€12m and 80 people help Rhodia hit first REACH deadline
Company views the legislation as a ‘business opportunity’ and a ‘catalyst for innovation’
Following major investments in time and costs, international chemicals group Rhodia says it has finalised, a few days ahead of schedule (the first deadline is 30 November), the registration of its 74 substances that fall into the first tonnage band: import or production of more than 1,000 metric tons per annum, which also applies to CMR substances > 1 metric ton/annum and highly environmentally toxic substances > 100 metric tons/annum. Around 80 people from the group were involved in the process which represents an estimated investment of €12m.
“By providing better information about chemicals, this regulation should help the chemical industry win back the confidence of consumers,” said Jean-Luc Ponchon, Rhodia’s REACH project manager. “The regulation has also enabled us to improve our understanding of each individual step of our product supply chain and strengthen our relationships both with suppliers and customers. In Rhodia, we view REACH as a business opportunity and as a catalyst for innovation,”
Rhodia says it has supported REACH since its inception, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring product safety. It registered 736 substances in November 2008 and says it is fully prepared for the subsequent deadlines: the registration of approximately 130 substances imported or produced in volumes ranging from 100 to 1,000 metric tons per annum by 1 June 2013, and approximately 500 substances ranging from 1 to 100 metric tons per annum by 1 June 2018.