Press | Umweltbundesamt

There are many sources of mineral oils in food, and they can be reduced or eliminated entirely by taking a number of different measures. One important means is to use mineral oil-free printing inks which can greatly reduce the transfer of mineral oils. Even though technical adjustments to printing machines and inks may be necessary, mineral oil-free inks do not incur any significant additional cos... read more

On 22 November 2012 the Federal Ministry for Environment and the Federal Environment Agency conferred the awards of the national Ecodesign prize (Bundespreis Ecodesign) for the first time. Federal Environment Minister Peter Altmaier opened the ceremonial event at the Federal Ministry for Environment. Prizes were conferred on fourteen winners in the categories ‘product’, ‘concept’ and ‘next generat... read more

Global greenhouse-gas emissions from fossil fuels have reached new record levels, yet there will be no new, globally binding climate-protection agreement for all states before 2020. The challenge now, therefore, is to launch other initiatives to achieve further reductions in greenhouse gases before 2020 - but to be much more ambitious than we have been up to now. To this purpose, groundbreaking al... read more

The European Commission wants to make consumer products safer and is proposing standardized caps for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). PAH are present in many products such as tyres and toys. Their properties give rise to concern and are harmful to health and the environment. “We heartily welcome the Commission’s initiative to reach an appropriate ruling on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons t... read more

Germany must be much more economical in its use of natural resources and raw materials, says the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). “A daily per capita consumption of 200 kilos puts Germany in the global lead. This not only harms the environment, it is also dangerous for our international competitive ranking. The costs for materials in the manufacturing industry are already about 43 per cent of net... read more

International and national climate protection goals can only achieved if all sectors of the economy do their fair share. Forecasts predict that traffic will continue to grow. Therefore it is upon the transport sector to make effective cuts in its emissions of greenhouse gases. The new research project study titled “Renewbility II“ assessed the opportunities and potential of climate protection base... read more

Energy-intensive businesses are granted a reduced rate Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) levy- provided they have instituted an energy management system, or EMS. An EMS is also worthwhile for other businesses and organisations such as public authorities and church institutions. A joint publication by the Federal Environment Agency and the Federal Environment Ministry shows how to systematically i... read more

Extreme weather events are proving to be a challenge for our society time and again. Heat waves such as that in the summer of 2003 are associated with great stress on human health and may even result in deaths. Heavy precipitation and winter storms repeatedly cause enormous damage to infrastructure and buildings and put humans at risk. Extreme weather events and all the associated consequences are... read more