Archroma, a leader in colour and specialty chemicals, has announced solid progress on phases 3 and 4 of REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of Chemicals) with more than 60% of its commercial products active in EU complying with the June 2018 requirements.

In total, 369 different chemical substances are within the scope of the REACH phases 3 and 4. These include 135 dossiers where Archroma has a lead registrant position in the EU.

In the first two phases – completed, respectively, in November 2010 and May 2013 – the company recorded a total of 60 chemical substances that are produced in or imported to the countries of the European Union with volumes greater than 100 tonnes per year. In the third and fourth phase of REACH that is currently under way, all the remaining chemical substances of more than 1 tonne per year must be registered by 1 June 2018.

Chemical management system

With its expert chemical management system, Archroma says that unlike many EU importers of textile and paper chemicals, it controls the composition of its formulations and can therefore ensure full REACH compliance of each ingredient in its products.

With its broad product portfolio, Archroma is one major registrant of substances relevant to the textiles and paper industries at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The company expects the total investment needed to be REACH ready to amount to US$ 14.5 million.

REACH objective

“The REACH objective to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals is fully in line with our own belief that we can make our industry sustainable. Hence our early commitment to REACH without the slightest hesitation – because it’s our nature,” commented Carole Mislin, Global Head of Product Stewardship at Archroma.

“Everyone benefits from more sustainability – the people, the planet, our customers and even us here at Archroma. Archroma will benefit because we will be able to reapply the invaluable expertise we have gained from the REACH registration process in the EU to other regulations under way or expected soon in countries such as South Korea or Turkey. And our customers and partners will gain because they can count on a reliable supply source and an expert partner to accompany them through the REACH preparation process.”

www.archroma.com