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Veröffentlichung Abfall - globales Problem oder globales Potenzial?(2021) Rechenberg, BettinaSeit Mitte 2019 nahmen Schlagzeilen über einen zunehmenden Export von Kunststoffabfällen aus Europa in asiatische Länder wie Indonesien und Malaysia zu, nachdem China im Februar 2018 einen Importstopp verhängt hatte. Bilder von riesigen Halden von aus Europa importierten Elektrogeräten in Agbogbloshie am Rand der Hauptstadt Accra machten schon vorher die mediale Runde. Abfall scheint ein zunehmendes globales Problem zu sein. Doch im Abfall steckt ein riesiges Rohstoffpotenzial, das genutzt werden muss. Quelle: https://www.westermann.deVeröffentlichung Monitoring framework for the use of natural resources in Germany(2021) Nuss, Philip; Frerk, Michel; Günther, Jens; Golde, Michael; Kosmol, Jan; Müller, FelixIndicators are required to monitor the progress of resource and circular economy policies. The German Sustainable Development Strategy and Resource Efficiency Program already include a number of indicators for mapping Germany's resource use and socio-economic metabolism. However, currently used indicators only include a subset of natural resources and often lack an impact evaluation (e.g., considering resource scarcity or environmental relevance). Resource and environmental footprints indirectly caused through the trade of goods have so far only partly been considered by German resource policy and in official statistics. As a result, burden shifting between different resource categories, world regions, or environmental effects can remain undetected. To fill this gap, we discuss the overall scope of natural resource monitoring in Germany and review existing resource indicators evaluating them against a set of predefined criteria. We then propose a possible monitoring framework for Germany consisting of a materials-layer (the focus of resource and circular economy policies to date) for the evaluation of material flows and stocks, and corresponding water, land, and emissions-layers which should be monitored simultaneously to track contributions to the overarching objectives of resource and circular economy policies. Possible indicators and data sources are discussed and an outlook for future research provided. © 2021 The AuthorsVeröffentlichung Developing human biomonitoring as a 21st century toolbox within the European exposure science strategy 2020-2030(2022) Jeddi, Maryam Zare; Conrad, André; Hopf, Nancy B.; Louro, Henriqueta; Kolossa-Gehring, MarikeHuman biomonitoring (HBM) is a crucial approach for exposure assessment, as emphasised in the European Commissionâ€Ìs Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS). HBM can help to improve chemical policies in five major key areas: (1) assessing internal and aggregate exposure in different target populations; 2) assessing exposure to chemicals across life stages; (3) assessing combined exposure to multiple chemicals (mixtures); (4) bridging regulatory silos on aggregate exposure; and (5) enhancing the effectiveness of risk management measures. In this strategy paper we propose a vision and a strategy for the use of HBM in chemical regulations and public health policy in Europe and beyond. We outline six strategic objectives and a roadmap to further strengthen HBM approaches and increase their implementation in the regulatory risk assessment of chemicals to enhance our understanding of exposure and health impacts, enabling timely and targeted policy interventions and risk management. These strategic objectives are: 1) further development of sampling strategies and sample preparation; 2) further development of chemical-analytical HBM methods; 3) improving harmonisation throughout the HBM research life cycle; 4) further development of quality control / quality assurance throughout the HBM research life cycle; 5) obtain sustained funding and reinforcement by legislation; and 6) extend target-specific communication with scientists, policymakers, citizens and other stakeholders. HBM approaches are essential in risk assessment to address scientific, regulatory and societal challenges. HBM requires full and strong support from the scientific and regulatory domain to reach its full potential in public and occupational health assessment and in regulatory decision-making. © 2022 The AuthorsVeröffentlichung A terminology for downcycling(2022) Helbig, Christoph; Huether, Jonas; Joachimsthaler, Charlotte; Lehmann, ChristianThe term downcycling is often used anecdotally to describe imperfections in recycling. However, it is rarely defined. Here, we identify six meanings of the term downcycling as used in scientific articles and reports. These encompass the material quality of reprocessed materials, target applications, product value, alloying element losses, material systems, and additional primary production. In a proposal for harmonized and more specific terminology, we define downcycling as the phenomenon of quality reduction of materials reprocessed from waste relative to their original quality. We further identify that the reduced quality can express itself thermodynamically, functionally, and economically, covering all perspectives on downcycling. Dilution, contamination, reduced demand for recycled materials, and design-related issues can cause those downcycling effects. We anticipate that this more precise terminology can help quantify downcycling, keep materials in the loop longer, use materials more often and at higher quality, and therefore assist in reducing material-related environmental impacts. © 2022 The AuthorsVeröffentlichung Plastic waste utilization via chemical recycling: approaches, limitations, and the challenges ahead(2023) Biessey, Philip; Seitz, Mathias; Quicker, Peter; Vogel, Julia