REACH is a new EU law on chemicals that was passed on 1 June 2007. REACH means ‘registration, evalution, authorisation and restriction of chemical substances’. The purpose of REACH is to ensure knowledge about the risks of chemicals and their uses. REACH is also meant to improve the protection of human health and the environment. At the same time, it should enhance the innovative capability and competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry.
Accoat does not produce chemicals but it does import coatings and substances used for coatings. The coatings are used by Accoat and are not normally sold to customers. Accoat’s customers will not have to take any action in relation to REACH when purchasing surface solutions from Accoat.
Accoat’s obligations due to REACH
- To identify dangerous chemical substances
- To inform contractors of how Accoat uses the purchased chemical substances
- To gather information about chemical substances
- To ensure that all components are pre-registered before 1 December 2008
- To begin the process of substituting all dangerous chemical substances
Naturally, Accoat is already working on all of the above-mentioned obligations and it is worth mentioning that Accoat only handles one substance that is considered to be dangerous. As Accoat constantly endeavours to be at the forefront of change, the usage of this substance has already been reduced and the process of entirely substituting it is progressing.
Accoat is DS/ISO 14.001 certified. This means that Accoat is authorised every year in accordance with the high environmental standards that ISO 14.001 are comprised of.