ECHA Publishes Dossier on Plastics Additives

ECHA Publishes Dossier on Plastics Additives (c) ECHA
ECHA Publishes Dossier on Plastics Additives (c) ECHA

In cooperation with the industrial supply chain, European chemicals agency ECHA has mapped a range of high-volume chemicals used as additives in plastics to aid in identifying substances of priority for further assessment under REACH.

On its website the agency provides information on technical functions of additives along with supplying producers’ data on substances manufactured or imported in volumes of more than 100 /t. Methodology for comparing the potential of additives released from plastic products is also covered.

The list includes substances used as antioxidants, antistatics, flame retardants, nucleating agents, plasticizers, pigments, heat stabilizers and UV/light stabilizer, along with the polymer types they are most often found in, plus the expected concentration ranges during use and information on hazard potential.
ECHA says the project launched in 2016 and carried out in cooperation with 21 industry sectors, including both additive manufacturers and downstream users, is designed to help all users determine safe usage for substances contained in plastics, thus “triggering a need for updating their registration dossiers.”

The information should be included in registrations and also communicated down the supply chains, the agency says, adding that comparing the release potential of additives with the same technical function can also help in the substitution of hazardous substances with safer alternatives.

The project contributes to meeting the 2020 goals of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and to the EU’s Strategy for Plastics in the Circular Economy, ECHA notes.

Free Expert Insights

Dual‑Targeting Breakthroughs
Advancements in Bispecific Antibody Development

Dual‑Targeting Breakthroughs

Unlock the latest breakthroughs in bispecific antibody development! Download Wiley’s free Expert Insights eBook to explore cutting-edge dual-targeting strategies, advanced purification methods, and bioanalytical technologies transforming immunotherapy and cancer treatment.

Virtual Event

Digitalization in the Chemical Industry
CHEManager Spotlight

Digitalization in the Chemical Industry

Save the Date: October 22, 2025
The event will be promoted to a combined audience of over 100,000 professionals across Europe through the CHEManager and CITplus networks.

most read

Photo
28.07.2025 • NewsChemistry

VCI Welcomes US-EU Customs Deal

The German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) welcomes the fact that Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and US President Donald Trump have averted the danger of a trade war for the time being.