REACH
The aim of the chemical regulation REACH[1] is to ensure that all substances are manufactured and used safely. REACH concerns use of substances in products manufactured in EU or imported to EU. All manufacturers and importers of substances must identify risks linked to the substances they manufacture and market in the EU. REACH provides a framework in which information can be passed from manufacturers and importers to the downstream users of chemicals. The main carrier of information is the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
In REACH certain substances are listed as Substances of very high concern (SVHC) and published on the webpage of the European Chemical Agency ECHA. SVHC substances may be found in plastics products, e.g. phthalates (DEPH) or flame retardants. The list is constantly updated, and new hazardous substances are introduced.
1. Floor Covering Manufacturers
- Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of construction products.
- Flooring manufacturers must ensure that all substances in their products comply with REACH requirements, especially for substances of very high concern (SVHCs).
- REACH requires manufacturers to gather and register detailed information on the chemical substances used in their products, ensuring safe handling and compliance with EU regulations.
- Non-compliance with REACH can restrict access to the EU market.
2. Recyclers
- REACH promotes the recycling of safe and compliant materials, increasing the demand for recycled inputs and thus drives innovation in recycling technologies and processes.
- Recyclers may need to provide information on chemical content and comply with downstream user obligations. (Recyclers need to be aware of the chemical composition of materials they handle, as REACH mandates the registration and evaluation of substances, which includes those found in recycled products)
- Older flooring products may contain now-restricted substances, complicating recycling efforts.
- Ensuring that recycled materials comply with REACH regulations is crucial for maintaining market access and avoiding penalties.
3. Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs)
- Extended producer responsibility: PROs must ensure that manufacturers comply with REACH when managing the lifecycle of flooring products.
- PROs play a role in educating members about REACH requirements and helping them meet compliance standards.
- REACH aligns with PROs’ objectives to promote sustainable product design and end-of-life management.
4. Innovators
- REACH encourages the development of safer, sustainable, and compliant materials to replace hazardous substances.
- Innovations in compliance with REACH can lead to competitive advantages and patent opportunities.
- Regulatory challenges: Innovators must navigate complex compliance requirements to bring new substances to market.
- REACH fosters innovation through funding programs for green chemistry and sustainable practices.
5. Consumers
- REACH aims to protect consumers by ensuring that the chemical substances in products are safe and properly labeled, reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Consumers benefit from greater transparency and information about the chemical composition of products, enabling them to make more informed purchasing decisions.
- Compliance with REACH builds consumer confidence in the environmental and social responsibility of manufacturers.
6. Procurers
- Procurers are influenced by REACH in choosing flooring products that meet strict environmental and safety criteria.
- Public and private procurement policies often align with REACH standards, especially for procurement initiatives.
- Procurers use REACH compliance as a baseline to avoid legal and reputational risks associated with non-compliant products.
[1] The EU regulation REACH (Regulation No 1 907/2006) stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals and came into force in 2007.
Links:
- European Commission’s website on REACH: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/chemicals/reach-regulation_en
- Guidance on “Understanding REACH” by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/reach/understanding-reach
