As the industry trade body for a manufacturing sector heavily affected by the REACH legislation the British Plastics Federation (BPF) has been at the forefront of efforts to explain the legislation, lobby for changes and engage with the plastics industry.
Speaking to BPF Director General Designate Philip Law, he explained that the legislation has placed a burden on plastics companies and jeopardised the use of chemical products used as additives in plastics. This is often because the administrative burden and cost of REACH means that manufacturers of chemicals produced in small quantities can no longer justify their production.
Philip Law continued by saying that from the perspective of the plastics industry REACH is often perceived as a burdensome legislation which threatens to make the EU’s manufacturers uncompetitive in a world market.
Another important issue is the listing of certain chemicals for the expensive process of ‘Authorisation’ under REACH. For example there has been a proposal to include the widely used blowing agent, Azodicarbonamide (ADCA) and the BPF has played a leading role into defending its ongoing use.
As part of its work in educating and informing the plastics industry about REACH the BPF is hosting a REACH Masterclass seminar in London on 15th May. At this event attendees will explore the current state of the REACH legislation; they will learn what they need to do in the light of the evolving timetable and what the outstanding issues are.
The conference will tackle the key topics in REACH today such as the potential for a registration scheme for polymers and an update on the authorisation and evaluation. The seminar will give attendees the opportunity to network with people with similar concerns and to learn what resources the BPF can offer.
To find out more about the REACH seminar visit www.bpfevents.co.uk
