We continue testing alternatives to replace hazardous materials and to meet technical requirements.

Summary of important guide lines applying to our products:

REACH: a regulation of European chemicals law. REACH focuses on the protection of persons and environment against chemicals produced or imported in the EC by making important safety instructions for safe handling of these substances available.

Before REACH regulation all (new) substances ELINCS, produced or imported since 1981 in Europe had to be subject to various tests. For all (former) substances EINECS (approx. 100.000) the industry obliged voluntarily to supply information which unfortunately has only be done on a limited scale and therefore leading to the resolution about the European chemicals law REACH (registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals).

As per REACH no differentiation between new and former substances, registration of all produced or imported substances exceeding certain quantity limits (incl. detailed safety report on substances) required. All registered substances are examined by ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) and approved for safe applications (being subject to prior registration).

Approved applications and numbers of registration are noted in safety data sheets for these substances. Due to high examination costs for producers and importers some substances might be removed from the product range.

A very topical issue is the restriction of diisocyanates. The basis of the restriction is the proven allergenic effect of these substances via skin contact (dermatitis) and inhalation (asthma).

The restriction (Regulation (EU) 2020/1149) sets requirements for the use and placing on the market of diisocyanates as substances on their own, as constituents of other substances or in mixtures for industrial and professional uses in concentrations higher than 0.1% by weight.

Specifically, the restriction stipulates the following:

After 24 August 2023, diisocyanates may only be manufactured, distributed and used if the required employee training has been provided and documented. The training of employees must be repeated every 5 years.

In addition, from 24 February 2022, all affected products would have to be labelled and equipped with the notice “From 24 August 2023, appropriate training is required before industrial or professional use”. You will find this notice on our safety data sheets since the deadline.

If you purchase products from us that contain diisocyanates, it is necessary to plan this training independently for all employees who have contact with the material by the deadline of 24 August 2023. Please note that the responsibility for this has been placed in your hands by the legislator.