The current regulatory climate for glass and ceramic products is being driven by state regulatory agencies. The comment period for new California Proposition 65 labeling rules closed on June 13. The state will review comments and make a recommendation before the end of the summer. If proposed rules are adopted, the process for labeling and reporting products containing listed chemicals will change dramatically. These rules could prove costly to producers, wholesalers and distributors of glass and ceramic products. If adopted, the rules are scheduled to take effect during the summer of 2015.

In addition, the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) is stepping up enforcement on glass containers for wine, beer and spirits. Based on its finding that 19% of imported wine bottles violate the total content rule (100 ppm) for lead, TPCH indicated in a letter to the Society of Glass and Ceramic Decorated Products (SGCDpro) that it will closely monitor and test glass containers.

The clearinghouse reminded the society that products presented in containers that violate the standard must be removed from the stream of commerce and are not allowed to be sold in member states. No provision is made for the age or value of the product in the container, including aged wine or spirits. The bottles in question were from Europe and South America, and SGCDpro technical advisors have suggested that members use extreme caution when purchasing any imported bottles due to the prevalence of recycled cullet in such containers.

Upcoming Deco Events

Deco ’15 will be held March 22-23 at the Hilton Easton in Columbus, Ohio. Presentations are currently being accepted for the meeting, and exhibit space is nearly sold out.

Deco ’16 will be held April 16-18 at the Sheraton Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Md. Baltimore presents a central location for East Coast members and is within driving distance for many members in the Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia corridor. This marks the society’s first meeting in the East Coast corridor since the group met in Washington, D.C., in 2002.

Annual Membership Directory Published

SGCDpro has published its annual membership directory. This year’s edition has been mailed to members. A limited quantity of additional copies is available to members only. The directory is also accessible by members online at www.sgcd.org.

SGCDpro Unveils Membership Incentive

 SGCDpro members who refer a new individual member will receive a $100 gift card from the society once the member has joined. A $250 incentive will be paid to those referring a corporate member.