Ever noticed the small ‘e’ printed on food packages? It signifies ‘estimated’ weight, meaning manufacturers aren’t required to weigh each individual package. While it’s legal for some packages to be slightly underweight, consistently underweight items are against the law. This article explores the ‘e’ symbol’s significance, the EU regulations it adheres to, and what it means for consumers.
The European Union has adopted new regulations requiring airlines to report the climate impact of contrails, a move met with resistance from the aviation industry. The rules aim to improve understanding of the environmental impact of air travel, focusing on non-CO2 emissions like those from contrails, which can significantly contribute to global warming.
Beach clubs in Italy are considering striking in August to protest new EU regulations that could impact their operations and profitability. The strikes could disrupt the tourism season and lead to negotiations with EU regulators.
Apple is reportedly working on a major battery upgrade for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which could boost battery life, make repairs easier, and potentially comply with new EU regulations. The upgrade involves increasing battery density using a steel casing for efficient heat dissipation and easier removal.
The European Union (EU) has adopted new rules to measure, report, and verify methane emissions in the energy sector. The goal of these regulations is to reduce the release of this potent greenhouse gas, which is up to 30 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Energy operators will be responsible for implementing mitigation measures, such as detecting and repairing methane leaks, and reporting on their emissions to independent verifiers. The rules also require companies to monitor methane leaks in different types of infrastructure and conduct inventories of closed or inactive assets that may emit methane. The EU will also track methane emissions from energy imports, starting in 2027, to enhance transparency.
TikTok has suspended a feature on its new Lite app that rewarded users in Europe for watching videos. The move follows pressure from European Union regulators who expressed concerns about the app’s potential addictive effects on young users.
The European Parliament has approved new regulations for packaging and packaging waste, aiming to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Key measures include targets for reuse, collection, and recycling, as well as bans on certain disposable plastic items. However, environmental groups have raised concerns about potential greenwashing due to the inclusion of a ‘mass balance’ approach to calculating recycled content.
The European Parliament approved stricter air pollution limits that aim to reduce premature deaths by 70% over the next ten years. These new regulations align with the World Health Organization’s tightened air quality guidelines, setting target values for pollutants that severely impact human health. Additionally, the EU has standardized air quality indices across member states to ensure transparency and accountability.
The European Union has introduced a new set of regulations aimed at encouraging consumers to repair broken devices instead of discarding them. The ‘right to repair’ rules extend product warranties by a year if the device is repaired while still covered. They also require companies to provide spare parts and tools for repairs and prohibit techniques that obstruct repairs. The EU will also launch an online platform to connect consumers with local repair shops and sellers of used products. The rules aim to reduce waste and promote a more circular economy.
