In the News: July 22, 2013

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Intertek opens ‘Chemical Testing SuperCenter’ in US
July 17, Fibre2fashion.com
CPSIA and REACH both include substantial regulations on chemicals in products.  Read how one test lab is building infrastructure to help companies comply with these regulations…

Product Safety Summit to Host U.S., Canada, Mexico
July 17, Gifts and Decorative Accessories
In 2011, leaders from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico met to discuss ways the countries could align and work together in product safety.  The follow-up has been announced, and you can read the details here…

MFG.com Teams with UL to Offer Facility Audit and Product Inspection Services to Members of MFG.com
July 18, News Blaze
Sourcing product, sight unseen, can raise potential risks for manufacturers.  Learn about a new partnership between an on-line market place and UL that will take the risk out purchasing on-line…

Employing ‘Lean’ Principles for Safety and Sustainability
July 17, ReinforcedPlastics.com
“Lean” principles are aimed at taking the waste out of a company.  Read how operating a lean business will not only benefit your bottom line, but increase your company’s contribution to sustainable practices…

Explosions? Electrocution? Fatal Phone Accidents are Rarer than you think
July 16, DigitalTrends.com
Reports of harm by smart phones have been in media recently.  Are you really at risk?  Learn the truth about phone incidents, and some basic tips to prevent accidents…

IFT Launches New Global Food Traceability Center
July 15, Food Product Design
The global food supply chain is increasingly complex.  Read about a new food traceability center that aims to coordinate activity among stakeholders in the food industry…

 

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Food Safety, Global Developments, Innovation, Product Standards, Risk Assessment, Sustainability

In the News: July 15, 2013

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3 ways Sustainability is in Vogue in Fashion and Retail
July 11, Greenbiz.com
The fashion industry has come under fire for their practices and the environmental footprint left by manufacturing.  Read what some companies are doing to change the perception…

Anti-Counterfeiting Technologies – Authenticating the Global Supply Chain
March 7, Supply Chain Brain
Counterfeit products entering the supply chain are on the rise across a wide range of industries.  Technology may be the key to decreasing the problem, but it is going to take full integration into your security processes to do so…

Retailer Owned Food Distributors Association selects Recall InfoLink Solution
July 10, FBR
Food recalls are on the rise.  Read how some grocers are using a web-based product recall management platform to protect their brand image and lower liability…

Your Supply Chain is Only as Strong as the Weakest Link: Leveraging the Talents of Your Internal Logistics Team
July 9, Chemlogix.com
Chemical companies are facing new realities in their supply chain as businesses come out of the recession.  However, these strategies to strengthen your supply chain can apply to your company too…

Experts Warn of ‘Epidemic’ of Skin Allergies from Chemical in Consumer Products
July 12, Today On-Line
Methylisothiazolinone or MI is being used in many daily use products at higher levels than in the past.  Read some of the concerns that MI is causing experts to voice…

Official Says China Need Not Follow International Food Standards
July 10, Epoch Times
Food safety standards and regulations are currently being developed and debated on a global level.  Read where China falls in the debate and the potential impact on global food supply…

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

In the News: July 8, 2013

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Uganda: UNBS Won’t Back Down On Consumer Health, Safety
July 4, All Africa
Uganda has a population of 35 million, and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards is responsible for making sure that imported products are safe for their citizens.  Read about the policies that Uganda has in place to ensure bad products are not getting in the country…

Product Recall and Traceability
June 24, Food Safety Magazine
There are approximately 48 million cases of foodborne illness every year, causing a rise of food related recalls.  See recent recall statistics, and steps you can take to be sure you are ready for a food recall…

Supply Chain Talent is the Missing Link in the Race for Supply Chain 2020
July 3, Supply Chain Brain
There is a talent shortage for careers in the global supply chain; even in countries with unemployment rates reaching 30%.  Read about the Supply Chain Insights Survey, which tries to understand the supply chain talent phenomenon…

BASF Presents Plastic Additives – Product Range for Sensitive Applications
July 4, PR Zoom
Regulations covering product safety and ecological standards are on the rise globally.  See some of the products and testing methods one company is using to help companies comply…

Blog: The Best Tools for using Healthier Materials in your Products
March 26, Green Biz
Consumers are beginning to demand transparency of what chemicals are used in the products they purchase.  Here are some tools to help you understand what is in your product, and how it may impact your customers…

Corporate Practices, Customers, Products: How SAP fosters the sustainability of each
July 4, EMS Now
SAP uses a three legged stool approach to sustainability.  Read how this approach applies to consumer products, and how the tools can help your company…

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

In the News: July 1, 2013

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Wal-Mart, Gap Close to Deal on Stronger Garment-Factory Safety Plan
June 26, Washington Post
Factory working conditions have been front and center in 2013. Some of the world’s largest retailers are coming close to an agreement to improve safety in garment factories in Bangladesh…

These Apps Track Product Safety
June 22, The Star
Did you know that there are apps for your smart phone dedicated to product safety?  You should be aware of these three apps that are aimed at helping consumers make safe choices…

UPDATE: Health Canada Announces First-Ever Mandatory Recall for a Consumer Product
June 21, Global News
High powered magnets have received global scrutiny over the last two years.  Read about an unprecedented move in Canada to remove these magnets from the market…

More Companies are Finding Sustainability Makes Sense
June 27, Business Day
Traditionally, businesses and environmental groups have been ideologically opposed to each other’s motives.  That is starting to change, and you can read here how some environmental groups and companies are working together for a common goal…

Mitigate a Supply Chain Career Disaster
June 26, EBN
In a competitive world, your career needs the same planning that you would use to plan for any disaster.  Read four tips on how you can keep your career fresh and avoid a career “disaster”…

Ernst & Young Insights: Disrupt or be Disrupted — how Consumer Products Companies can use Social Media to their Advantage
June 26, Financial Post
The rise of social media has impacted how companies can control their image and brand.  According to a report by Ernst & Young, if your company embraces social media, it can become a powerful branding tool…

 

Posted in Children's Products, Global Developments, Innovation, Organizational Development, Risk Assessment, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In The News: June 24, 2013

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Cradle to Cradle System and Product Quality: An interview with William McDonough
June 18, Eco-Business
Cradle to Cradle is a process for managing the total quality of a product and an engine for business innovation.  Read an interview with one of the founders of green design and the cradle to cradle process…

TEXbase Introduces A Complete Compliance Solution for Regulatory, Safety And Social Responsibility Requirements For Apparel, Footwear And Consumer Products
June 17, News Blaze
TEXbase Guardian(SM) is a suite of compliance solutions on a single platform addressing product regulatory, safety and corporate social responsibility requirements. Read about three new products that can help your company comply with regulatory requirements…

Consumer Packaged Goods Companies and Retailers Shift Focus to New Rules of Consumer Engagement
June 18, WRIC.com
Top performing companies know how to identify their customers and reach them through various channels.  Read a report on how the rules of customer engagement are changing in the digital age…

Innovation: It’s Not Just About Product, It’s About Process Too
June 18, Business Innovation
Reducing organizational complexity can help companies as they bring a product from idea to the market.  Read ways about how to make your business more agile and some concrete processes that will help reduce organizational complexity…

Five Core Tenets of Achieving Supply Chain Excellence in Manufacturing
June 19, Supply Chain Brain
The manufacturing network has become more complex and globally diverse.  Here are five things you can do to achieve manufacturing excellence…

Chrysler Caves to Feds – Will Recall 2.7 Million Jeeps
June 18, The Detroit Bureau
The decision to do a recall can be extremely complex.  Read about the calculations that Chrysler made internally to finally recall 2.7 million jeeps rather than contest it in court…

 

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Global Developments, Innovation, Organizational Development, Product Liability, Product Standards, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In The News: June 17, 2013

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Safety Firm Bolsters Standards after 787 Battery Crisis
June 12, Reuters
Lithium ion batteries have had several high profile failures recently.  One well known testing laboratory is changing their testing procedures to test these batteries more extensively…

Comprehensive Recall Protection, Inside And Out
June 7, Manufacturing.net
Product recalls can be one of the unfortunate costs of doing business.  Read one recall insurance executive’s take on some common sources of a recall and how you can reduce your risk…

A Revolution in the Making
June 10, Wall Street Journal
Manufacturing is undergoing a major change.  Technology is shifting the focus from the supply chain to nimble, lean manufacturing practices accessible to large and small businesses alike…

Service as a Product Changing the Supply Chain
June 11, MH&L
A recent report by Oxford Economics highlights new services that manufacturing companies are offering to differentiate themselves from their competitors.  See some highlights from the report and how smart products can give you an edge…

Developing a Collaborative Supply Chain Strategy
June 10, Information Week
Your customers have high expectations of your products.  Read a perspective on how an integrated, collaborative supply chain will help you meet those expectations…

SAC Launches New Sustainability Tools for Apparel Sector
June 13, Fibre to Fashion
When consumers make choices about products, transparency can often be a consideration.  Read about a new tool developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition that will gather and distribute data on sustainable practices to offer greater transparency to consumers…

Study Links Food-Packaging Chemical and Obesity in Girls
June 12, USA Today
BPA is a controversial chemical found in a variety of products including food packaging.   Learn about a new link between the chemical and obesity…

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

In the News: June 10, 2013

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Companies Could Face Hefty Fines for Violating Consumer Product Laws: Aglukkaq
June 4, Toronto Sun
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced a change to the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA).  Read the details of how financial penalties have expanded under CCPSA…

Consumer Trends Driving Major Plasticiser Innovation
June 3, EPPM
Phthalates have been used to make plastic soft and flexible for decades. Over the last several years, they have come under scrutiny because of potential dangers.  See what some alternative are, and how consumers are driving manufacturing decisions…

The Hot New MBA: Supply-Chain Management
June 5, Wall Street Journal
In an increasingly complex world of global operations, companies are trying to hire qualified talent.  Read how some Universities are responding to a need of supply chain specialists…

Failure to Fix Issues Worse than Damage of Recall
June 1, The Age
A product recall can cause damage to your brand.  Read how some would say, is not the best way to handle a problem with your product…

AccountAbility – UN Global Compact Study Demonstrates Value of Voluntary Corporate Sustainability
June 6, CSR Wire
Sustainability programs are becoming common practice in the consumer product industry.  Read how you can maximize the value of your sustainability program…

Prepare for Product Labeling Class Action Now
June 4, Corporate Counsel
The number of class action lawsuits against consumer product companies is on the rise.  Here are some preparations your company can make that will help defend against a certified class action law suit…

 

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

In the News: June 3, 2013

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South Africa Moves ahead on Consumer and Service Supplier Code of Conduct
May 31, Business Day
South Africa’s code of conduct aims to set minimum standards for the consumer supplier and service industry in its dealings with consumers.  Read how the standards will promote fair business practices and protect consumers…

TIA Provides Resource for Reporting Non-Compliant Products to CPSC
May 23, Gifts and Decorative Accessories
The Toy Industry Association has just released two new resources to help companies to comply with regulations set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Learn how these resources can help your company comply, in the event you want to report a defective product…

USDA Report Examines Processed Meat Safety
May 27, Farm Futures
In response to a report issued by USDA, Government officials and industry representatives met to determine a way to reduce the risk of listeriosis in meats, cheeses and other food products that can be contaminated. Read about the outcomes and the way forward…

Blog:  3 Sustainability Reporting half-truths in the Social Media Era
May 29, Greenbiz.com
Social media is transforming the way that information is shared, and it’s affecting the product safety industry.  Here are some recommendations about using social media to communicate your corporate responsibility message to your consumers…

Safety – A Little Word with a Big Meaning for J&J
May 28, Cosmetics Design
In response to a 2011 controversy surrounding baby shampoo, Johnson and Johnson has refined the way they provide ingredient information about their products to consumers.  Learn how J&J has made transparency a cornerstone of their business…

Huawei sees Supply Chain Management Lessons in Apple’s China Foray
May 29, Business Times
Apple’s problems with their supply chain were well documented last year.  Read how one Chinese manufacturer is using Apple’s experience to ensure the integrity of their supply chain…

 

 

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

In the News: May 28, 2013

Posted on by adk

Product Recalls & Consumer Safety Worry Supply Chain Pros
May 17, EBN
You would expect to see counterfeit parts, regulation, and shortened product life cycles to top a list of worries for supply chain professionals.  What might surprise you is that consumer safety and product recalls make that list…

Consumer Pressure Forces Clothing Sellers to Reveal More
May 11, News Observer
Consumer demand for information about where and how their clothing is manufactured is on the rise.  The incident in Bangladesh last month has put the spotlight on the garment industry.  Some retailers are already beginning to consider how they will feed this demand for information…

Business Agility in the Evolving Workforce
May 23, Manufacturing Business Technology
Eighty five percent of companies with a global supply chain face at least one disruption in the last year.  Training your workforce on how to manage risk in a world of evolving technology is one way of dealing with disruptions to your supply chain…

Safeguards Fight Counterfeit Components
May 22, EBN
Counterfeit component parts raise tremendous concerns for manufacturers and OEMs.  Here are some processes to put in place to ensure you are getting the component part you think you are…

Concerns about Animal Welfare, Food Safety Spur Industry Changes
May 23, Food Safety News
Consumer awareness is changing the food industry.  One shift producers are seeing is a desire to know how animals providing meat were raised.  Read about a grant program designed by Animal Welfare Approved to assist small farms in producing sustainable outdoor raised livestock…

Senators David Vitter, Frank Lautenberg Announce Chemical Safety Compromise
May 22, Times Picayune
Chemical regulation has been debated in Washington, DC for decades.  Last week, a bi-partisan compromise was reached that has support from both environmental groups and the chemical industry.  Read what it will mean…

 

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

In the News: May 20, 2013

Posted on by adk

Nordstrom Reviews Records on Factory Safety
May 14, Seattle Times
With the recent factory disaster in Bangladesh, manufacturers and retailers are taking a hard look at their production strategies there.  Read how one popular retailer is responding to problems in Bangladesh…

What Companies must do to Recover from a Product Recall
May 10, Reliable Plant
Product recalls can cause great harm to a company’s brand if they are not handled correctly.  Click on the link for action items your company can take to actually turn a recall into a brand advantage…

Wal-Mart’s Sustainability Plans Coming to Fruition
April 30, Arkansas Business
In 2009, Wal-Mart released their sustainability index with the goal of creating transparency for their consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.  The company is getting ready to release data on product sustainability in the next 12 months…

The Changing World of Food Traceability
May 6, Food Safety News
Food chain traceability is a complex worldwide issue that requires consistent standards and adequate technology.  Read about the Institute of Food Technologists recommendations to the FDA concerning food traceability under the new Food Safety Modernization Act…

Better Safety in Bangladesh Could Raise Clothing Prices by About 25 Cents
May 10, The Atlantic
There is little disagreement that factory safety in Bangladesh is a growing concern among retailers and manufacturers.  One group argues that an overhaul of the system should cause minimal price increases on clothing…

Kids Chemical Injuries down, but may Rise in Summer
May 7, Reuters
A recently released study shows an overall decline in children’s injuries related to chemicals over the last decade.  However, these injuries tend to rise over the summer.  Ready why…

 

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