What about REACH?

The purpose of REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) is to set up, over an 11-year period, a system for registering the some 30,000 chemical substances produced in or imported into the European Union in quantities of at least one metric ton a year.
In line with the “One Substance, One Registration” (OSOR) principle, a registration dossier has to be prepared for each substance, and filed with the European Chemicals Agency. The agency will evaluate these dossiers with the help of E.U. members, and grant authorizations. The authorization procedure specifically targets so-called “highly problematic” substances.

Impact of Reach on Arkema ?

• 430 substances requiring a registration dossier
• 35 to 40 substances requiring an authorization procedure
• Over 150 substances requiring registration in the first 3 years

Viewpoint of Jean Morch, Arkema Vice President Sustainable Development – Environment

Why does Arkema support the objectives of the Reach Project ?
Clearly, the responsible chemical producer that we are is bound to support a project designed to enhance health and environmental protection. This is a very important issue for us, since it entails boosting the public’s confidence in the chemical industry. Reach is designed to increase knowledge of the hazards and conditions of use of substances, in order to manage risks throughout the user chain. To be effective, the legislation must be realistic and workable, and must not overly distort competition between the European Union and the rest of the world.

In practical terms, what are you doing to prepare for the implementation of Reach?
First, we reviewed our portfolio of chemicals concerned by the new regulation, and identified existing and missing data. We will refine our analysis as the regulation evolves, adding information on product applications collected within each Business Unit. However, Reach also affects our purchasing of raw materials, for which we will have to draw up an equally detailed list. Right now, we are working on assessing the human, financial and logistics resources that will be needed to register dossiers, identify partners, and set up consortiums.