Category: European Commission (EC)

May 1, 2022

ECHA and EU Member States Conclude Assessment of Regulatory Needs on Group Assessment of Bisphenols

By Lynn L. Bergeson The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced on April 6, 2022, that together with European Union (EU) member states, it has assessed a group of 148 bisphenols for risks to human health and the environment. Of these, more than 30 have been identified to have the potential for hormonal or reprotoxic effects. Some uses of these bisphenols include: Anti-oxidant for processing polyvinyl chloride (PVC); Epoxy resin hardeners; Textile, leather, paper and board;...
April 20, 2022

EP Committee Approves Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive

The European Parliament (EP) Legal Affairs Committee announced on March 15, 2022, that it voted 22-1 in favor of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. According to the Committee, if agreed with European Union (EU) governments, the bill would “make businesses more accountable for their impact on people and the planet, while giving investors and the public access to comparable, reliable and easily accessible information on sustainability.” The European Financial Reporting Advisory...
March 8, 2022

EC Begins Public Consultation On Reducing The Release Of Microplastics Into The Environment

The EC announced on February 22, 2022, the launch of a public consultation on how best to reduce the amount of unintentionally released microplastics into the environment. According to the EC, the public consultation will support its initiative on Microplastics pollution – measures to reduce impacts on the environment, “a key deliverable of the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Zero Pollution Action Plan.” According to the EC, the consultation focuses on plastic pellets, synthetic...
March 8, 2022

EU Opens Consultation On Changes To REACH

On January 20, 2022, the European Commission (EC) launched a public consultation seeking comment on a proposed revision of the REACH regulation (No. 1907/2006). The consultation is the most extensive to date; it covers many elements of the legislation and, once changes are implemented, will have a significant impact on industry for the future. The consultation topics include: Revision of the registration requirements, including increased information requirements and establishing the obligation...