Update of REACH regulation
On August 04, 2020 an update was published to the European REACH regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006), which governs the registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals, aimed at ensuring greater protection of human health and the environment. More specifically, new requirements were added to Annex XVII for parties using chemical substances or products containing 0.1% by weight or greater of diisocyanates.
Our R&D laboratory immediately analyzed the new legislation and decided to begin working to ensure compliance of formulas for hardeners (also known as catalysts) of two-component coatings. This led to the decision to exclusively use isocyanate polymers with free residual monomers below 0.1%. We aim to complete the whole process in record time, by the end of the year, well in advance of the first deadline set for February 24, 2022.
This ambitious project allows us to offer concrete support to our customers, increasing the safety of the products they use and removing the need for them to launch specific documented training on the safe use of diisocyanates.
In fact, following the second and final deadline set for August 24, 2023, substances and mixtures for industrial or professional use containing 0.1% or greater of diisocyanates can no longer be used unless adequate training is provided for users.