Geneva (August 11, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to host a complimentary live webinar, ‘Navigating the Challenges of Using Recycled Plastics and Managing NIAS in Food Contact Materials’, on September 4, 2025.

The increasing use of recycled plastics in food contact materials (FCMs) reflects the food contact industry’s commitment to sustainability. However, the introduction of evolving regulatory frameworks and stricter testing requirements has made compliance more challenging. Businesses must ensure their products meet safety standards, especially when non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) are present. These compounds can migrate into food and pose potential health risks.

 

In this expert-led webinar, Kevin Chiu takes attendees through the latest regulatory requirements for FCMs in both the EU and US, with a particular focus on Recycled Plastic and NIAS. The webinar will also cover SGS’s advanced solutions, which help ensure product safety and compliance, before concluding with a Q&A session.

 

This webinar will be of interest to quality and regulatory compliance professionals in the food contact materials sector, including buyers, manufacturers, merchants and quality assurance executives, as well as similar roles across hardline-related industries.

 

This event takes place on September 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM (GMT +1) Europe/Paris time.

 

Register now

 

IMPACT NOW for sustainability

 

Sustainability is in SGS’s DNA. Through their four IMPACT NOW for sustainability pillars – climate, nature, ESG assurance and circularity – they deliver innovative solutions that empower smarter decision-making, support regulatory compliance and promote environmental responsibility. Under the climate pillar, they offer certification solutions that align with EU standards for plastics recycling traceability and recycled content, as well as initiatives focused on reducing plastics. These efforts reflect SGS’s commitment to a climate-neutral, nature-positive and pollution-free future.

 

Learn more about the IMPACT NOW for sustainability circularity pillar.

 

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

 

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

 

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).

Geneva (July 29, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has issued SafeGuardS 103.25 to inform stakeholders that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched a public consultation on the proposal to identify one new substance as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) under the EU REACH Regulation.


Announced in June 2025, the 45-day consultation invites comments from stakeholders until August 11, 2025. If the substance is approved, the Candidate List will increase from 250 to 251 entries, further expanding the scope of compliance obligations for companies placing products on the EU/EEA markets.

The substance under consideration is 1,1'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)-bis[pentabromobenzene] (EC 284-366-9; CAS 84852-53-9), also known as decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), a flame retardant commonly used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Adhesives, sealants, coatings and inks
- Wire and cable components in the automotive sector
- Construction foams and wood-plastic composites
- Textile back-coatings
- Thermoplastics used in electronics, building materials and automotive parts

DBDPE has been proposed for inclusion due to its classification as very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB), raising environmental concerns.

If added to the Candidate List, companies will face new legal responsibilities, including supply chain communication, updating safety data sheets and notifying either ECHA or the SCIP database when thresholds are exceeded in articles.

SGS publishes SafeGuardS to help industry stakeholders stay informed about regulatory developments. SafeGuardS 103.25 summarizes the proposed SVHC and its applications, encouraging companies to assess potential impacts on their products and supply chains.

Stakeholders are advised to review the original SafeGuardS 103.25 for more information.

SGS Chemical Testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full ECHA Consults Over One Substance as a SVHC SafeGuardS.

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. Hingwo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized bran

Geneva (July 29, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has issued SafeGuardS 104.25 to inform stakeholders of multiple recent settlements under California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) involving the reformulation of chemicals in a wide range of consumer products.

Prop 65, officially known as the ‘Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986’, requires businesses to provide clear and reasonable warnings before exposing individuals in California to chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The law currently identifies approximately 900 substances, with the list updated annually.

Recent settlements have addressed products containing several listed substances, including bisphenol A (BPA), lead, phthalates, chromium (VI) compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), diethanolamine (DEA) and 1,4-dioxane. In many cases, reformulation terms require the reduction or elimination of these substances to levels that avoid triggering warning requirements. Notably, certain settlements related to lead only restrict releasable lead, based on testing methods such as the NIOSH 9100 ghost wipe test.

These settlements are legally binding only to the named parties but provide important insight into evolving enforcement expectations. Businesses selling into the California market should review their compliance practices, especially concerning materials, labeling and chemical testing.

Additionally, stakeholders should prepare for upcoming regulatory changes, including the January 2028 requirement for short-form warning labels to identify at least one listed chemical, as outlined in SafeGuardS 177.24.

SGS publishes SafeGuardS to help industry stakeholders stay informed about regulatory and compliance developments. SafeGuardS 104.25 highlights recent Prop 65 settlements involving reformulations across multiple product categories and chemicals.

Stakeholders are advised to review SafeGuardS 104.25 to stay up to date with evolving Prop 65 requirements and ensure appropriate measures are in place to mitigate enforcement risks.

SGS Chemical Testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full California Proposition 65: Reformulation of Chemicals in Consumer Products SafeGuardS.

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. Hingwo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420

Melanie Tamayo
Senior Technical Manager, SGS NA
Tel: +1 312 414 9394

Website: www.sgs.com/cp
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).

Geneva (July 30, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 107.25, summarizing the EU’s changes to its Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) Recast Regulation, regarding perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds.

These chemicals are used for their fire- and water-resistant properties. However, due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, safer alternatives are increasingly being sought.

 

The EU issued Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1399 on July 14, 2025, amending the entry for PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds under Part A to Annex 1 of Regulation 2019/1021 of the POP Recast Regulation. The amendment takes effect on August 3, 2025.

 

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 107.25 provides further information on the relevant entry in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1399, and a link to the official text.

 

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 107.25 for more details.

 

SGS chemical testing services
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s chemical testing services.

 

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Revises Entry for PFOA and PFOA-related Compounds under POP Recast Regulation SafeGuardS.

 

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

 

For further information contact:

 

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

 

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

 

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

 

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).

FORTSON, GA — TiNives Original, LLC has officially released two new knife lines—the Covert Series and the 3.65 Ultralite Flipper—marking a major milestone in the brand’s relaunch following its return to the knife-making scene in 2021. Known for their highly engineered folding knives from the late 1990s, TiNives continues to push mechanical and aesthetic boundaries with American-made tools crafted for both performance and collectibility.

A Legacy of Innovation

 

TiNives was originally founded in 1997 by Scott Self, gaining recognition in the knife world for introducing the “Zero Play Knife”, a highly complex folder with over 100 components and a button-activated locking mechanism. The company paused production in the mid-2000s, but in 2021 Self partnered with longtime collaborator Larry Chew to revive the brand with a renewed focus on precision CNC machining and fine metalwork.

Today, TiNives operates out of a 15,000-square-foot facility in Fortson, Georgia, combining modern machining with handcrafted finishing. The production team includes Scott Self, Larry Chew, and Jason Potts, each contributing to the company's focus on building knives that are both functional and visually distinctive.

The Covert Series: Built for Speed and Style

 

The Covert Series introduces a new generation of double-action automatic knives, all featuring Larry Chew’s Covert button lock-out mechanism and smooth, responsive action powered by ceramic bearings and a ceramic detent ball.

Key specifications found across Covert models include:

 

  • Blade Length: 3.65 inches
  • Blade Materials: Options include CPM Magnacut and Nichols Intrepid pattern Damascus
  • Handle Materials: Titanium, carbon fiber, Timascus, and Damascus bolsters
  • Rockwell Hardness: Up to 63 HRC depending on the model
  • Overall Length: 8.125 inches
  • Weight: Varies by model, typically 3.6–4.0 ounces
  • Titanium Frames, Liners, and Hardware
  • Serial Numbered for Traceability

Each Covert model is assembled and finished in-house, reflecting the brand’s attention to detail and metal artistry.

The 3.65 Ultralite Flipper: Lightweight, Functional, American-Made

 

The 3.65 Ultralite Flipper, also designed by Larry Chew, is a manual folding knife focused on fast deployment and low-profile carry. It features:

  • Bead-Blasted Titanium Handles
  • 3.65" CPM Magnacut Blade (63–64 Rc)
  • Lightweight Carbon Fiber Backspacer
  • Ceramic Bearings and Detent Ball
  • Anodized Titanium Hardware and Pocket Clip
  • Open Length: 8.125 inches
  • Closed Length: 4.562 inches
  • Weight: 3.2 ounces
  • Serial Numbered

The Flipper is engineered for users who prioritize compact form, premium materials, and precision operation in a fully U.S.-made tool.

Available Now

 

All TiNives products are proudly designed, machined, and assembled in the USA. The latest models in both the Covert and Flipper lines are available now at www.tinivesoriginal.com, with select configurations featuring materials such as Timascus, Nichols Damascus, and titanium anodizing.

Media Contact:

TiNives Original, LLC

Phone: (762) 821-1478

Address: 1825 Smith Road Fortson, GA 31808

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: https://www.tinivesoriginal.com

About TiNives Original

 

Founded in 1997 and reestablished in 2021, TiNives Original, LLC designs and produces precision-engineered folding knives in Fortson, Georgia. Known for its early innovations in button lock mechanisms and multi-component knife construction, the company now focuses on CNC-machined, American-made knives that blend mechanical innovation with detailed metal artistry.

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