21 February 2019, Brussels.  – The comprehensive inventory of all plastic additives used to date in the EU, published today by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), is an important step towards better risk assessment of these substances under REACH and CLP. Cefic and its members worked alongside ECHA, the plastics value chain represented by PlasticsEurope and European Plastics Converters (EuPC), academics and EU member state representatives for two years to screen some 1,000 substances, to identify the substances that are actually used as plastic additives in the EU and validate data on their intrinsic properties. The data provided by the industry helped ECHA and a team of researchers develop a model to calculate the release potential of each substance into the environment. Regulators in EU member states will be able to use this inventory as a starting point to decide which substances should be assessed as a matter of priority. The information provided in this inventory will need to be combined with the hazard characteristics of each substance for a full risk assessment. Companies will be able to use the inventory to further refine the data about uses and exposure potential in their REACH registration dossiers. Cefic and PlasticsEurope members will communicate the inventory to their supply chain to make sure the downstream industries have the right information about the uses of each substance and its properties. Background: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) committed to map all substances registered under REACH in the >100 tonnes band and their uses in order to identify those that require further regulatory action and those that have a lower risk profile and can therefore be assigned a lower priority. 419 high volume (>100T/year) substances have been identified as additives in plastics in the context of this project. They cover a group of functional additives and pigments. Additives are used in plastics to impart the essential properties needed to make them fit for their specific purpose and ensure safe use by the consumer throughout the article’s service life. They include 1) plasticisers that ensure the flexibility and durability of cables, flooring and roof membranes; 2) flame retardants that impart fire safety properties to your electronics and other household items; 3) anti-oxidants that ensure the durability and stability of drinking water pipes and other long-life articles; 4) and other additives such as pigments, heat stabilisers, etc… The potential for release to the environment means the potential for a chemical to be released in air, water and soil during the use of that chemical in an article.). The inventory does not provide actual (real life) or experimental data, only the relative release potential.  ----------------- Maria Linkova-Nijs, Media Relations Manager, Cefic,                           Camelia Vasile, Media Relations Manager, PlasticsEurope +32.2.436.93.54 or [email protected].                                                            +32 2 792 3021 or [email protected]

Brussels, 14th February 2019 - As part of its commitment to SAICM (Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management), ICCA (the International Council of Chemical Associations) and UN Environment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sound chemicals management and developing effective chemical management around the world. ICCA, its member associations and member companies are currently engaged in several collaborative projects with UN Environment. Ongoing projects cover such issues as plastics waste management; Responsible Care; chemicals management; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); implementation of the Globally Harmonised System for the Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) (see above) and Circular Economy, ... These joint projects, through SAICM, will enable ICCA and all relevant stakeholders to contribute to building a stronger foundation for the sound management of chemicals and waste. With the support of the local associations, ICCA contributes to capacity building workshops aimed at coordinating the work with the stakeholders and sharing expertise using specific case studies. Studies on knowledge and data sharing, as well as Sustainable Development Goal analysis are also part of ICCA’s close collaboration with UN Environment. And, to quantify the industry’s contributions to SAICM, a comprehensive socioeconomic analysis of the global chemicals industry is being developed. Lastly, ICCA is actively engaged in the negotiations for the upcoming UNEA-4 (Fourth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly) on the theme “innovative solutions for environmental challenges and sustainable consumption and production”. ICCA aims to raise awareness in making the world a more sustainable place, helping a growing population make the best use of the world’s scarce resources and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brussels, 14th February 2019  - “The Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for the classification and labelling of chemicals should be implemented as a basic management requirement in countries producing and using chemicals. The global chemical industry is ready to help both local government and industries with available tools it developed, relying on Responsible Care* and product stewardship”, said Véronique Garny, Cefic director Product Stewardship, addressing a workshop held in Ghana on January 30-31. The aim of the workshop was to brainstorm about how the GHS could be implemented in that country. Organised by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Germany and supported by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), the workshop convened some 50 participants representing national ministries and industry sectors like transporters, consumer products, paint, agricultural products manufacturers, as well as NGOs and academics.  ICCA presented its guidance and principles for regulatory cooperation, with special emphasis on safety data sheets and Responsible Care*. Constructive ideas were tabled, and the country is expected to move forward to develop its own chemical regulatory system for GHS in the years to come. A similar workshop will happen in the neighbouring country Cote d’Ivoire early March, following the country’s wish to set its own chemicals regulation. Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire agreed to build on each other’s experience to proceed in the future. By doing so, they may reduce the regional differences in chemicals management and facilitate trade. These two workshops show by example how the SAICM (Strategic Approach to Chemicals Management) programme can deliver the sound management of chemicals with cooperation and support from the UN, countries and industry. ICCA funding came from the capacity building budget. *Responsible Care® is the global chemical industry’s unique initiative to improve health, environmental performance, enhance security, and to communicate with stakeholders about products and processes.

Brussels, 7th February 2019 - As UK Prime Minister Theresa May prepares to meet European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the chemical industry right across Europe – one of the continent's biggest sectors - has united in calling for both sides of the Brexit negotiations to secure an agreement. In a joint statement the Director General of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), Marco Mensink and the Chief Executive of the Chemical Industries Association, Steve Elliott said: “What our industry and the whole economy needs is an agreed Brexit deal. We hope these talks on Thursday 7 February can secure that outcome. Businesses are increasingly preparing for a no-deal outcome with all the implications that has, for not just the UK, but for Europe as a whole. The deadline is fast approaching. We hope the negotiators put the finishing touches to an agreement that commands support from within the UK and across Europe”. NOTES For further information, please contact: CIA's Simon Marsh on 07951 389197 or [email protected] Maria Linkova-Nijs, Cefic media relations manager on +32 436.93.54   or [email protected]  About Cefic Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, founded in 1972, is the voice of large, medium and small chemical companies across Europe, which provide 1.2 million jobs and account for 16% of world chemicals production. About CIA The chemical and pharmaceutical industry adds £18 billion of value to the UK economy every year from total annual turnover of £50 billion. In addition to gross value added, the sector also contributes to the UK economy in its position at the head of many supply chains within manufacturing and its employment of a well remunerated, high-skilled workforce. We support 500,000 jobs both directly and indirectly Chemical manufacturing adds £9 billion in gross value added annually and pharmaceutical manufacturing £9 billion. The wider chemical and pharmaceutical sector (manufacturing plus distribution) is the largest exporter of manufactured goods with annual exports of over £50 billion. The export of motor vehicle, trailers and semi-trailers is the sector with next highest exports of £35 billion. Aerospace is £32 billion. 63% of companies in the sector export what they make to the world, the highest proportion of any goods manufacturing sector in the UK economy. 60% of our exports go to the European Union and 75% of our imports and raw materials come from the European Union. The sector’s level of business investment is £4.3 billion, compared to automotive £2.7 billion and aerospace £2.1 billion, while the expenditure on research & development is £5.0 billion (automotive £2.7 billion and aerospace £2.1 billion). The products and technologies of the Chemical industry are essential parts of medicines, food & drink, telecommunications, energy-saving, I.T, clothing and much more. For every tonne of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emitted, our products and technologies enable over 2 tonnes of GHG emissions savings. Fors put the finishing touches to an agreement that commands support from within the UK and across Europe.

Brussels, 31st January 2019 -  In the event of a no-deal Brexit, UK chemicals will be subject to tariffs each time they cross the English Channel unless companies can claim exceptions under strict customs rules, says Cefic Executive Director Industrial Policy René van Sloten. World Trade Organisation (WTO) tariffs of up to 6.5% will apply even for products which are being transferred to a subsidiary of the same company and amount to a tax on intra-company trading, he stresses. There are two ways to claim exemption from tariffs, but these are subject to strict customs rules and controls. First, companies can claim an exemption for inward processing. This is where a substance is exported as a raw material, processed into a different product and then re-exported. Second, companies can make a claim for duty suspension: if a company is dependent on a substance not produced in sufficient quality or quantity within the EU, it is possible to claim under this scheme, which will bring duties down to zero.The UK will have to set up its own system for these exemptions in the event of a no-deal Brexit. There are some disadvantages to being in a customs union, Van Sloten explains. If the UK enters one with the EU, it must eliminate tariffs against any third countries where the EU has a free trade agreement in place. However, it does not automatically benefit from zero tariffs on its exports to those third countries. It must first negotiate its own free trade agreement with those third countries, and that may not be simple: for one thing, the UK does not have enough trade experts to negotiate these free trade deals.   

Brussels, 29th January 2019 -  Brexit will have significant implications in the area  of chemicals regulation, for companies both in the UK and in the EU27/EEA countries.  Supply chains being highly connected, chemical companies may face difficulties in complying with chemicals legislation when the UK leaves the European Union. Cefic and CIA, the UK chemical industries association, have therefore developed a briefing note to support and prepare businesses, setting out practical considerations to maintain trade post-Brexit. The advice the document provides is based on the assumption that the UK would be leaving REACH as a result of Brexit. The two industry bodies look to minimise the challenges companies both in the EU and in the UK face to maintain REACH compliance.

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Brussels, 17th January 2019 - Peter Smith, Cefic Executive Director Product Stewardship, retired from Cefic at the end of last year. Before leaving, Peter shared his thoughts with us about his stint at Cefic, and how he envisages the future of the European chemical industry.What were the top three achievements during your time at the head of the Cefic Product Stewardship programme?  The main focus of the Product Stewardship programme in recent years has been on the successful implementation of EU regulations affecting industrial chemicals.  This mainly concerns REACH and CLP (Classification, Labelling & Packaging Regulation). The successful implementation of these two EU anchor chemicals regulations is very much an ongoing (and everyday) process.   Therefore, the three main achievements relate to chemicals regulation implementation. The two REACH Reviews in 2013 and 2018 bear testimony to our work.  Both reviews indicated that there is no need to revise REACH. I consider this to be a direct reflection of the contribution made by the chemical industry to demonstrate that REACH can work.  This was exactly what we wanted to achieve.  Very much related to the positive outcomes from the two REACH Reviews was the successful completion of the last two REACH Registration deadlines for existing chemicals (so called “phase in substances”).  The chemical industry has done a great job to complete the registrations in time and to ensure that there has been no disruption to supply chains.  Most recently, I have been very pleased with the joint statement we have agreed with ECHA.  There is much to do to achieve the goals laid out in the statement.  The statement highlights how important it will be on an ongoing basis to maintain – and in some cases improve – the quality of the registration dossiers;  to keep the dossiers current and up-to-date;  and also to engage early in discussions with ECHA concerning substances for which the assessment of the safety data may take longer than normal, thereby ensuring a smooth evaluation process and conclusions that are understandable to all stakeholders. You’ve been with Cefic for quite a while. How has the perception of the chemical industry changed during that time, if at all? The chemical industry is under ever increasing scrutiny by authorities and civil society – not just in Europe, but worldwide. And this tends to give the impression of an industry that is not acting as it should.  So perceptually, I don’t see that the industry gets as fair a deal as it should.  And in this respect, I don’t see much change over the past few years.  The reality, I believe, is far from this perception.  The European chemical industry holds itself to high standards.  The monumental effort to comply with legislation such as REACH is further evidence that the industry is committed to do the right thing to ensure the safe use of chemicals.  However, it goes beyond the requirements of the regulations to include a further commitment to continuously improve the safe use of chemicals as part of the Responsible Care programme. How do you see the future of the European chemical industry? The most significant impact on the European chemical industry will be circularity.  The need for greatly improved resource efficiency will only intensify as the global demand for manufactured goods increases with an ever-expanding population and accompanying affluence/urbanisation. The transition to a more circular economy is a way to better utilise the products of industrial scale chemistry by finding ways of extending the lifetime of manufactured goods and then reusing those spent products to make new things.  This will be a more sustainable approach than starting from virgin source raw materials all the time and disposing of the spent goods as waste.  Although the real growth in the use of chemicals will derive from non-European markets, the European chemical industry can (and should) play a major role in establishing the feasibility of a circular economy (in chemicals).  This will require close cooperation between industry and authorities to enable the transition and considerable innovation from industry. Sylvie Lemoine will be taking your place as executive director. Is there a message you’d like to give her? I am very pleased that Sylvie Lemoine will be replacing me in Cefic.  I have known Sylvie throughout my time with Cefic, where I have found her to be a very valuable member of our network.  And I am sure that her expertise in the chemical industry as well as with the European Detergents Association (AISE) will prepare her extremely well for the challenges that lie ahead.  In the first instance, she is fortunate to have a very strong team in place to assist her.  So the key message I would give her is to listen and learn from the members of the Cefic Product Stewardship department. 

January 17, 2019 - An alliance of global companies from the plastics and consumer goods value chain today launched a new organization to advance solutions to eliminate plastic waste in the environment, especially in the ocean. The cross value chain Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), currently made up of nearly thirty member companies, has committed over $1.0 billion with the goal of investing $1.5 billion over the next five years to help end plastic waste in the environment. The Alliance will develop and bring to scale solutions that will minimize and manage plastic waste and promote solutions for used plastics by helping to enable a circular economy. The Alliance membership represents global companies and located throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. “Everyone agrees that plastic waste does not belong in our oceans or anywhere in the environment. This is a complex and serious global challenge that calls for swift action and strong leadership. This new alliance is the most comprehensive effort to date to end plastic waste in the environment,” said David Taylor, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Procter & Gamble, and chairman of the AEPW. “I urge all companies, big and small and from all regions and sectors, to join us,” he added. “History has shown us that collective action and partnerships between industry, governments and NGOs can deliver innovative solutions to a global challenge like this,” said Bob Patel, CEO of LyondellBasell, and a vice chairman of the AEPW. “The issue of plastic waste is seen and felt all over the world. It must be addressed and we believe the time for action is now.” The Alliance is a not-for-profit organization that includes companies that make, use, sell, process, collect, and recycle plastics. This includes chemical and plastic manufacturers, consumer goods companies, retailers, converters, and waste management companies, also known as the plastics value chain. The Alliance has been working with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development as a founding strategic partner. The Alliance today also announced an initial set of projects and collaborations that reflect a range of solutions to help end plastic waste: Partnering with cities to design integrated waste management systems in large urban areas where infrastructure is lacking, especially those along rivers which transport vast amounts of unmanaged plastic waste from land to the ocean. This work will include engaging local governments and stakeholders, and generate economically sustainable and replicable models that can be applied across multiple cities and regions. The Alliance will pursue partnerships with cities located in high plastic leakage areas. The Alliance will also be looking to collaborate with other programs working with cities, such as Project STOP, which is working in Indonesia.  Funding The Incubator Network by Circulate Capital to develop and promote technologies, business models and entrepreneurs that prevent ocean plastic waste and improve waste management and recycling, with the intention of creating a pipeline of projects for investment, with an initial focus on Southeast Asia. Developing an open source, science-based global information project to support waste management projects globally with reliable data collection, metrics, standards, and methodologies to help governments, companies, and investors focus on and accelerate actions to stop plastic waste from entering the environment. The Alliance will explore opportunities to partner with leading academic institutions and other organizations already involved in similar types of data collection. Creating a capacity building collaboration with intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations to conduct joint workshops and trainings for government officials and community-based leaders to help them identify and pursue the most effective and locally-relevant solutions in the highest priority areas. Supporting Renew Oceans to aid localized investment and engagement. The program is designed to capture plastic waste before it reaches the ocean from the ten major rivers shown to carry the vast majority of land-based waste to the ocean. The initial work will support the Renew Ganga project, which has also received support from the National Geographic Society. In the months ahead, the Alliance will make additional investments and drive progress in four key areas:  Infrastructure development to collect and manage waste and increase recycling; Innovation to advance and scale new technologies that make recycling and recovering plastics easier and create value from all post-use plastics;   Education and engagement of governments, businesses, and communities to mobilize action; and, Clean up of concentrated areas of plastic waste already in the environment, particularly the major conduits of waste, like rivers, that carry land-based plastic waste to the sea.     “Success will require collaboration and coordinated efforts across many sectors – some that create near-term progress and others that require major investments with longer timelines. Addressing plastic waste in the environment and developing a circular economy of plastics requires the participation of everyone across the entire value chain and the long term commitment of businesses, governments, and communities. No one country, company or community can solve this on their own,” said Veolia CEO Antoine Frérot, a vice chairman of the AEPW. Research from the Ocean Conservancy shows that nearly 80 percent of plastic waste in the ocean begins as litter on land, the vast majority of which travels to the sea by rivers. In fact one study estimates that over 90 percent of river borne plastic in the ocean comes from 10 major rivers around the world – eight in Asia, and two in Africa. Sixty percent of plastic waste in the ocean can be sourced to five countries in Southeast Asia. “While our effort will be global, the Alliance can have the greatest impact on the problem by focusing on the parts of the world where the challenge is greatest; and by sharing solutions and best practices so that these efforts can be amplified and scaled-up around the world”, said Peter Bakker, President and CEO of World Business Council for Sustainable Development. The following companies are the founding members of the Alliance: BASF, Berry Global, Braskem, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, Clariant, Covestro, Dow, DSM, ExxonMobil, Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A., Henkel, LyondellBasell, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings, Mitsui Chemicals, NOVA Chemicals, OxyChem, Procter & Gamble, Reliance Industries, SABIC, Sasol, SUEZ, Shell, SCG Chemicals, Sumitomo Chemical, Total, Veolia, and Versalis (Eni). The live global internet broadcast can be viewed at www.endplasticwaste.org/live. The broadcast will begin at 14.00 GMT and will last approximately 30 minutes. For more information, please visit www.endplasticwaste.org CONTACT: Jim Meszaros -  +1.703.966.2321

Brussels, 16th January 2019 - Following yesterday’s vote in the UK Parliament, business continues to lack clarity about the state of play after 29 March 2019, which means that companies cannot make decisions on production, investments and employment.  Marco Mensink, Director General of Cefic, said: “We can’t stress this enough, because having certainty on the arrangements between the EU and the UK is critical to avoid serious supply chain disruptions. We continue to ask for a solution to be found, and hope that a ‘no-deal Brexit’ can still be avoided.”  From the onset of the Brexit negotiations, the chemical industry on both sides of the Channel has been calling for an agreement that would keep frictionless tariff-free trade in chemicals, ensure regulatory consistency between the UK and EU-27 and enable access to skilled people to continue with the sector’s R&D programmes.  Cefic has cooperated closely and continues to work with its UK member, the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) and the UK based companies to inform policymakers about our position.