PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) pollution is pervasive across Europe. According to the Forever Pollution Project, almost 23,000 European sites are already polluted with PFAS, and a further 21,500 sites are suspected to be contaminated. These ‘forever chemicals’ are in our food, drinking water, air, soil, rivers, oceans - and our bodies. In some areas, pollution … [Read more...] about Lessons learnt from “forever chemicals” restriction highlight the need for REACH reform.
REACH
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
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?
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
Future Environment Commissioner confirms REACH revision will build on existing work and prioritise protection
Yesterday, the EU Environment Commissioner-designate, Jessika Roswall, was questioned by the Environment Committee in the European Parliament. This gives Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) the chance to scrutinise the potential future Commissioners on their file and to assess if they are suitable for the roles they have been given, When questioned about the REACH … [Read more...] about Future Environment Commissioner confirms REACH revision will build on existing work and prioritise protection
European Commission President von der Leyen is re-elected and re-commits to European Green Deal and revision of EU chemicals law REACH
European Commission President-elect von der Leyen announced in her political priorities this morning that "We must and will stay the course on the goals set out in the European Green Deal" and that "we will put forward a new chemicals industry package, aiming to simplify REACH" as part of an effort to shift to a “more sustainable pattern of production and consumption, retaining … [Read more...] about European Commission President von der Leyen is re-elected and re-commits to European Green Deal and revision of EU chemicals law REACH
Draft legislation to improve EU chemicals data and scientific analysis published, but what about ECHA?
CHEM Trust welcomes the European Commission's publication of three legislative proposals which aim to 'streamline assessments of chemicals across EU legislation; strengthen the knowledge base on chemicals; and ensure early detection and action on emerging chemical risks' . This package, often called 'One Substance One Assessment' or OSOA, is an important element of modernising … [Read more...] about Draft legislation to improve EU chemicals data and scientific analysis published, but what about ECHA?
EU Commission confirms that REACH revision is very important, as new regulations on classification are provisionally agreed
CHEM Trust has received a response to the letter that we sent to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 19th September 2023. The response, which comes jointly from the relevant Directors in DG Environment and DG Grow, reaffirms the Commission's commitment to revising the main EU chemicals law REACH: "As we said in the plenary of the European Parliament last year, the … [Read more...] about EU Commission confirms that REACH revision is very important, as new regulations on classification are provisionally agreed
Von der Leyen Commission fails in its responsibility to publish a proposal to improve EU chemical law REACH, despite promises in the Green Deal
This afternoon the European Commission published its work plan for 2024, and this document failed to mention the reform of Europe's main law on chemicals used in everyday products, REACH. The reform of REACH is a key component of the EU's Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS), published three years ago on 14th October 2020, which was described as a "new long-term vision … [Read more...] about Von der Leyen Commission fails in its responsibility to publish a proposal to improve EU chemical law REACH, despite promises in the Green Deal
A transition to a PFAS-free economy for a clean and healthy future
Opinion piece written by Dr Julie Schneider, CHEM Trust Campaigner. Last week, CHEM Trust submitted its response to the public consultation on the EU universal PFAS restriction proposal. This follows on one year from CHEM Trust, Arnika, Tegengif, HEAL, EEB, ClientEarth, and BUND launching the BAN PFAS manifesto. We have since been joined by 125 organisations from 25 EU … [Read more...] about A transition to a PFAS-free economy for a clean and healthy future
