Month: June 2024

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, commonly known as PFAS, have taken center stage in the world of environmental regulation and corporate responsibility. In recent years, the evolving landscape surrounding PFAS has brought about significant changes in how these chemicals are perceived, managed, and reported. From new testing methods and toxicological research to heightened risk assessments, the implications of PFAS extend far beyond scientific laboratories.

This eBook aims to provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the evolving world of PFAS regulations, addressing crucial topics such as risk assessment, drinking water contamination, treatment technologies, and the impact of accelerating regulatory changes. Whether you are an environmental professional, a corporate executive, a facility manager, or simply someone looking to understand the implications of PFAS, this eBook offers valuable insights to help you navigate the complex terrain of PFAS regulation in 2024 and beyond.

In this eBook, you’ll find the following sections:

PFAS: An OverviewIdentifying PFAS Risk in Drinking WaterWhat’s Your PFAS Risk Level? Not Knowing Could Be CostlyHow Accelerating PFAS Regulations are Magnifying Your Business RiskUnderstanding PFAS Reporting Requirements for 2024 and BeyondPFAS Action Plan You Can Implement Right Now

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Spending summertime outdoors, near lakes and streams, or hiking in nature, naturally brings environmental issues to the forefront. The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) addresses several critical areas, particularly water, energy, and climate, which are crucial for preserving these natural landscapes. As summer unfolds, it’s an excellent time to catch up on the progress and initiatives undertaken by BIER. Here’s a mid-year review highlighting some key activities and accomplishments:

1. Water Stewardship: Celebrating World Water Day 2024

Water stewardship remains a foundational focus for BIER. In 2024, BIER celebrated World Water Day by reaffirming its commitment to sustainable water management. This included efforts to protect water sources, improve water use efficiency, and support water-related ecosystems. BIER’s initiatives aim to mitigate water scarcity and ensure access to clean water for communities and ecosystems.

Encouraging others to take water action, BIER released the True Cost of Water Toolkit 3.0 and the 2023 Water, Energy, and Emissions Efficiency Benchmarking Study.

The True Cost of Water Toolkit 3.0 includes all the costs associated with the use of water, including purchasing water, energy to heat, cool, and transport water, chemicals and other materials used to treat water, and discharge costs. The toolkit is available for complimentary download.

BIER’s 2023 Water, Energy, and Emissions Efficiency Benchmarking Study

marked BIER’s 12th global benchmarking study – a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analysis of water, energy, and emissions efficiency in the beverage industry. In its 12 benchmarking studies, BIER has evaluated 18 years of industry performance for nearly 2,000 facilities worldwide. The final results represent a comprehensive set of production, water, energy, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions metrics which are normalized, categorized, and analyzed by facility and beverage type.

2. Sustainable Commercial Refrigeration: BIER Coolition

Since 2021, BIER has been working on reducing the environmental impact of commercial refrigeration equipment used in the beverage industry. The BIER Coolition, a collaborative initiative involving BIER members, refrigeration equipment manufacturers, component suppliers, and recyclers, aims to drive significant positive change in this area. This project focuses on enhancing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting the circular economy through better recycling practices.

3. Collaboration in Action: BIER’s May Meeting

In May 2024, BIER members gathered in person at Pernod Ricard’s headquarters. This meeting was an opportunity for networking, discussing, and developing innovative solutions to advance environmental sustainability within the beverage sector. Key topics included enhancing supply chain sustainability, improving resource efficiency, and setting ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions. These face-to-face interactions accelerate progress and foster deeper collaboration among the members. A few highlights included:

TNFD (Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures): This initiative focuses on assessing and disclosing risks and opportunities related to biodiversity and nature. BIER has collaborated with TNFD to develop guidance and metrics for applying the TNFD approach to the beverage sector in advance of its planned release for public consultation in June 2024.CSRD (Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure): Implementing CSRD is a significant challenge for all businesses, and BIER continued its 2nd year of collaboration to foster understanding and implementation of CSRD within the beverage sector.FLAG (Forest, Land and Agriculture) Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi): A majority of BIER members have already committed to or set emissions reduction targets through the SBTi. FLAG establishes additional requirements for land-based emissions from supply chain agricultural emissions. BIER members shared their experiences setting FLAG targets, and the latest implementation developments.Sustainability Roadmap Challenges: Every roadmap faces hurdles. BIER members explored the technical and organizational challenges and opportunities to deliver robust sustainability performance.Watershed Collaboration: Building upon the success of Charco Bendito, BIER members are exploring new watershed collaboration opportunities. Initial efforts from BIER’s latest collaboration which is focused on India, were discussed and shaped by participation by representatives from WaterAid.

Spending time in nature during the summer naturally draws attention to the environmental issues that BIER is working to address. BIER’s efforts in water conservation, energy efficiency, and climate action are crucial for preserving the natural beauty we enjoy. It is the highlighted activities mentioned above that affirm BIER’s ongoing dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Whether through water conservation efforts, pioneering sustainable refrigeration technologies, or fostering collaboration among industry leaders, BIER continues to play a crucial role in driving positive environmental change in the beverage industry. This summer, take some time to delve into these initiatives and stay informed about BIER’s impactful work.

DALLAS, June 20, 2024 /3BL/ – Mary Kay Inc., a global leader in skin care innovation, recently revealed the results of two breakthrough research studies: first, an antioxidant treatment that can diminish the visible effects of pollution and aging on human skin; and second, a focus on the applications of computational tools to accurately predict the safety and potential reactions of human skin to various cosmetic ingredients. These findings were shared by Mary Kay scientists at the 2024 Society of Investigative Dermatology (SID) meeting in Dallas, Texas. The company was a silver-level sponsor of the event.

“Mary Kay scientists are at the forefront of skin care research, and we’re pleased to share our latest findings with the broader scientific community,” said Dr. Lucy Gildea, Chief Innovation Officer, Product & Science at Mary Kay. The ongoing partnership with the Society of Investigative Dermatology underscores Mary Kay’s dedication to advancing skincare science. By maintaining collaborative efforts, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to making significant breakthroughs in the field of dermatology, ultimately providing consumers with safer and more effective skincare solutions.

“Mary Kay’s enduring commitment to research and development aligns perfectly with our goals at the Society for Investigative Dermatology,” said Dr. Rebecca Minnillo, Chief Program, Communications and Development Officer at SID. “Our sustained partnership enables us to explore new frontiers in dermatological science, bringing us closer to breakthroughs that can transform skin care and treatment options.”

Mary Kay’s research into the effects of air pollution on skin, conducted through multiple academic collaborations since 2016, revealed that an antioxidant blend of resveratrol, niacinamide, and oligopeptide-1 protects natural skin surface lipids from oxidative damage caused by particulate matter (PM) and UV radiation, both alone and combined. Additionally, this blend has been found to prevent free radical formation induced by blue light, demonstrating its potential in mitigating the detrimental effects of multiple environmental stressors on the skin.

Furthermore, Mary Kay is leveraging computational toxicology tools to enhance ingredient safety assessment of cosmetic and personal care ingredients. This innovative approach involves the use of advanced computational methods to predict the safety and potential toxicity of ingredients at an early stage, significantly reducing the need for extensive laboratory testing. Virtual screening allows for the early screening of compounds, ensuring only safe ingredients proceed in the development process. This method not only saves time and resources but also aligns with ethical and regulatory standards. By integrating these advanced tools, Mary Kay underscores its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for product development, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficacy for its consumers.

Mary Kay’s Dr. Gildea also hosted a compelling panel at SID, titled “Insights into the Effects of Pollution on Skin Health: Recent Discoveries & Emerging Perspectives,” comprising experts from varied fields of dermatology and molecular biology. Panelists included Dr. Thomas Haarmann-Stemmann, Group Leader at the Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, who discussed the link between increased ambient temperature and skin aging. Dr. Elma Baron, Associate Professor of Dermatology at Case Western Reserve University, emphasized the significance of topical antioxidants in mitigating oxidative stress and improving skin health. Dr. Hong Sun, Assistant Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, delved into molecular changes in skin cells exposed to environmental stressors, demonstrating the efficacy of antioxidant treatments in reversing gene expression changes associated with skin damage induced by UV and pollution exposure.

The sponsorship and findings presented at the 2024 SID meeting represent the latest efforts by Mary Kay to reinforce the brand’s long-standing commitment to advancing research and development in skin health and beauty. With over 1,600 patents for products, technologies, and packaging designs in its global portfolio, Mary Kay continues to lead the way in skincare innovation.

About Mary Kay

Then. Now. Always. One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 35 countries. For 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter.