CHEM Trust has highlighted for nearly five years, that the current EU laws regulating the chemicals used in food contact materials (FCM) such as food packaging, cutlery, and factory equipment do not properly protect public health. Many materials, such as paper, card, inks and linings are not controlled by harmonised EU-level laws, and where harmonised laws exist, like e.g. for … [Read more...] about Five key principles for future EU regulation of chemicals in food contact materials
Regulation
Survey of councils finds that UK shoppers aren’t properly protected from illegal levels of hazardous chemicals in the products they buy
Resources to protect the UK public from hidden chemicals in consumer products are shockingly low, according to new data obtained through Freedom of Information requests. Campaigners at environmental charity CHEM Trust asked 164 councils across the UK [1] how much they spent on monitoring consumer products for hazardous chemicals in the past five years, how many products were … [Read more...] about Survey of councils finds that UK shoppers aren’t properly protected from illegal levels of hazardous chemicals in the products they buy
EU takes first steps to restrict microplastics – What are the main issues?
In its Plastics Strategy, published in January this year, the EU Commission announced it had tasked ECHA to collect background information and review the scientific basis for taking regulatory action at the EU level regarding intentionally added microplastics in products. CHEM Trust has participated in the first step of the process by responding to ECHA’s call for evidence and … [Read more...] about EU takes first steps to restrict microplastics – What are the main issues?
Companies putting public health at risk by replacing one harmful chemical with similar, potentially toxic, alternatives
A new report “From BPA to BPZ: a toxic soup? How companies switch from a known hazardous chemical to one with similar properties, and how regulators could stop them”, published today by CHEM Trust, highlights how industry is being allowed to replace the well-known hormone disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA), with very similar chemicals that may also be harmful. BPA is … [Read more...] about Companies putting public health at risk by replacing one harmful chemical with similar, potentially toxic, alternatives
UK politicians debate EU chemical laws and Brexit; it is argued that new UK chemical regulation would be an “ideological indulgence”
On Thursday 1st February, UK politicians gathered in Westminster Hall to debate the future of UK chemical regulations after Brexit. A strong case was made for the business, health and environmental benefits of staying in the EU's world-leading chemicals regulation system REACH. The Chair of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), Mary Creagh argued that … [Read more...] about UK politicians debate EU chemical laws and Brexit; it is argued that new UK chemical regulation would be an “ideological indulgence”
Will you be using toxic napkins at Christmas?
The weather is cooling down, Christmas street lights are switched on, New Year's Eve celebrations are being prepared... It is the season to get merry and enjoy dinners with family and friends. You will probably use Christmassy paper napkins to decorate your table or to wrap slices of cakes and other sweets. However, what you probably don't know is that these nice coloured paper … [Read more...] about Will you be using toxic napkins at Christmas?
UK manufacturing industry: Brexit threatens businesses unless UK stays in EU chemical regulations
On Friday 29th September, a wide range of stakeholders, including companies, politicians, the UK government and NGOs, gathered to discuss Brexit's impact on future chemicals regulation in a comprehensive workshop organised by Chemical Watch, in collaboration with CHEM Trust and Tech UK. The overwhelming message of the event was that the UK should aim to stay in the EU's main … [Read more...] about UK manufacturing industry: Brexit threatens businesses unless UK stays in EU chemical regulations
A move to safer chemicals? Ten years of the EU’s REACH chemicals regulation
The EUs system for regulating chemicals, REACH, came into force 10 years ago, on the 1st June 2007. It aimed to gather reliable safety data on chemicals that are used in Europe, and to control those with problems, substituting them with safer alternatives. It was one of the most complex and controversial regulatory proposals that the EU has ever produced, with many exaggerated … [Read more...] about A move to safer chemicals? Ten years of the EU’s REACH chemicals regulation
MPs call for post-Brexit UK to remain as close as possible to EU’s main chemicals law REACH
The UK House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has today published the report of its inquiry on chemicals regulation after the EU referendum, which particularly focussed on the EU's world-leading REACH system for regulating chemicals. The EAC criticise the UK Government's lack of openness about its post-Brexit plans, and point out that most respondents want the UK … [Read more...] about MPs call for post-Brexit UK to remain as close as possible to EU’s main chemicals law REACH
As concerns mount, EU Commission finally commits to action on laws regulating chemicals in packaging
Following on from a very critical report by the European Parliament, the European Commission has finally announced that it will review the laws regulating the chemicals allowed in food contact materials such as packaging. They have also published a detailed study showing the extent of the problems caused by the lack of adequate EU rules covering food contact materials (FCM) … [Read more...] about As concerns mount, EU Commission finally commits to action on laws regulating chemicals in packaging