Publications | Umweltbundesamt

Waste | Resources

Effectively tackling the issue of millions of vehicles with unknown whereabouts

European priority measure: establishing leakage-proof vehicle registration systems

In 2020, the EU Commission is evaluating and subsequently revising the End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive 2000/53/EC. When it comes to ELV recycling, the issue of unknown whereabouts of vehicles is the most crucial aspect to be solved. In a Scientific Opinion Paper, the German Environment Agency (UBA) outlines the negative impacts of the unknown whereabouts and presents recommendations to preven...read more

Chemicals

Advanced materials: Overview of the field and screening criteria for relevance assessment

The report describes activities within the project “Advanced materials - Thematic conferences: Assessment of needs to act on chemical safety” to provide discussion input on approaches to describe, cluster and prioritize advanced materials. The report presents a structuring of the field of advanced materials by screening existing definitions and classifications as well scientific activities related...read more

Wirtschaft | Konsum

Methodological challenges for ecolabels in the Global Ecolabelling Network

Evaluation and traceability of critical raw materials and determination of quantitative environmental relief potentials

The report is part of the research project "Blue Angel - national ecolabel with international impact". The main objective of this project was to strengthen the use and cooperation of type-I eco-labels within the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN). Specifically, the project addressed two central methodological challenges faced by ecolabels worldwide. First, the integration of sustainability issues o...read more

Waste | Resources

Basic principles and recommendations for describing the dismantling, post-use, and disposal stage of construction products

A guidance document for the construction product industry and standardization bodies for the design of modules C and D in EPD and PCR

The guideline supports the committees for the European standardization of construction products (Product TCs, Technical Committees) in establishing rules for Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) according to EN 15804. The guideline helps developing uniform specifications for the end of the life cycle of construction products (modules C and D according to the above-mentioned standard).  The pub...read more

Climate | Energy

Integration of Non-CO2 Effects of Aviation in the EU ETS and under CORSIA

In addition to CO2, aviation affects the climate through other emissions and atmospheric processes, such as the formation of ozone and contrail cirrus (non-CO2 effects). Although non-CO2 effects are responsible for about 2/3 of the climate impact of aviation, they are not yet considered in the EU ETS and under CORSIA.This project focuses on the development of concepts for the integration of non-CO...read more

Water

Authorisation and environmental risk assessment of biocidal antifouling products

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) concerning the environmental risk assessment in product type 21 (PT21) in frame of a submission for product authorisation under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 in Germany.

Antifouling products need to be authorised in the EU according to the Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR) before they are allowed to be placed on the market. An essential component here is the environmental risk assessment (ERA). In the ERA it is checked whether the use of an antifouling product causes acceptable risks to the environment. This document answers some frequently asked questions about t...read more

Water

German scenario for inland water marinas

To protect boat hulls from fouling with algae, mussels or barnacles, biocidal antifouling products are mostly used. In the EU, these products are subject to authorisation according to the Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR). Among other things, it is checked here whether the use of the product causes acceptable risks to the environment. There are around 206 000 pleasure crafts in Germany. Around 71%...read more

Chemicals

Potential SVHCs in environment and products: Measurements of the presence of potential sub-stances of very high concern in the environment and in products

The report provides information on the occurrence of per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFASs) and alkylphenols (APs) in various product groups. For PFASs, the report analyses construction materials and industrial textiles as well as the content of short-chain APs (4tPP, 4tBP) in paints, coatings and adhesives. At the same time, the occurrence of APs in surface waters was investigated in a screen...read more