The polymer industries' concerns about REACH legislation has been confirmed with the EU Member States nominating 15 substances for the first REACH candidate list, 8 of these are regularly used in Polymer formulation.
This first list of 'substances of very high concern' includes the most widely used plasticiser DEHP which has served many diverse polymer product sectors over the past 60 years. The likely demise of DEHP may signal the end of many commonly used substances throughout industry.
Candidate list substances impacting on the Polymer Industry:
a.. DEHP, DBP & BBP - popular phthalate plasticisers for PVC and other polymer resins
b.. HBCDD - flame retardant for polystyrenes
c.. Cobalt dichloride - rubber tyre additive
d.. MDA - used to manufacture MDI for polyurethane production
e.. SCCPs - flame retardants for rubbers, paints, sealants and adhesives
f.. Bis (tributyltin) oxide - biocidal product in marine anti-fouling paints
This first REACH candidate list highlights the need for polymer producers and users of polymer products to address the implications of REACH head on. "Being prepared is key to achieving compliance; companies need to review their process and product ranges" says Dr Chris O'Connor, Consultancy Manager at Smithers Rapra.
The candidate list is due to be published before the end of the month. As soon as it is published, companies must immediately communicate the presence of these substances in all products if present at above 0.1% weight/weight. Consumers can request information on these substances to suppliers or directly to retailers, in which case answers must be given within 45 days.
In the longer term, the use of candidate list substances will be phased-out through an 'Authorisation' scheme. Exceptions can however apply, such as for the use of a substance as an intermediate. Unlike many other parts of REACH, obligations relating to candidate list substances apply irrespective of tonnage; a fact that is catching many companies unaware.
"If you are unsure of how to implement a REACH compliance audit, Smithers Rapra has a team of consultants experienced in the complexities of this imminent legislation. If there is the potential that your process or product will fall foul of REACH, it is important to allow time to develop alternatives at the earliest opportunity" says O'Connor.
This first list of 'substances of very high concern' includes the most widely used plasticiser DEHP which has served many diverse polymer product sectors over the past 60 years. The likely demise of DEHP may signal the end of many commonly used substances throughout industry.
Candidate list substances impacting on the Polymer Industry:
a.. DEHP, DBP & BBP - popular phthalate plasticisers for PVC and other polymer resins
b.. HBCDD - flame retardant for polystyrenes
c.. Cobalt dichloride - rubber tyre additive
d.. MDA - used to manufacture MDI for polyurethane production
e.. SCCPs - flame retardants for rubbers, paints, sealants and adhesives
f.. Bis (tributyltin) oxide - biocidal product in marine anti-fouling paints
This first REACH candidate list highlights the need for polymer producers and users of polymer products to address the implications of REACH head on. "Being prepared is key to achieving compliance; companies need to review their process and product ranges" says Dr Chris O'Connor, Consultancy Manager at Smithers Rapra.
The candidate list is due to be published before the end of the month. As soon as it is published, companies must immediately communicate the presence of these substances in all products if present at above 0.1% weight/weight. Consumers can request information on these substances to suppliers or directly to retailers, in which case answers must be given within 45 days.
In the longer term, the use of candidate list substances will be phased-out through an 'Authorisation' scheme. Exceptions can however apply, such as for the use of a substance as an intermediate. Unlike many other parts of REACH, obligations relating to candidate list substances apply irrespective of tonnage; a fact that is catching many companies unaware.
"If you are unsure of how to implement a REACH compliance audit, Smithers Rapra has a team of consultants experienced in the complexities of this imminent legislation. If there is the potential that your process or product will fall foul of REACH, it is important to allow time to develop alternatives at the earliest opportunity" says O'Connor.
