REACH

The European regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals (REACH), became effective as of June 1, 2007 and applies to the chemical industry's entire value chain. Compliance with REACH requires a regulatory evaluation and approval for all chemical substances to be introduced in the European market.

Borealis has demonstrated its leadership in preparing for REACH by:

• initiating a program to facilitate its implementation,
• creating a multidisciplinary team that works in close co-operation with all the federations of our value chain (e.g. for polymers this means CEFIC sector group ELiSANA, PlasticsEurope and European Plastics Converters Association EuPC),
• working together with European Chemical Industry Council CEFIC for our Base Chemicals business.

It is essential for companies that use chemical substances and preparations to know if suppliers (i.e. manufacturers, importers) will register all substances. Pre-registration is the first step in confirming that these substances will be available in the future.

The list of completed pre-registrations can be found here.

A standard questionnaire has been filled out to provide information for our customers on the intention to pre-register.  You will also find more specific information for our customers.

Having signed the Responsible Care Global Charter (RCGC), we extend our attention to activities associated with the safe use and handling of our products to the whole value chain from initial development to disposal. Specific information for suppliers are also available.

ECHA has published the first pre-candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC) on the 30th of June 2008. Based on our knowledge, no substances mentioned in the pre-candidate list are present in our final polyolefin products, although some phthalates are used in the catalyst systems of polypropylene. Please also check our grade specific statements on Chemicals, regulations and standards.

If a substance used in Borealis polyolefins will be put on the (pre-)candidate list in the course of REACH, Borealis will aim at instant substitution of this substance(s) if technically and economically feasible.

For further information, please contact us