procedures here…

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

In the News: August 5, 2013

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CBP Publishes Final Rule to Refuse Importation or Conditionally Release Consumer Products and Industrial Equipment Non-compliant with Energy Conservation or Labeling standards
July 24, Lexology
The Consumer Product Safety Commission works closely with Customs and Border Patrol to ensure that non-compliant products never enter the stream of Commerce in the United States.  Read about a new rule that will give CBP broader authority to stop imports that are non-compliant or mislabeled…

Blog: 4 Myths about Green Product Declarations
July 26, Greenbiz.com
Transparency is becoming a requirement for doing business. Learn about tools used internationally that can assist businesses in being transparent about the materials they use in their products…

Supply Chain Management gets some Respect
July 31, EBN
Fifteen years ago, supply chain management was simply seen as logistics.  Read one perspective on the development of supply chain management as a discipline and career, and the programs out there to support them…

Improving Information Management to Enhance Flexibility
July 31, Business 2 Community
Data management is essential in the product safety field.  Here are some ways you can enhance your information and data management within your supply chain…

Blog: No Cup of Tea
August 1, Engineering.com
The CPSC has received reports of breaking glass tea tumblers which has led to a recall of 400,000 tumblers.  Read this blog post which details the use of glass in consumer products, and perhaps why, it has failed in the case of the tea tumblers…

Public Safety must Trump Red-Tape Cutting
July 30, Globe and Mail
How much regulation is too much?  That question is often the center of debates that happen at all levels of government.  In this author’s view, when it comes to consumer safety, regulating is essential…

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

In The News: July 29, 2013

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3 Ways to Manage a Global Supply Chain
July 22, Forbes
Taking a business to the global level requires many changes internally and externally.  Don’t forget about the supply chain; these recommendations will help you with a smooth transition…

Blog:  Stay Informed on Product Recalls
July 20, Roanoke Times
Avoiding a product recall is on every product safety manager’s mind.  Read one consumer’s advice to their fellow consumers on what they should do to stay informed about product recalls…

Bosch Emphasizes Packaging Role in Food Safety
July 23, Food Production Daily
Bosch says that an area often overlooked when thinking about food safety is food packaging.  Read how food packaging can keep you compliant with new food safety rules while keeping production robust…

Dentons Attorney to Present Product Safety Segment at SLU
July 25, Madison County Record
Product Safety Education can provide product safety managers with some practical tools that will help them perform their jobs in an ever changing environment.  Read an instructor profile and subject matter of an upcoming course…

With No Safety Oversight, Six Flags will Investigate Coaster Death Itself
July 22, NBC News
The recent roller coaster accident at a theme park in Texas has put theme park safety on the front page of many newspapers.  Who has oversight of theme parks?  The answer might surprise you…

Polaris Receives Verdict in 2010 Lawsuit Involving Discontinued Marine Products Division
July 25, Reuters
Foreseeable use is an issue with many products out in the market place, and companies have reason to be concerned how their customers are using their products.  Here is an example where the company argues that a product was not used as intended…

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