13 Feb 2016
New REACH Restrictions
Plastic & Rubber
Plastic & rubber articles and their raw materials are impacted by the REACH restrictions for PAH which came into force on 27 December 2015.
A group of 8 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are classified as carcinogenic cat. 1B and their use and marketing has been restricted under REACH already from 2010. These substances are present in extender oils and carbon black used in the production of plastic and rubber materials. Starting 2010 extender oils cannot be placed on the market or used in the production of tyres if the PAHs concentration exceeds the allowed limits. On 27 December 2015 further restrictions on PAHs came into force. The new restrictions targets plastic and rubber articles, such as toys and any consumer products or their parts that come into direct prolonged or short term repetitive contact with the human skin or oral cavity.
Full article available in the February Issue of the Alster Newsletter. To receive the Alster Newsletter (free of charge), please register here.