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PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a.k.a. FOREVER CHEMICALS, is an umbrella term for a family of at least 12,000 chemicals used in a WIDE VARIETY of CONSUMER PRODUCTS and INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES for their indestructible, non-stick, fire-retardant and water/oil/stain/heat-resistant properties. Common uses for PFAS include food packaging; personal care products and cosmetics; waterproof surfaces and stain- or water-repellent fabric and carpet coatings; paints, varnishes and sealants; non-stick pans; and electronics manufacturing and other industrial production. PFAS don’t naturally break down once the product containing the chemical is thrown away. PFAS are either HIGHLY PERSISTENT or can partially transform into HIGHLY PERSISTENT SUBSTANCES that ACCUMULATE or CONCENTRATE in the ENVIRONMENT, including water, air, sediment, soil, and plants. Some TOXIC CHEMICALS, classed as PFAS, HARM HUMAN HEALTH at even low levels of exposure. They are not metabolized by the body and can only be excreted slowly through routine bodily processes. The chemicals bind to tissue proteins and accumulate in the blood, liver, kidneys and brain. 🔎 https://lnkd.in/gjQQSFmC, https://lnkd.in/gNQ9-_DZ HEALTH DAMAGE from PFAS may include: ⚠️ Increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, low birth weight and childhood obesity. https://lnkd.in/gRCnR9yd ⚠️ Thyroid disruption, potentially including hyperthyroidism and changes to hormones that influence development and metabolism. https://lnkd.in/ge7ykEjz ⚠️ Harm to the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease or kidney cancer. https://lnkd.in/gEJxUFtw, https://lnkd.in/ggS9w6uw ⚠️ Liver disease. https://lnkd.in/geAY9uCA ⚠️ Reduced antibody responses to vaccinations in both children and adults. https://lnkd.in/gSAK-PzQ, https://lnkd.in/guiRnpxa ⚠️ Testicular cancer. https://lnkd.in/g4DNx4HC ⚠️ Higher levels of cholesterol. https://lnkd.in/gCBZMs9a ⚠️ Increased risk of Type 2 diabetes in women. https://lnkd.in/gdx3ce-z ⚠️ Weakened immune system. https://lnkd.in/gSJ-5k9W For more insights, see: 🔎 https://lnkd.in/gbxivHax 🔎 https://lnkd.in/gTzCKgkB 🔎 https://lnkd.in/gz4SJad6 The fact that nearly EVERYONE has detectable levels of PFAS in their bodies is reason enough to LIMIT FURTHER CONTAMINATION and EXPOSURE. Some countries have already taken action, but many others have not. This CHALLENGE presents HUGE OPPORTUNITIES for #innovators #entrepreneurs #startups and #smallbusiness to develop SOLUTIONS predicated on CREATIVITY, INNOVATION and TRANSFORMATIVE BUSINESS MODELS. WinSolutions | Win on Impact supports investment in #southeastasia SMEs and startups having viable sustainable innovations relating to #biodiversity, #healthyfood, #nutrition, #health and #healthcare for #EU market entry.

Concentration levels of MICRO AND NANOPLASTICS (MNPs) tend to be HIGHER in TISSUES WITH LESIONS AND DISEASES (such as inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and cervical cancer) than in tissues without these disorders. This is the finding of a metadata investigation into 902 studies related to MNPs' presence in human tissues and body fluids led by Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China that was published December 17th, 2024 in the journal TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry. The intriguing question, though, is: WHAT CAME FIRST, the LESION or the MICROPLASTIC ? For more insights, read: 🔎 Report - https://lnkd.in/eBCi5Y9H 🔎 Paper - https://lnkd.in/gHCdbWtW Given how easily microplastics infiltrate human tissues, it is VITAL that we learn more about EXACTLY what RISKS they could pose to human health. Nevertheless, the fact that microplastics and nanoplastics, i.e. NON-BIODEGRADABLE materials that are present everywhere, can enter and accumulate in human tissues are reasons enough for a PRECAUTIONARY APPROACH to be adopted. Some countries have already taken this approach, but many others have not yet taken any action. This approach presents HUGE OPPORTUNITIES for #innovators , #entrepreneurs , #startups , and #smallbusiness developing SOLUTIONS predicated on CREATIVITY, INNOVATION and TRANSFORMATIVE BUSINESS MODELS to combat the entry of microplastics and nanoplastics into human bodies, and the plastic contamination of human tissues. EXAMPLES OF OPPORTUNITIES 🔎 https://lnkd.in/g5xAaH-Y Advanced human microplastics uptake maps (for 109 countries) that supplement the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) tracker are capable of (a) monitoring regional microplastics generation by plastic type and industrial and residential sources, and (b) enhancing LOCAL AND GLOBAL MITIGATION EFFORTS needed to curb the persistent rise of microplastics pollution. 🔎 https://lnkd.in/gi8wXM5r A model that can pinpoint HOTSPOTS in the HUMAN RESPIRATORY SYSTEM where, DEPENDING ON THE RATE OF BREATHING, plastic particles of different sizes and shapes can ACCUMULATE, from the nasal cavity and larynx and into the lungs, is capable of providing insights for DEVELOPING TARGETED STRATEGIES that can MITIGATE POTENTIAL RISKS to respiratory health and ensure effective health interventions. WinSolutions | Win on Impact supports investment in #southeastasia SMEs and startups having viable sustainable innovations relating to #biodiversity, #healthyfood, #nutrition, #health and #healthcare for #EU market entry.

MICROPLASTICS are “suspected” to HARM HUMAN REPRODUCTION and DIGESTIVE AND RESPIRATORY HEALTH, with a suggested LINK TO COLON CANCER, according to a review of 2,857 studies that implicate these particles in a variety of serious health problems by researchers at University of California, San Francisco published December 18th, 2024 in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. The researchers, in conclusion, also advised: ✅ Future research on microplastics should INVESTIGATE ADDITIONAL HEALTH OUTCOMES impacted by microplastic exposure and IDENTIFY STRATEGIES TO REDUCE EXPOSURE. ✅ Governments at all levels of jurisdiction (federal, state, and local) should take immediate action to MITIGATE EXPOSURE from microplastics. For more insights, read: 🔎 Report - https://lnkd.in/e2WMkw9z 🔎 Paper - https://lnkd.in/ghf5E3Ng This systematic review contributes to the growing body of evidence on the potential health hazards associated with microplastics. 🔎 https://lnkd.in/gP58brpX 🔎 https://lnkd.in/g2AtUtzs 🔎 https://lnkd.in/gjpSgb-c Given how easily microplastics infiltrate human tissues, it is VITAL that we learn more about EXACTLY what RISKS they could pose to human health. Nevertheless, the fact that microplastics and nanoplastics, i.e. NON-BIODEGRADABLE materials that are present everywhere, can enter and accumulate in human tissues are reasons enough for a PRECAUTIONARY APPROACH to be adopted. Some countries have already taken this approach, but many others have not yet taken any action. This approach presents HUGE OPPORTUNITIES for #innovators , #entrepreneurs , #startups , and #smallbusiness developing SOLUTIONS predicated on CREATIVITY, INNOVATION and TRANSFORMATIVE BUSINESS MODELS to combat the entry of microplastics and nanoplastics into human bodies, and the plastic contamination of human tissues. EXAMPLES OF OPPORTUNITIES 🔎 https://lnkd.in/g5xAaH-Y Advanced human microplastics uptake maps (for 109 countries) that supplement the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) tracker are capable of (a) monitoring regional microplastics generation by plastic type and industrial and residential sources, and (b) enhancing LOCAL AND GLOBAL MITIGATION EFFORTS needed to curb the persistent rise of microplastics pollution. 🔎 https://lnkd.in/gi8wXM5r A model that can pinpoint HOTSPOTS in the HUMAN RESPIRATORY SYSTEM where, DEPENDING ON THE RATE OF BREATHING, plastic particles of different sizes and shapes can ACCUMULATE, from the nasal cavity and larynx and into the lungs, is capable of providing insights for DEVELOPING TARGETED STRATEGIES that can MITIGATE POTENTIAL RISKS to respiratory health and ensure effective health interventions. WinSolutions | Win on Impact supports investment in #southeastasia SMEs and startups having viable sustainable innovations relating to #biodiversity, #healthyfood, #nutrition, #health and #healthcare for #EU market entry.

Global ECONOMIC ANXIETIES are likely to PERSIST in 2025 with a large majority of CONSUMERS anticipating that PRICE INCREASES will OUTPACE INCOME INCREASES in their country. 📈 According to the Ipsos Predictions Survey 2025, on average, 79% of people believe that prices will increase faster than incomes in 2025, a figure unchanged since 2022. Ipsos interviewed 23,721 adults from 33 countries between October 25th and November 8th, 2024 for this study, which looks at people’s expectations and predictions for the year ahead (2025). Consumer perceptions between countries don't differ widely, ranging from 56% in #japan to 90% in the #philippines. The chart, extracted from the report, reveals the global economic anxiety by country based on the survey by Ipsos that asked respondents how likely or unlikely they think “Prices in my country will increase faster than people's incomes” is to happen in 2025. Source: https://lnkd.in/g_DwYgEu How will the respective perceptual trends shape consumer behaviour and spending patterns in each country in the year ahead? As we step into 2025, we look forward to new challenges, opportunities and strategies for SUCCESS. Wishing each of you good health, prosperity, and happiness in 2025. ❤️ 🌱 🌟 WinSolutions | Win on Impact

Consumers are only SLIGHTLY MORE OPTIMISTIC about the GLOBAL ECONOMY going into 2025. 👍 👎 According to the Ipsos Predictions Survey 2025, on average, 51% of people say that the global economy will be stronger in 2025 than it was in 2024, up from 50% last year and 46% the year before. Ipsos interviewed 23,721 adults from 33 countries for this study, which looks at people’s expectations and predictions for the year ahead. There are wide differences in perceptions between countries, though: 🟢 MOST OPTIMISTIC countries are in Asia led by #indonesia (82%), #china (78%) and #malaysia (75%), though #japan (28%) and #southkorea (30%) are the two countries in Asia with a notably pessimistic outlook 🔴 MOST PESSIMISTIC countries are in Europe, led by #france (25%) and #belgium (27%) The infographic, presented by Inigo Insurance and published in Visual Capitalist on December 19th, 2024, reveals the global economic sentiment by country, based on survey data from Ipsos that asked respondents whether they agree or disagree with the statement "The global economy will be stronger in 2025 than it was in 2024". Source: https://lnkd.in/geNAah3M As we step into 2025, we look forward to new challenges, opportunities and strategies for SUCCESS. Wishing each of you good health, prosperity, and happiness in 2025. ❤️ 🌱 🌟 WinSolutions | Win on Impact

2025 will be a BETTER YEAR than 2024. ✨ According to the Ipsos Predictions Survey 2025, overall, a majority of people (71%) believe that 2025 will be a better year than 2024. Ipsos interviewed 23,721 adults from 33 countries for this study, which looks at people’s expectations and predictions for the year ahead. Optimism levels have fluctuated between 75% to 80% over the past decade, though. The infographic from Visual Capitalist reveals the most optimistic countries based on how their populations are feeling about 2025, relative to 2024. Source: https://lnkd.in/dPGuQafF As we step into 2025, we look forward to new challenges, opportunities and strategies for SUCCESS. Wishing each of you good health, prosperity, and happiness in 2025. ❤️ 🌱 🌟 WinSolutions | Win on Impact

The world produced 414 million tons of NEW PLASTIC in 2023, ⬆️ from 368 million metric tons in 2019, according to industry data. Plastic production could rise about 70% by 2040 without policy changes and is on track to TRIPLE by 2050. Based on OECD - OCDE estimates, about three quarters of plastic produced becomes WASTE and nearly a fifth is so-called MISMANAGED WASTE - burned, discarded on land and in waterways or left in open dumps and substandard landfills. Meanwhile, MICROPLASTICS have been found in air, fresh produce and even human breast milk. A growing body of research LINKS PLASTICS and their ADDITIVES, which provide properties such as flexibility and color, to HEALTH ISSUES including cancers, birth defects, reduced immunity to disease and hormonal disorders. In 2022, a resolution that kicked off TWO YEARS of NEGOTIATIONS led by the UN Environment Programme, called for a treaty that would "promote sustainable production and consumption of plastics". The fifth and final round of negotiations, held in Busan from November 25th to December 1st, 2024, brought together >3,300 participants, including representatives from >170 countries and >440 observer organizations. It was INTENDED to PRODUCE the FIRST LEGALLY BINDING GLOBAL TREATY to ADDRESS PLASTIC POLLUTION. On ONE SIDE were 85 “high ambition” countries led by Norway and Rwanda (source: The Associated Press), pushing for a legally binding treaty that caps production, addresses the design and makeup of products, limits toxic materials, and sets controls for the pollution and harm caused throughout the entire life cycle of plastic production and use. On the OTHER SIDE were countries, including those that produce a lot of oil and plastic, as well as >200 lobbyists from the fossil fuel and chemical industries (source: Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)), resisting limits on production and many of the other demands. Not surprisingly, the negotiators FAILED TO REACH AN AGREEMENT. For more insights, see https://lnkd.in/gfMUqqj5 Escalating HUMAN HEALTH and ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION CHALLENGES offer OPPORTUNITIES for #innovators, #entrepreneurs, #startups and #smallbusiness to develop SOLUTIONS aimed at PREVENTION, EARLY DETECTION and LOWERING COSTS by addressing ROOT CAUSES. WinSolutions | Win on Impact supports investment in #southeastasia SMEs and startups having viable sustainable innovations relating to #biodiversity, #healthyfood, #nutrition, #health and #healthcare for #EU market entry.

#thailand is setting an example for global ECOLOGICAL RESPONSIBILITY by announcing a BAN on ALL PLASTIC WASTE IMPORTS from January 1st, 2025, as it aims to PREVENT hazards to the environment and public health. The law, a result of a Thai cabinet resolution on February 21st, 2023, was approved on December 3rd and published in the Royal Gazette on December 16th. For more insight, see https://lnkd.in/gBpm9E_t Escalating HUMAN HEALTH and ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION CHALLENGES offer OPPORTUNITIES for #innovators, #entrepreneurs, #startups and #smallbusiness to develop SOLUTIONS aimed at PREVENTION, EARLY DETECTION and LOWERING COSTS by addressing ROOT CAUSES. WinSolutions | Win on Impact supports investment in #southeastasia SMEs and startups having viable sustainable innovations relating to #biodiversity, #healthyfood, #nutrition, #health and #healthcare for #EU market entry.

#vietnam was the world's FOURTH LARGEST IMPORTER of PLASTIC WASTE in 2022, according to OECD - OCDE. In 2023, Vietnam imported 420,000 tons of plastic waste, ⬆️ >11% from 2022, according to United Nations statistics, which does not capture the entire volume. However, spare capacity to process imported plastic amounted to only 300,000 metric tons, according to The World Bank in a 2021 report, Moreover, researchers from Utrecht University found that recycling is being hampered by the inability to properly sort plastic waste, both offshore and in Vietnam. That is partly because some imported plastic is often mixed with organic waste that makes it hard or impossible to treat. The findings were published January 24th, 2024 in ScienceDaily. 🔎 https://lnkd.in/gzDeZvvs Approximately 75% of solid waste, including plastics, in Vietnam is mismanaged, or improperly disposed, with less than 30% of plastic waste being recycled. This has contributed to plastic pollution as plastics constitute 80% of marine waste in the country, as reported on February 22nd, 2024 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 🔎 https://lnkd.in/gT5s59XS For more insight on this ISSUE, 🔎 https://lnkd.in/gp9UyrBF Escalating HUMAN HEALTH and ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION CHALLENGES offer OPPORTUNITIES for #innovators, #entrepreneurs, #startups and #smallbusiness in #vietnam to develop SOLUTIONS aimed at PREVENTION, EARLY DETECTION and LOWERING COSTS by addressing ROOT CAUSES. WinSolutions | Win on Impact supports investment in #southeastasia SMEs and startups having viable sustainable innovations relating to #biodiversity, #healthyfood, #nutrition, #health and #healthcare for #EU market entry.

ONLINE SHOPPING in #vietnam generates numerous SMALL, LOW-VALUE ORDERS. It significantly IMPACTS the ENVIRONMENT. The PACKAGING-TO-PRODUCT RATIO is SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER compared to traditional retail, according to Doan Quoc Tam, a consultant for WWF speaking at the Sustainable E-Commerce Trends in the Digital Era seminar on November 21st, 2024. Other key findings presented at the seminar include: ⚠️ Promotional strategies like VND1,000 (US$0.04) items and free shipping, common on e-commerce platforms, encourage IRRESPONSIBLE SHOPPING HABITS. (WWF) ⚠️ 37% of Asia-Pacific consumers DID NOT PLAN their most recent online purchases, while 47% avoided buying online because they feared making impulse purchases. (NielsenIQ Vietnam) ⚠️ IMPULSE BUYING worsens the environmental threat as customers often place MULTIPLE ORDERS in SMALLER, SEPARATE PACKAGES. (NielsenIQ Vietnam) ⚠️ Sellers need to PACK even LOW-VALUE PRODUCTS INDIVIDUALLY, contributing to HIGHER WASTE. (WWF) ⚠️ #vietnam uses 2.7x the PLASTIC PACKAGING PER PARCEL that #china does. (WWF) ⚠️ The LACK OF CLEAR CRITERIA for green products and services hinders efforts to promote sustainable practices on e-commerce platforms. (TikTok Vietnam) ⚠️ STARTUPS often claim their products are eco-friendly but FAIL TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE of reduced carbon emissions or other sustainable attributes. (TikTok Vietnam) For more insights, read: 🔎 https://lnkd.in/gHsc-mah Escalating HUMAN HEALTH and ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION CHALLENGES offer OPPORTUNITIES for #innovators, #entrepreneurs, #startups and #smallbusiness in #vietnam to develop SOLUTIONS aimed at PREVENTION, EARLY DETECTION and LOWERING COSTS by addressing ROOT CAUSES. WinSolutions | Win on Impact supports investment in #southeastasia SMEs and startups having viable sustainable innovations relating to #biodiversity, #healthyfood, #nutrition, #health and #healthcare for #EU market entry.