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Plastics are used across the economy and in diverse downstream sectors such as packaging, construction, transportation, healthcare, textiles, and electronics. Durable products, ranging from construction materials to medical devices make up nearly half of the global plastics market, while packaging products are the largest uses of single-use plastics. Some plastics contain chemicals that are considered to be harmful for health and the environment. Phthalates, poly-fluorinated chemicals, bisphenol A (BPA), brominated flame retardants and antimony trioxide are considered most harmful for

Over the past few years the use of natural resources and the production of chemicals have increased dramatically – and a further increase is forecast. Whereas earlier the main focus was on local effects on health and the environment, in the meantime it has become clear that current ways of dealing with natural resources, chemicals and products manufactured from chemicals are threatening the biosphere as a whole.In 2009 and 2015 scientists introduced the concept of planetary boundaries. As part of

«Knowledge and Information» is one of the five Strategic Objectives of SAICM.SAICM’s Overarching Policy Strategy recognizes that knowledge, information and public awareness are the foundations of sound decision-making, on the management of chemicals and products containing chemicals. However, the Policy Strategy also under-lines that there is a lack of clear, timely and appro-priate information easily accessible to local popula-tions about the health and safety effects of chemi-cals.It is for this reason, that knowledge and information sharing are critical components of

Global trade in illegal pesticides has been steadily growing in recent years, posing serious threats to agriculture, the environment, human health, and the economy. Evidence of this trend can be found in the increasing number of seizures of counterfeit, fake, and unauthorised pesticides, as well as their growing share in the global pesticide market. This paper identifies the main drivers and enablers of this illicit trade, and explores the potential of digital technologies, such as blockchain, to support policies to

“The vast majority of human health costs linked to chemicals production, consumption, and disposal are not borne by chemicals producers, nor shared down the value-chain.” GCO-IThis policy brief draws from and complements: ‘Review of cost recovery mechanisms and other economic instruments for financing of the sound management of chemicals and waste’ (SAICM/IP.4/7). With the Beyond 2020 framework for chemicals and waste under deliberation, and key outcomes expected at the fifth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in

A request was made at the first intersessional meeting for information on the relationship between women and chemical safety as it relates to emerging policy issues and issues of concern, covering in particular the period beyond 2020. The Bureau agreed at its May 2017 meeting for the secretariat to prepare a paper, for the second intersessional meeting, that reviews the broader concept of gender and the sound management of chemicals and waste, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable