May 31st 2013 marks the completion of the second phase in the REACH* registration process. Arkema, through its highly dedicated teams, has registered 123 substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
The May 31st 2013 deadline, which marked the registration of substances produced or imported in annual quantities of 100 to 1000 metric tons, represented a further major step for Arkema, as this involved 123 substances, namely one quarter of its 480 substances covered by the REACH regulation.
Given its major status in a number of key chemical sectors, Arkema acted as « lead registrant » in over 50 dossiers.
The Group, which has backed this regulation from the outset, put in place a team of over 30 people: toxicologists, ecotoxicologists, and regulatory managers within the Product Safety Division and the Business Units in order to complete this phase successfully. During this phase, Arkema also implemented Evaluation and Authorisation procedures for some of its substances.
“The Group’s endorsement of the REACH objectives reflects its commitment to product stewardship by constantly improving knowledge of its products’ properties and conditions of use, and so help ensure that these products do not harm human health, safety or the environment” stated Gérard Langlais, Vice President Sustainable Development.
Arkema’s teams will continue to work towards completing the final registration phase, which will concern the other 200 or so remaining substances, by May 31st 2018.
A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of €6.4 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.
* REACH is the acronym for the « Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of CHemicals » European regulation.