ASTM International has released a highly anticipated international standard for aviation fuel containing up to 50 percent biofuels, Renewable Energy World reports. ASTM D7566, Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons, will allow these fuels to be used by commercial airlines, and could be a catalyst to a sharp increase in biofuel production. ASTM is also seeking comments on the development of a new standard to facilitate consistent test methods and more reproducible results in hazardous materials package testing. The proposed new standard, ASTM WK32937, Guide for Determining Acceptable Nonhazardous Filling Substances for Packagings Subjected to the United Nations Performances Tests, is currently being developed by Subcommittee D10.21 on Shipping Containers and Systems – Application of Performance Test Methods, part of ASTM International Committee D10 on Packaging.
An international standard for climate bonds is due to be released later this month, the Climate Bond Standards Board said, according to Business Green. The board announced that the Australian Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) is the latest green investor body to sign up to the board, joining the six institutional investors and investment groups, including California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer and the Carbon Disclosure Project.
The new RoHS directive was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on July 1. “RoHS2” expands the directive to apply to all electrical and electronic equipment as well as cables and spare parts. Electronics Weekly reports the following timeframe for implementation of the standard: Directive entry into force – 21 July 2011 (20 days after publication), UK Consultation – Autumn / Winter 2011, New UK Regulations published – October / November 2012, UK RoHS Guidance – October / November 2012, Transposition deadline and UK Regulations enter into force – 2 January 2013