21.05.2014 • NewsBASFDede WillamsDow Chemical

ECHA Opens Consultation on HBCDD Extension

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the body that administers REACH, has opened a public consultation on proposed continued use of the flame retardant chemical hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) in certain styrenic foam building applications following the 2015 phase-out of the product now classified as a persistent organic pollutant (POP).

The consultation period will extend until July 9.

ECHA is reacting to an application filed in February of this year by 13 producers or users of HBCDD, including Ineos, StyroChem, Synthomer and Versalis.

In contrast, several of the styrenics industry's leading players, have announced plans to convert their entire production to the more environmentally friendly PolyFR flame retardant before the 2015 deadline.

The leading player, BASF, said it has converted production of its Styrodur expandable polystyrene (XPS) insulation panels at Tudela / Spain to use PolyFR, which it said "has a superior environmental profile while offering the same flame retardancy."

By the end of this year, the German group plans to have switched all of its plants to the new products. Other producers, including Dow Chemical and some European companies seeking to have peripheral HBCDD applications extended, are also in the process of switching to PolyFR.

Whitepaper

Excellence in Pharmaceutical Distribution and The Critical Role of Good Distribution Practice (GDP)
Setting the Standard

Excellence in Pharmaceutical Distribution and The Critical Role of Good Distribution Practice (GDP)

Are you ready to elevate your pharmaceutical operations? Download our exclusive whitepaper and discover how compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) is essential for the safety and integrity of pharmaceuticals.

Free Virtual Event

Vaccine Manufacturing
Bioprocess Forum

Vaccine Manufacturing

Join global experts and innovators for a two-day virtual event exploring the latest breakthroughs and best practices in vaccine manufacturing. Discover how new technologies and process innovations are shaping the future of vaccine production, safety, and scalability.

most read

Photo
13.03.2025 • News

Roche and Zealand Pharma Collaborate on Weight Management Drug

Swiss pharma heavyweight Roche announced has entered into an exclusive collaboration and licensing agreement with Denmark’s Zealand Pharma. Under the terms of this agreement, the two companies will collaborate to co-develop and co-commercialize petrelintide, Zealand Pharma’s amylin analog as a standalone therapy as well as a fixed-dose combination with Roche’s lead incretin asset CT-388.