REACH-advancement: REACH and sustainable chemistry (AP6) (FKZ: 3717 67 410 0)
A systematic analysis of the relations between the main elements of REACH (e.g. Registration or Information in the supply chain) and the main elements of sustainable chemistry (e.g. substitution of hazardous substances or corporate social responsibility of companies) was conducted. This analysis creates a good understanding of these relations and formed the basis for developing recommendations to further increase the support of REACH to sustainable chemistry.
It was found out that REACH does already contribute to the implementation of sustainable chemistry, e.g. by providing data on problematic properties of chemicals or ensuring information to consumers on substances of very high concern (SVHC) in articles. However, weaknesses in the implementation, the weighting of the different goals and limitations in the scope of REACH can reduce the generally possible positive effect of REACH on sustainable chemistry. The report describes 12 recommendations for a stronger support of sustainable chemistry by REACH: from a higher efficiency of REACH processes up to an increase in exchange and capacity building.