In a new study, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) surveyed industry associations and more than 80 companies to find out what drives companies to substitute hazardous chemicals for safer alternatives. The answer: EU regulation.
FYI, DEHP is EDC says ECJ
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) stated that the phthalate DEHP should be identified as an endocrine disruptor (EDC) for the environment in a ruling on January 23, 2019.
Not knowing which hazardous chemicals are in our products is crazy – the new waste database is not
I’d like to argue that a database that can help us understand some of the toxic chemicals we surround ourselves with is pretty solid idea. And imagine the possibilities: What if it wasn’t limited to Candidate List substances, but could also include SIN List chemicals, or better yet, full material declarations? This would seriously incentivize the use of recycled materials as well as increase the value of the industry.
Letters to Hansen
Letters to Hansen Note: This is the third letter in an on-going discussion between ChemSec's Executive Director Anne-Sofie Andersson and her counterpart at Echa, Björn Hansen. You can read the first letter from Ms Andersson here and Mr Hansen's response...
Does it contain hazardous chemicals? You’ll find out soon
Finding out if a product contains hazardous substances can be difficult. Or at least time consuming. But soon a new database will be established to provide consumers with information on whether or not a product contains Substances of Very High Concern.
The usual suspects: time to move beyond the most obvious SVHCs
Echa still claims that “all currently known relevant substances of very high concern (SVHCs) have been addressed”, a statement that has received much criticism.
You’ve got mail, Björn Hansen
Dear Björn, I hope that you have settled in well in Helsinki and that you are beginning to find your feet at ECHA. In your new position I expect that you will focus on making the agency’s work more efficient. I also hope that you will guide the agency towards a greater focus on human health and the environment.
Bisphenol A in receipts are being replaced with its equally harmful cousin bisphenol S
Bisphenol A in receipts are being replaced with its equally harmful cousin bisphenol S The upcoming EU wide ban of BPA in thermal paper are driving the market towards alternatives A survey by the European Chemicals Agency finds that EU…
REACH could learn a thing or two from other legal frameworks
When applicants in the authorisation process claim there are no safer alternatives for them to use, regulators take their word for it.
But the authorisation process is not the only area of EU law where companies apply for some kind of permit and include a market analysis together with the applications. For example, there is a very similar legal process for companies applying for merger clearance.
ChemSec welcomes Björn Hansen as new ECHA director
ChemSec welcomes Björn Hansen as new ECHA director Hopes experiences from the non-toxic strategy will influence the agency On 1 January Björn Hansen took up the role of executive director at the European Chemicals Agency, ECHA. ChemSec warmly welcomes Mr…