News | RIVM

Solar panel recycling could be more sustainable

RIVM looked into ways being developed to reuse raw materials used in solar panels. The four ways described by RIVM in this report are more sustainable than how solar panels are currently recycled.

Dutch consumers can eat healthier and more environmentally sustainable for the same amount of money

The Dutch diet can be healthier and more environmentally sustainable without costing consumers more money. This holds for all socio-economic groups in the Netherlands. This concludes Reina Vellinga (RIVM) in her doctoral thesis. Even with minor adjustments, our diet becomes much healthier and with less impact on the environment.

Safe recycling of textiles possible, but still in its infancy

Textiles are produced using chemicals. Although many hazardous chemicals may no longer be used in textile production, they may still be present in donations of old clothing. RIVM has conducted a study into the safety of recycled textiles.

RIVM formulates criteria for R&D of sustainable pharmaceuticals

As part of an international research project, RIVM has formulated criteria for R&D of sustainable new pharmaceuticals. These GREENER criteria are an important first step to develop pharmaceuticals that do not impact the environment..

Antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance remain stable

Antibiotic resistance in the Netherlands remained stable in 2021 compared with the five previous years. This is evident from the 2022 annual NethMap/MARAN report.

In beeld twee handen van een vrouw die 2 antibiotica pillen neemt

Can healthy gut microbes protect us against antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

It is largely assumed within the scientific community that a healthy intestinal microbiome can provide resistance against the settling, growth and multiplication of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

RIVM calls for increased involvement of scientific community in solving plastic crisis

Industry and policymakers are not availing themselves enough of the available scientific knowledge when it comes to smarter ways of dealing with plastics.

Sewage treatment workers not more likely to carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Employees at sewage and wastewater treatment plants in the Netherlands and Germany are not more likely to carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria than other people.

Loopbrug rioolwaterzuiveringsinstallatie

Unie van Waterschappen

Antimicrobial resistance in the Netherlands stable in 2020

In 2020, the year of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, resistant bacteria were not found more often in patients in the Netherlands than before the outbreak.

Method for safe and sustainable recycling of waste

The method developed by RIVM to assess whether waste treatment is sufficiently safe and sustainable, can contribute to the European ambitions for a safe and more circular economy.