Back to UBQ blog

UBQ Materials and EU & UK REACH Compliance

      9 Jul 2024

UBQ Materials is pioneering sustainability with its revolutionary UBQ™ material, a testament to its commitment to environmental excellence and safety. With the assurance of third-party validators, UBQ has successfully met global standards across 14 certifications and compliances, including EU REACH, UK REACH, RoHS Directive, and USDA BioPreferred, among others.

 

These certifications underscore UBQ’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, promising a future where materials are not only sustainable but also rigorously tested and trusted worldwide. By adhering to stringent standards like EU & UK REACH Compliance, established in 2007, UBQ demonstrates its commitment to protecting human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals. This compliance requires that manufacturers and importers register chemical properties in a central database managed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Promoting innovation and competitiveness within the EU & UK chemical industry, REACH also advocates for non-animal testing methods and ensures that all substances are evaluated for safety.

What is REACH Compliance?

REACH, which stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals, is a European Union and United Kingdom regulation adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals. It is the strictest law to date regulating chemical substances and affects industries throughout the world. For companies like UBQ Materials, compliance with REACH is not just about adhering to regulations—it’s a commitment to sustainability and safety.

Scope of EU REACH Regulation

The scope of the REACH regulation is vast, covering all chemical substances manufactured or marketed in the EU & UK. This includes not only chemicals used in industrial processes but also those found in everyday products such as cleaning products, paints, and items like clothes, furniture, and electrical appliances. Understanding the breadth of these regulations is crucial for companies to manage their responsibilities effectively.

Obligations for Manufacturers and Importers

Under REACH, manufacturers and importers are required to gather information on the properties of their chemical substances and to assess the risk presented by their use. They must demonstrate how the substance can be safely used, and they must communicate the risk management measures to users. UBQ Materials takes these obligations seriously, ensuring that all materials we use and produce are fully compliant with REACH standards.

Substance Registration Requirements

Registration is a fundamental component of REACH, requiring manufacturers and importers to submit detailed information on the chemicals they produce or import. This includes data on their physical, health, and environmental hazards. At UBQ, we pride ourselves on maintaining an open line of communication with regulators, ensuring that all our substances are registered in accordance with EU & UK guidelines.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Communication Obligations

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are essential tools for the communication of hazards and risk management practices. They provide information about the substances, including their use and the precautions necessary to use them safely. UBQ Materials ensures that our SDSs are detailed, up-to-date, and readily available to all our stakeholders, fulfilling our communication obligations comprehensively.

Authorization Process for Restricted Substances

Some substances are so hazardous that their use is restricted within the EU & UK. In such cases, an authorization process is required for continued use. The UBQ™ production process doesn’t include the addition of any chemical, which make us a hazard free product.

Evaluation and Restriction Procedures

Evaluation and restriction are two key procedures in the REACH framework. Evaluations are carried out to ensure that all data on chemicals is compliant with the regulation. Restrictions can be placed on the manufacture, marketing, or use of certain substances if they pose unacceptable risks. UBQ Materials engages actively in these processes, ensuring that our practices meet all regulatory expectations.

Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement

REACH compliance is continuously monitored and enforced by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and national authorities. UBQ Materials undergoes regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with these regulations, demonstrating our commitment to not only meet but exceed regulatory standards. UBQ annually updates effective and accurate data that enables compliance with REACH regulations worldwide, which is critical to understanding and complying with government regulations to successfully enter the market.

Impacts of EU REACH on Supply Chains – UBQ

The implications of REACH on supply chains are significant, influencing material selection, sourcing, and compliance strategies. At UBQ, we understand that our commitment to REACH compliance makes us a more reliable and sustainable partner in the supply chain, offering our customers confidence that the products we supply are not only compliant but also sustainably produced.

 

As the world gravitates towards more sustainable practices, UBQ Materials stands at the forefront, demonstrating that it is possible to innovate while strictly adhering to environmental and health standards. Our commitment to EU & UK REACH compliance is not merely about following regulations; it is a central pillar of our mission to pioneer sustainable material solutions that pave the way for a greener future.

 

Through our rigorous adherence to REACH and other certifications, UBQ Materials not only meets but often exceeds the regulatory expectations, ensuring that every stakeholder in our supply chain benefits from the highest standards of safety and sustainability. Our proactive approach to compliance, from substance registration to safety data management and beyond, showcases our dedication to transparency and environmental stewardship.

 

Do you know someone who might be interested in this post? You should share it:

Think you’ve seen it all?

Join our newsletter and receive updates on UBQ events, news and developments in the sustainability world

Have you read these articles yet?

Next article

Gina McCarthy Joins UBQ Materials International Advisory Board