Episode 1419: Think Tank: EU chemicals regulatory reforms risk being too little, too late

BARCELONA (ICIS)--EU leaders seem to recognize the need for action to reverse deindustrialization, but it risks being too little, too late for chemicals.

• 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
• Move away from international rule of law means new approaches needed

In this Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Gerard McElwee and Peter Sellar from Squire Patton Boggs, ICIS Insight Editor Tom Brown and Paul Hodges, chairman of New Normal Consulting.