News

McDonald’s may no longer provide disposable cups to customers eating or drinking on its premises. This is the result of an enforcement request submitted by Fair Resource Foundation to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT), the Dutch government agency responsible for enforcing environmental legislation. The inspectorate found that the fast-food chain had been violating the rules for years — and was even charging customers extra for the disposable cups it should not have been providing in the first place.

Three government officials, three interventions, one result: the regulator responsible for the deposit return system is repeatedly given less scope to take action against beverage producers that fail to meet their statutory collection target. This is according to an investigation by NOS based on documents obtained under the Dutch Open Government Act (Wet open overheid, Woo), which gives citizens and journalists the right to access government documents.

Plastic blood bags release microplastics into blood during storage. The longer the blood is stored, the more microplastics are released. Heat and movement also increase their release. This is according to new research on PVC blood bags, published in the scientific journal Environment & Health.

New research by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) shows that PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were detected in all breast milk samples analysed. The study, which included 1,629 women from across the Netherlands, shows that four PFAS compounds are the most commonly found. In addition, PFAS concentrations in 18% of the breast milk samples exceed the health-based guidance value.

Civil society groups call on the EU to close critical regulatory gaps and protect public health.

French investigative journalism platform Disclose has published an investigation revealing that chemical company INEOS recently received more than €300 million in French government subsidies.

SINTEF Ocean research found microplastics and plastic-related chemicals in baby food pouches sold by Nestlé and Danone.

New research shows that PET microplastics amplify the immune response to pollen and disrupt our own immune system.

When you pick up a new shirt or a pair of leggings, it’s easy to focus on the price, style, or brand. What’s less visible is the growing environmental and health cost woven into many of these products: microplastic pollution. Together with key players in sustainability we conducted a recent investigation into 50 of the world’s biggest fashion brands. It reveals a troubling reality. Despite mounting evidence of harm, much of the industry is doubling down on synthetic materials, the very fibres driving microplastics pollution, while delaying meaningful action.