In this episode I share an article discussing the issue of environmental persistence, and why this is fast becoming a top priority that producers of chemical products need to address. I also share some insights on what has been happening since the article was published.

Read the original article: Why environmental persistence should be a top priority for safe and sustainable products — Embark Chemical Consulting

On the latest developments:

ECHA guidance on the new CLP hazards: Guidance on the Application of the CLP Criteria - Part 4/5: Environmental hazards and additional hazards

Recording of SETAC topical discussion on extreme persistence: Addressing Extreme Persistence – Identification, Behavior and Management of “Forever Chemicals” Beyond PFAS on Vimeo

ECETOC workshop on OECD 309 surface water biodegradation test: Overcoming challenges and advancing (bio)degradation guidelines: OECD TG309 revisited - ECETOC

SETAC Vienna conference (11 – 15 May 2025): SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting

Further information:

Download the Persistence Assessment Tool: Persistence Assessment Tool (PAT) | Industry insights | News and insights | Ricardo

Read the Cefic-LRI ECO52 project reports: ECO52 – Bioavailability, complex substances and overall persistence (BCOP): three themes to deliver a step-change in persistence assessments – Cefic-Lri

Learn about the SETAC Persistence Science Interest Group: Announcing the New Persistence Science Interest Group

In this episode I am joined by Peter Fisk, founder of Green Chemical Design Ltd, and formerly of Peter Fisk Associates (now Vitis Regulatory).

Peter talks about his extensive career journey, and gives an honest appraisal of the evolution and current state of chemicals management in Europe.

Our discussion covers a lot of ground, including:

• Peter's early career and interests as a scientist
• Making the switch to consultancy and starting a business
• The advent of the REACH regulation and the transformation of chemicals management in Europe
• How interactions between regulators and industry have changed over time
• Unifying qualities of regulatory scientists
• Challenges with the implementation of REACH: on read-across, QSARs, testing costs, bureaucracy, and the speed of regulatory processes
• Hazard assessment vs risk assessment
• REACH for polymers
• Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD)
• The challenge of assessing complex substances (UVCBs) and the progress made by the oil industry
• Opportunities and challenges with green chemistry and chemical substitution
• The potential of Hansen Solubility Parameters as a tool to evaluate chemical hazards
• Remembering Steve Robertson
• Ethical concerns with fish testing and regulatory box-ticking
• Praise for the REACH registered substances database
• The extreme persistence of PFAS and their impact on other chemistries

Peter has accrued a huge amount of knowledge and wisdom during his career. If you're interested in learning from his experience, this one is not to be missed!

Green Chemical Design - Together we can do even better chemistry

In Memoriam: Stephen (Steve) Michael Robertson (1949–2023)

In this episode I am joined by Jen Novakovic from The Eco Well. Jen is as an influencer and podcaster in the cosmetics space. She focuses in particular on issues of science communication and misinformation.

Our conversation covers:

• Jen's journey and work on science communication in the cosmetics sector
• What is misinformation, and why is it a problem?
• The role of social media and human biases
• The need for effective science communication
• Misinformation on UV filters, coral bleaching and climate change
• Potential barriers to effective science communication
• The problem with 'Free From' claims, and other perverse incentives
• Experiences on different social media platforms
• Trust in science, institutional defensiveness, and taking responsibility
• The cost of conferences, and Jen's work on e-summits

Find out more about Jen's work on the Eco Well website: The Eco Well

My conversation with Jen on the Eco Well podcast: Biodegradation and Persistence with Chris Hughes — The Eco Well

The Sustainable Beauty E-Summit (23rd February) event page: Sustainable Beauty E-Summit — The Eco Well