Next Steps
In line with REACH and other regulations, Styron will now focus on updating the relevant European Safety Data Sheets with REACH registration numbers and – where required – with annexes on use and exposure scenarios.
With further implementation milestones through 2018 and a review of the REACH regulation in 2012, Styron will remain actively involved in several work groups of Cefic and the national trade associations.
This is the first step in REACH implementation, and preparations to meet the next registration deadline of 2013 are already underway. For further information:
Consistent with Styron’s EH&S Policy, Styron supports the development of laws, regulations, procedures and operating practices that are science-based and safeguard workers, plant communities, customers and the environment.
To facilitate this commitment, Styron has implemented a comprehensive approach for monitoring and complying with relevant industry standards and government regulations globally.
This approach includes the use of internal expertise, third party consultants, regulatory databases and industry associations to:
- Develop and adhere to internal standards that ensure Styron’s
products can be produced and sold globally while also
complying with local requirements;
- Monitor and document compliance to existing regulations
and industry standards;
- Implement compliance approaches for newly-enacted
regulations; and
- Identify emerging regulations and industry trends.
As stated in Styron’s EH&S Policy, “Health, safety and protection of the environment are Core Values which are a part of everything we do.” The company’s focus on this Core Value, which includes regulatory compliance, provides assurance that its products can be used safely in intended applications across the world, including sensitive end uses such as food-contact and medical applications.
During the past year, Styron has dedicated significant resources to European regulations that came into force late in 2010, REACH.
REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) is the single regulatory system for chemicals management in the European Union (EU). REACH requires that EU manufacturers and importers of substances to the EU (starting with quantities of one metric ton per year) disclose information on the properties of their substances, including the risk to humans and the environment associated with use. Information on appropriate risk reduction measures must also be provided.
Styron is pleased to report that, as of November 2010, it has successfully met the REACH requirement for registration of high volume and high hazard substances it manufactures in or imports into Europe. In addition, Styron remains engaged in addressing the registration requirements for lower volume substances in the coming years (2013 and 2018).
As a result, Styron’s polymers and monomers can be produced, imported and sold in the EU with full REACH compliance, and our customers won’t experience any business disruption because of a delay in REACH compliance.
Styron fully supports the objectives of REACH and the responsibility the legislation places on all members of the value chain to manage the safe use of chemicals. We believe it represents a significant opportunity for chemical manufacturers, their suppliers and customers to work together to protect the environment and preserve the future of the chemicals industry in Europe. As other nations consider similar regulations devoted to chemicals management, Styron will support these efforts and implement appropriate compliance solutions.
