The UK is consulting on proposals to introduce an Alternative Transitional Registrational model for UK REACH. The model aims to reduce the estimated £2 billion costs the UK chemical industry might have faced under the transition from EU REACH to UK REACH. The consultation also contains proposals to change the current UK REACH regime inherited from the EU. The policy proposals are intended to increase regulatory efficiency and further support the principal of animal testing as a last resort. For more information see here. The deadline for receiving comments is 11 July 2024. During the next ICTA Transport & Security meeting, CBA will give a presentation about the proposed changes and their expected effects for business. 

International negotiations about a global plastics treaty are in full swing. More than 2,500 delegates participated in the latest negotiation round in Ottowa, with representatives present from 170 countries and 480 observer organizations including UN entities, NGOs and industry. Participants are developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. If agreed, the treaty would be one of the most significant environmental decisions since the Paris Agreement and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity. Topics include emissions, production, product design, waste management, problematic and avoidable plastics and financing. The ICTA SSHE committee has been monitoring the developments and has developed a position paper to inform the negotiations. The next session will take place in Busan, South Korea in November.

International negotiations about a global plastics treaty are in full swing. More than 2,500 delegates participated in the latest negotiation round in Ottowa, with representatives present from 170 countries and 480 observer organizations including UN entities, NGOs and industry. Participants are developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. If agreed, the treaty would be one of the most significant environmental decisions since the Paris Agreement and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity. Topics include emissions, production, product design, waste management, problematic and avoidable plastics and financing. The ICTA SSHE committee has been monitoring the developments and has developed a position paper to inform the negotiations. The next session will take place in Busan, South Korea in November.

On 30 April 2024, ICTA organized a workshop on Improving Safety and Sustainability in the International Chemical Supply Chain in Mumbai. The workshop was organised together with the Indian Chemical Council (ICC). The event featured keynote speakers from leading industry players like Brenntag and Azelis and attracted over 85 participants. 

It was an incredible platform to explain the Global RD program, highlighting its benefits and the anticipated impact on EU legislation. The participation was diverse, ranging from LSPs, distributors, to value chain service providers, including cleaning services.

Over two rigorous audit days on 29-30 November 2023, conducted by LRQA, we witnessed excellent performance at both Rhenus (TPW) and Food Blending (Brenntag) facilities in Bhiwandi, Mumbai. The cost-effective approach, was well worth the investment, considering the invaluable feedback received from Brenntag and LRQA.

The GRD program and assessment checklist have been meticulously updated and improved, reflecting our commitment to continuous improvement. This event was more than just a conference; it was a melting pot of ideas and collaboration that further strengthened the relationship between ICTA, ICC, and the Indian chemical industry. The interest in the Global RD program was palpable, with multiple stakeholders keen on embracing this initiative.