Peter Sellar and Gerard McElwee joined ICIS Think Tank podcast host Will Beacham to discuss chemicals regulatory reform in the EU. EU leaders seem to recognise the need for action to reverse deindustrialisation, but it risks being too little, too late for chemicals.
Topics covered include:
EU chemicals regulation needs ambitious reform, not tinkering at the edges
Chemical companies continue to close operations in Europe, partly driven by regulatory costs
Expect a review of Reach regulation and “one substance one assessment” part of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability in 2026
Sustainability reporting requirements are being watered down
Proposed changes to the EU Waste Framework Directive will impact chemical recycling sector
Risk of EU moving towards hazard-based assessments, rather than risk
Restriction of lead in ammunition could stifle defence sector
