PFAS pollution is widespread across Europe. According to the Forever Pollution Project, nearly 23,000 sites across the continent are already contaminated with PFAS, while a further 21,500 sites are suspected of pollution (read more about PFAS here). CHEM Trust responded to the recently concluded public consultation on the proposed universal PFAS restriction conducted by the … [Read more...] about Europe’s PFAS crisis: the universal PFAS ban has to meet the challenge
EU policy
6 years since Farm to Fork – harmful chemicals are still on our plates!
Exactly 6 years ago, on 20th May 2020 the European Commission acknowledged the need to revise the EU’s legislation on food contact materials (FCMs) as part of the Farm to Fork Strategy. But several years on, no legal proposal has been published, which means that harmful chemicals can continue to be used in FCMs, migrating from them into our foods, and landing on our … [Read more...] about 6 years since Farm to Fork – harmful chemicals are still on our plates!
Discussing endocrine disruptors and the need for EU action with Marie Louise Holmer
In advance of International Women’s Day on 8th March, CHEM Trust sat down with Marie Louise Holmer, Special Consultant at the Research Group for Molecular and Reproductive Toxicology, DTU National Food Institute in Denmark, to highlight her work in toxicology and endocrine disruptors (EDs). We discuss what inspired her to start working on EDs and what the EU needs to do to … [Read more...] about Discussing endocrine disruptors and the need for EU action with Marie Louise Holmer
EU Medical Experts Call for Action on PFAS and Point to Safer Innovation in the Healthcare Sector
On World Cancer Day, February 4, EU medical professionals and PFAS experts met with members of the European Commission and the European Parliament to share their concerns about the impact of PFAS on health and to highlight PFAS-free innovation happening in the medical sector. The event, ‘From Health Protection to Economic Opportunity - PFAS-free Medical Innovation in the … [Read more...] about EU Medical Experts Call for Action on PFAS and Point to Safer Innovation in the Healthcare Sector
Is there a role for national action in restricting PFAS chemicals?
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?
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
Conference – REACH revision 2025: simpler, faster, bolder
2025 is an important year for the future of the EU’s chemicals policy. Governments and the European Commission are under pressure to stop chemical pollution, which has got out of control, and to respond to a chemical sector facing a new energy and economic landscape. REACH needs to be updated to become simpler in generating information, faster in controlling the most … [Read more...] about Conference – REACH revision 2025: simpler, faster, bolder
Medical professionals urge the EU to phase-out PFAS, including in the healthcare sector
Over 150 medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, people working in the healthcare sector, and experts on PFAS, have sent a letter to leading European Commission officials, urging them to phase out per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including in the healthcare sector. The letter, addressed to Commission President von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President of … [Read more...] about Medical professionals urge the EU to phase-out PFAS, including in the healthcare sector
TFA, everywhere and forever? Trifluoroacetic acid contamination – a new CHEM Trust FAQ
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a chemical with very mobile and persistent properties that is one of many per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) also known as the ‘forever chemicals’ due to their longevity in the environment. The spotlight is increasingly being turned on TFA because, as monitoring of this chemical steps up, it is becoming clear that it is contaminating the … [Read more...] about TFA, everywhere and forever? Trifluoroacetic acid contamination – a new CHEM Trust FAQ
Non-harmonised FCM laws – a reason for concern
A new CHEM Trust briefing, Non-harmonised FCM laws – a reason for concern, highlights the chaotic situation of legislation on food contact materials (FCMs) in the EU. Harmonised legislation, including restrictions on harmful substances, exists for four types of materials at the EU level; active and intelligent materials, plastics (incl. recycled plastics), cellulose film and … [Read more...] about Non-harmonised FCM laws – a reason for concern
