ECHA Newsletter focuses on substitution and innovation

In the April issue, we have included case studies, interviews and guest columns that show how industry, authorities and organisations are working for safer chemicals and greener innovation. We write, among other things, how a Spanish SME Incusa has found a new technology to replace chromium VI used in leather tanning; how a Dutch multinational AkzoNobel keeps stock of their substances; and how the biocides regulation promotes safer alternatives. Our guest columnists from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency present their actions to help companies to identify and evaluate safer chemicals.

Go to Newsletter | PDF version

"Chemical Safety and Your Business" – a leaflet in 23 EU languages

Recent surveys and checks by inspectors show that many small companies using chemicals are still unaware of REACH and CLP or may think that the EU's chemical law does not apply to their business. The leaflet "Chemical Safety and Your Business" can help such companies to discover what this is about and to make a start. The leaflet uses simple language to introduce the key concepts of REACH and CLP and offers links for further information. It can be downloaded in each of the EU official languages from the respective version of ECHA's SME web page.

SME page

Express your interest in attending a scientific workshop on nanomaterials

23-24 October, Helsinki, Finland

The Topical scientific workshop on regulatory challenges in risk assessment of nanomaterials is planned to be held from 23 to 24 October 2014 at ECHA. It aims to bring together experts in the field of risk assessment of nanomaterials to discuss and update scientific principles and guidelines for assessing human health and environmental risks of chemicals in nanoform. The workshop also provides a platform for academia and regulators to exchange views about the current and future research on nanomaterials.

Participation in the workshop is by invitation only. If you are an expert in the risk assessment of nanomaterials, express your interest to participate by 15 May 2014.

Event page | Form for expression of interest

Helsinki Chemicals Forum – register now!

22-23 May 2014, Helsinki, Finland

The Helsinki Chemicals Forum engages international authorities, industry leaders, NGOs, academics, the media and other interested parties in an open debate on topical themes related to chemical management and safety. This year's topical themes include promoting transatlantic trade, fracking, endocrine disrupting chemicals and emerging economy needs. For the first time since its inception, the HCF will also host facilitated workshops at the end of each day to summarise and discuss topics presented during the plenary. The HCF follows ECHA's annual Stakeholders' Day conference in May. Read the blogs of this year's panel moderators to gain further insight into the topics of the day.

Programme | HCF Blog: Rob Visser| HCF Blog: Mamta Patel