Impact of the EU REACH Regulation on the Packaging Supply, 2007 European PLACE Conference

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Our huge modern range of goods can only be managed logistically if suitably packed during distribution and warehousing. Packaging [Fig. 1] protects goods against damage and loss. The manufacturing of packaging material and packages cannot be imagined without chemicals like polymers, adhesives [Fig. 2], printing inks, and many others. To ensure a high level of protection of human health and environment from the risks of chemicals when using these chemicals [Fig. 3], the European Commission issued at the end of 2006 a new European chemicals legislation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) called REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of CHemicals). REACH is based on the idea that industry itself is best placed to ensure that the chemicals manufactured, put on the market and used in the EU do not adversely affect human health or the environment. This requires that industry has certain knowledge of the properties of its substances and manages potential risks. Authorities should focus their resources on ensuring that industry is meeting its obligation and that it is taking action on substances of very high concern where there is a need for Community action.