Month: January 2026

TAIPEI, January 20, 2026 /3BL/ – Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, continues to deepen its corporate social responsibility (CSR) by hosting two “FedEx x RE-THINK Beach Cleanup” events in November. Held in the Ruifang and Wanli districts of New Taipei City, the initiative mobilized nearly 60 employees and their families. Together, they removed over 450 kilograms of marine debris, demonstrating a concrete commitment to supporting opportunities that safeguard Taiwan’s coastlines.

FedEx has actively participated in cleanup initiatives such as this over the years, having previously organized numerous river clean-up activities to safeguard the headwaters of Taiwan’s river systems. This year marks the company’s first collaboration with RE-THINK Environmental Education Association, extending its environmental initiatives from “river cleanups” to “beach cleanups.” This approach connects mountain-to-ocean conservation efforts and demonstrates the company’s determination to engage people and communities alongside business development.

To deepen environmental awareness, FedEx arranged a “Marine Debris Education Workshop” prior to the cleanup, led by an expert RE-THINK instructor who explained the sources of marine waste and its long-term environmental impact. This session elevated the activity from a cleanup into a profound educational experience, encouraging participants to move beyond simply picking up waste to reducing it at the source in their daily lives.

The selection of the cleanup sites was strategically significant. According to environmental surveys, over 50% of Taiwan’s marine waste accumulates on just 10% of its coastline. The chosen locations in Ruifang and Wanli are situated within the heavily polluted Northern Coast belt, with Ruifang previously identified as having the highest density of coastal waste in Taiwan.

Volunteers encountered large amounts of industrial waste, beverage cups, and disposable utensils—an experience that prompted deeper reflection on resource recycling. Parents also used the opportunity to involve their children, turning the cleanup into hands-on environmental education. The volunteers’ enthusiasm even inspired nearby visitors to join spontaneously, amplifying the event’s positive impact.

“From river cleanups in previous years to this year’s coastal cleanup, FedEx is committed to taking part in activities that contribute to our local communities,” said Paul Sousa, managing director of FedEx Taiwan. “We will continue to drive community engagement and expand on these cleanup initiatives, encouraging more team members and their families to participate—making awareness about environmental stewardship an integral part of our company culture.”

Founded in 2013, RE-THINK has dedicated itself to marine conservation, organizing over 200 beach cleanups with more than 90,000 participants and removing over 330 tons of marine debris to date. “We are honored to unite with FedEx in driving corporate sustainability,” said Jason Huang, Founder of RE-THINK. “Collaborations like this allow more enterprises to see the value of our efforts. We hope to see more organizations join us in supporting environmental education through action.”

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

TAIPEI, January 20, 2026 /3BL/ – Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, continues to deepen its corporate social responsibility (CSR) by hosting two “FedEx x RE-THINK Beach Cleanup” events in November. Held in the Ruifang and Wanli districts of New Taipei City, the initiative mobilized nearly 60 employees and their families. Together, they removed over 450 kilograms of marine debris, demonstrating a concrete commitment to supporting opportunities that safeguard Taiwan’s coastlines.

FedEx has actively participated in cleanup initiatives such as this over the years, having previously organized numerous river clean-up activities to safeguard the headwaters of Taiwan’s river systems. This year marks the company’s first collaboration with RE-THINK Environmental Education Association, extending its environmental initiatives from “river cleanups” to “beach cleanups.” This approach connects mountain-to-ocean conservation efforts and demonstrates the company’s determination to engage people and communities alongside business development.

To deepen environmental awareness, FedEx arranged a “Marine Debris Education Workshop” prior to the cleanup, led by an expert RE-THINK instructor who explained the sources of marine waste and its long-term environmental impact. This session elevated the activity from a cleanup into a profound educational experience, encouraging participants to move beyond simply picking up waste to reducing it at the source in their daily lives.

The selection of the cleanup sites was strategically significant. According to environmental surveys, over 50% of Taiwan’s marine waste accumulates on just 10% of its coastline. The chosen locations in Ruifang and Wanli are situated within the heavily polluted Northern Coast belt, with Ruifang previously identified as having the highest density of coastal waste in Taiwan.

Volunteers encountered large amounts of industrial waste, beverage cups, and disposable utensils—an experience that prompted deeper reflection on resource recycling. Parents also used the opportunity to involve their children, turning the cleanup into hands-on environmental education. The volunteers’ enthusiasm even inspired nearby visitors to join spontaneously, amplifying the event’s positive impact.

“From river cleanups in previous years to this year’s coastal cleanup, FedEx is committed to taking part in activities that contribute to our local communities,” said Paul Sousa, managing director of FedEx Taiwan. “We will continue to drive community engagement and expand on these cleanup initiatives, encouraging more team members and their families to participate—making awareness about environmental stewardship an integral part of our company culture.”

Founded in 2013, RE-THINK has dedicated itself to marine conservation, organizing over 200 beach cleanups with more than 90,000 participants and removing over 330 tons of marine debris to date. “We are honored to unite with FedEx in driving corporate sustainability,” said Jason Huang, Founder of RE-THINK. “Collaborations like this allow more enterprises to see the value of our efforts. We hope to see more organizations join us in supporting environmental education through action.”

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

TAIPEI, January 20, 2026 /3BL/ – Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, continues to deepen its corporate social responsibility (CSR) by hosting two “FedEx x RE-THINK Beach Cleanup” events in November. Held in the Ruifang and Wanli districts of New Taipei City, the initiative mobilized nearly 60 employees and their families. Together, they removed over 450 kilograms of marine debris, demonstrating a concrete commitment to supporting opportunities that safeguard Taiwan’s coastlines.

FedEx has actively participated in cleanup initiatives such as this over the years, having previously organized numerous river clean-up activities to safeguard the headwaters of Taiwan’s river systems. This year marks the company’s first collaboration with RE-THINK Environmental Education Association, extending its environmental initiatives from “river cleanups” to “beach cleanups.” This approach connects mountain-to-ocean conservation efforts and demonstrates the company’s determination to engage people and communities alongside business development.

To deepen environmental awareness, FedEx arranged a “Marine Debris Education Workshop” prior to the cleanup, led by an expert RE-THINK instructor who explained the sources of marine waste and its long-term environmental impact. This session elevated the activity from a cleanup into a profound educational experience, encouraging participants to move beyond simply picking up waste to reducing it at the source in their daily lives.

The selection of the cleanup sites was strategically significant. According to environmental surveys, over 50% of Taiwan’s marine waste accumulates on just 10% of its coastline. The chosen locations in Ruifang and Wanli are situated within the heavily polluted Northern Coast belt, with Ruifang previously identified as having the highest density of coastal waste in Taiwan.

Volunteers encountered large amounts of industrial waste, beverage cups, and disposable utensils—an experience that prompted deeper reflection on resource recycling. Parents also used the opportunity to involve their children, turning the cleanup into hands-on environmental education. The volunteers’ enthusiasm even inspired nearby visitors to join spontaneously, amplifying the event’s positive impact.

“From river cleanups in previous years to this year’s coastal cleanup, FedEx is committed to taking part in activities that contribute to our local communities,” said Paul Sousa, managing director of FedEx Taiwan. “We will continue to drive community engagement and expand on these cleanup initiatives, encouraging more team members and their families to participate—making awareness about environmental stewardship an integral part of our company culture.”

Founded in 2013, RE-THINK has dedicated itself to marine conservation, organizing over 200 beach cleanups with more than 90,000 participants and removing over 330 tons of marine debris to date. “We are honored to unite with FedEx in driving corporate sustainability,” said Jason Huang, Founder of RE-THINK. “Collaborations like this allow more enterprises to see the value of our efforts. We hope to see more organizations join us in supporting environmental education through action.”

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

Tier II Reporting (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Section 311/312) for Reporting Year 2025 began January 1, 2026. For most states, reporting is due by March 1st to the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and local fire department. Tier II reports are used by fire departments in case of an emergency, so the responding authorities know the potential chemicals and hazards that could be present onsite.

Tier II Reporting (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Section 311/312) for Reporting Year 2025 began January 1, 2026. For most states, reporting is due by March 1st to the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and local fire department. Tier II reports are used by fire departments in case of an emergency, so the responding authorities know the potential chemicals and hazards that could be present onsite.

Tier II reports detail materials stored onsite over a certain quantity threshold that city, state, and/or federal regulations have determined. These reports typically include facility contact information, chemical name, storage information, and the hazards associated with the chemical. For companies with facilities in multiple locations, how you report the information can vary greatly depending on your local regulating authorities (states, local emergency planning committees (LEPC), and fire departments). Some have their own state-specific electronic database, others use E-Plan, and still others require you to email the information using the Tier2Submit software. The EPA’s State Tier II Reporting Requirements webpage is a valuable tool that outlines state-specific requirements. 

Tier II reports are required when facilities trigger their state’s reporting thresholds for materials which have a physical or health hazard. The federal reporting thresholds are 10,000 pounds for hazardous chemicals and 500 pounds or the Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ), whichever is less, for extremely hazardous substances. However, many states or even local agencies have lower reporting thresholds, so you should check with your state reporting requirements. Some agencies (e.g. New York City) have reporting thresholds as low as “greater than 0 pounds” for certain chemicals. If you aren’t sure whether your material contains an extremely hazardous substance, check the ingredient list against the List of Lists, Section 302. 

Even if your facility doesn’t maintain the traditional chemical storage, Tier II reporting may still apply. If you have lead-acid batteries or emergency generators onsite, you can quickly exceed the reporting thresholds. For example, if you have approximately 1,400 gallons of diesel onsite, you would exceed the 10,000-pound threshold and would therefore need to report.  

Lithium-ion batteries can be subject to Tier II reporting thresholds as well. However, some batteries may be exempt from reporting under the Consumer Product Exemption and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). These are the batteries that are used for personal, family, or household purposes, or are present in the same form and concentration as a product packaged for distribution and use for the general public. End-of-life lithium batteries may be exempt from Tier II reporting if the batteries meet the definition of RCRA hazardous waste and are subject to RCRA regulations. 

If the facility stores chemicals above the Threshold Planning Quantity (SARA Section 302), additional requirements may apply. This includes designating a facility representative to participate in the local emergency planning process as a facility emergency coordinator, and notifying the LEPC of relevant changes within 30 days after the changes have occurred. 

Hazardous Materials Business Plan – California’s Tier II   

Rather than a traditional Tier II Report, California has more comprehensive reporting requirements. As part of the Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP), an electronic hazardous materials inventory must be submitted using the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS). This is used to meet the federal requirements of a Tier II Report. Facilities are required to prepare and submit HMBPs if they handle a hazardous material, a mixture containing a hazardous material (including hazardous waste), or an extremely hazardous substance at reportable quantities. The general reportable quantities of hazardous materials are:  

• equal to or greater than 55 gallons of a liquid,  
• 200 cubic feet of a gas, and  
• 500 pounds of a solid  

The HMBP must include the following information: 

• Hazardous Materials Inventory 
• Emergency Response Plan and Procedure in the event of a reportable release 
• Training Plan 

• Site Map that details north orientation, loading areas, internal roads, adjacent streets, storm and sewer drains, access and exit points, emergency shut offs, evacuation staging areas, hazardous material handling and storage areas, and emergency response equipment

   

Here are a few helpful tips for completing your Tier II Report / HMBP this year:  

• Get a jump start on reporting—don’t wait until the last week of February to start. 
• Review your state’s reporting requirements to determine if anything has changed.
• Determine which chemicals will need to be reported, then review those specific safety data sheets (SDS) to determine the hazards (See Section 2.0 of the SDS).
• Since Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting uses some of the same information, complete your TRI evaluation at the same time.
• If you determine that you do not exceed the reporting thresholds, maintain the documentation that shows you do not need to report.
• Remember to include all lead-acid batteries in your reporting including fork trucks, UPS Systems, emergency generators and/or fire pumps in your evaluation and reporting.
• Maintain a copy of the report and paid invoice (if applicable) as proof of your submission.
• Materials that are present in the same form and concentration as a product packaged for distribution and use for the general public may be exempt from Tier II Reporting.
• Even if the material was only present over the reporting threshold for a day, a Tier II report must be filed.
• If the facility shut down during the course of 2025, don’t forget that a Tier II report must still be filed if chemicals in amounts over the reporting threshold were stored onsite. 

Contact our waste and materials management team today to help with your Tier II reporting. 

Beyond Benign’s Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) has been awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry’s 2025 Horizon Prize for Education, recognizing its innovative approach to advancing green chemistry in higher education. The prize celebrates the GCC’s success in fostering a global community of practice that empowers educators to embed green chemistry into teaching, research, and institutional culture—preparing future scientists with the skills needed to address today’s sustainability challenges. This award recognizes groundbreaking, high-impact initiatives that are making a meaningful contribution to the advancement of chemistry education.

MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, began its relationship with Beyond Benign in 2013 with the aim to advance green chemistry education. In 2023, MilliporeSigma announced a multi-million-dollar, multi-year expanded partnership to transform chemistry in higher education, better preparing the next generation of scientists to address sustainability through chemistry by developing and implementing green chemistry and sustainable education resources.

Together, the organizations have delivered measurable global impact. The GCC has surpassed its original goal of 250 signers by the end of 2025, with more than 260 higher education institutions committed to embedding green chemistry across their programs.

MilliporeSigma has also helped strengthen Beyond Benign’s Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) online platform. The GCTLC now provides 3,250+ users with 415 open-access curriculum resources that accelerate the integration of sustainability principles into chemistry education.

To date, the partnership has reached 1.9 million students through the GCC network —surpassing the 2025 target of 1.4 million. Progress also continues toward 2030 goals, including engaging 10,000 faculty and reaching 15.5 million students globally.

By supporting the expansion of green chemistry in higher education, MilliporeSigma is helping Beyond Benign shape a generation of scientists who view sustainability as foundational to innovation.

MilliporeSigma is a long-standing supporter of this work. The company embeds sustainability across its operations—from offering 4,500+ greener alternative products to supporting global access to science education—and its partnership with Beyond Benign further reinforces this commitment by accelerating the integration of green chemistry into higher education.

Beyond Benign’s Horizon Prize winner profile can be viewed on the Royal Society of Chemistry’s website. Educators interested in signing the GCC can do so on Beyond Benign’s website and register for the GCTLC platform to access its community and resources.

The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) – Europe has published its latest case study, “Unlocking Recycling Potential: Automated Sorting Trials of Medical Plastic Waste.”

Building on insights from the first pilot in the Netherlands, which demonstrated the technical feasibility of manual sorting, this second-phase study tested automated sorting technologies under real-world conditions in Germany. Conducted in collaboration with Universitätsklinikum Bonn (UKB) and TOMRA, the trial assessed whether industrial-scale systems can reliably sort healthcare plastic packaging waste with the accuracy and throughput needed for sustainable recycling.

Key Findings:

• Waste Stream Quality Matters: Clean, well-segregated packaging can be efficiently sorted, but contamination risks remain a critical challenge.
• Automated Sorting Efficiency: 45% of rigid plastics were recovered into PP, PE, and PET streams; flexible packaging was sorted into PE, though multi-material films pose contamination risks.
• Improved Separation Strategies: Point-of-use sorting and AI-based object recognition could enhance outcomes, supported by trained staff and proper hospital systems.
• Design for Recyclability: Following HPRC’s Design Guidance improves sorting efficiency and waste value, creating potential revenue streams for hospitals.

Why It Matters:
Healthcare plastics represent a significant recycling opportunity, but scaling solutions requires collaboration across the value chain. This study provides evidence-based best practices for collection, logistics, and processing, bridging the gap between theoretical feasibility and practical implementation.

Project Partners:
HPRC coordinated the initiative with support from CIRCULARMED, UKB, TOMRA, and HPRC members DuPont, LyondellBasell, Baxter, and Nelipak.

Read the full study here.

The Ray’s executive director, Allie Kelly, was recently interviewed by Derek Van Dam of CNN.

They were featured riding the 18-mile stretch of highway in Southwest Georgia, highlighting technologies that are currently being demonstrated along the southbound highway and at the Georgia Visitor Information Center on I-85 North just before Exit 1 in West Point, Georgia.

“The Ray is focused on creating a safer, cleaner and more efficient support of the economy and our communities,” said Kelly. “Zero deaths, zero carbon emissions from vehicles, zero waste from the transportation sector.”

Watch the video interview here.

The Ray’s executive director, Allie Kelly, was recently interviewed by Derek Van Dam of CNN.

They were featured riding the 18-mile stretch of highway in Southwest Georgia, highlighting technologies that are currently being demonstrated along the southbound highway and at the Georgia Visitor Information Center on I-85 North just before Exit 1 in West Point, Georgia.

“The Ray is focused on creating a safer, cleaner and more efficient support of the economy and our communities,” said Kelly. “Zero deaths, zero carbon emissions from vehicles, zero waste from the transportation sector.”

Watch the video interview here.

The Ray’s executive director, Allie Kelly, was recently interviewed by Derek Van Dam of CNN.

They were featured riding the 18-mile stretch of highway in Southwest Georgia, highlighting technologies that are currently being demonstrated along the southbound highway and at the Georgia Visitor Information Center on I-85 North just before Exit 1 in West Point, Georgia.

“The Ray is focused on creating a safer, cleaner and more efficient support of the economy and our communities,” said Kelly. “Zero deaths, zero carbon emissions from vehicles, zero waste from the transportation sector.”

Watch the video interview here.