PFAS chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of over 10,000 chemicals also known as the ‘forever chemicals’ because they hardly degrade in the environment. Pollution from these chemicals is pervasive across Europe, with almost 23,000 sites already polluted with PFAS, and a further 21,500 sites suspected to be contaminated. PFAS are in are in our food, … [Read more...] about Is there a role for national action in restricting PFAS chemicals?
Policy
CHEM Trust and HEAL conference brings together stakeholders to discuss vital REACH revision
We were delighted to welcome over 200 participants at our REACH conference co-hosted with HEAL at the Residence Palace in Brussels on 29th September 2025. Bringing together EU and national policymakers, scientific experts, civil society organisations and representatives of industry and health groups, the one-day event allowed for very timely and insightful discussions on the … [Read more...] about CHEM Trust and HEAL conference brings together stakeholders to discuss vital REACH revision
Putting chemical pollution on the agenda at party conferences 2025
We were delighted this year to host events at both the Liberal Democrat and Labour party conferences, ensuring chemical pollution and the policy solutions needed to address it were on the agenda. First, we headed to Bournemouth for the Liberal Democrat party conference for our joint event with the Green Liberal Democrats, ‘Turning over a green leaf: how closer UK-EU … [Read more...] about Putting chemical pollution on the agenda at party conferences 2025
PFAS are forever: CHEM Trust’s fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in September
CHEM Trust will be hosting a fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool this year, ‘PFAS are forever: how do we address the pollution crisis threatening public health and the environment’. Sunday 28th September, 15:00-16:00 Outside the secure zone, RSVP for more details Focus of the event: PFAS, ‘the forever chemicals’ pollute food sold in UK … [Read more...] about PFAS are forever: CHEM Trust’s fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in September
Turning over a green leaf: how closer UK-EU collaboration would benefit the environment
This year, CHEM Trust will be hosting a fringe event at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference in partnership with the Green Liberal Democrats: ‘Turning over a green leaf: how closer UK-EU collaboration would benefit the environment’ will focus on what the changing relationship between the UK and the EU could offer in terms of better environmental protection. Sunday 21st … [Read more...] about Turning over a green leaf: how closer UK-EU collaboration would benefit the environment
Deregulatory proposals to UK chemical safety laws will remove vital consumer and environmental safeguards
Earlier this month, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) launched a public consultation on a package of deregulatory policy changes to chemicals regulation. If enacted, these changes will weaken vital chemical safety laws and increase the divergence between UK and EU chemical regulation. The proposals include changes to (a) the regulation of biocides, (b) the … [Read more...] about Deregulatory proposals to UK chemical safety laws will remove vital consumer and environmental safeguards
UK Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) launches inquiry into PFAS
CHEM Trust has submitted evidence to the UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) inquiry into PFAS – per and polyfluoroalkyl substances — also known as "forever chemicals” due to their extreme persistence. PFAS are a group of around 10,000 synthetic chemicals known for their heat, water, and oil resistance. They are used in products like non-stick cookware, … [Read more...] about UK Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) launches inquiry into PFAS
How should PFAS be dealt with in the UK? New NGO proposal launched
Today, NGO groups, including CHEM Trust, have launched a joint proposal outlining key asks to address the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS in the UK. Overall, the proposal highlights the need for the UK to align with the European Union’s (EU) comprehensive universal PFAS (uPFAS) restriction and explains how, whilst waiting for the uPFAS restriction to come … [Read more...] about How should PFAS be dealt with in the UK? New NGO proposal launched
An Action Plan for the EU chemicals industry: some positives, but who needs carcinogens in cosmetics?
The Commission on Tuesday presented an "Action Plan for the Chemical industry" to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. On the positive side, this includes a legislative proposal to strengthen the EU chemicals agency ECHA, and confirms the Commission's plan for a targeted revision of the EU's main chemicals law REACH. However, it also proposes using a fast-track 'omnibus' … [Read more...] about An Action Plan for the EU chemicals industry: some positives, but who needs carcinogens in cosmetics?
REACH Reform: Don’t ignore new science on Chemical Mixtures
The European Commission is currently finalising a revision of the EU’s main chemicals law, the REACH regulation. In the time since REACH was agreed, almost 20 years ago, there has been a big leap forward in our understanding of the toxic effects of the cocktails of chemicals we are all exposed to. We now know that REACH does not provide a high level of protection for human … [Read more...] about REACH Reform: Don’t ignore new science on Chemical Mixtures
