Issue 104 March 2024INFORMED COMMENT FROM THE BRITISH ADHESIVES & SEALANTS ASSOCIATIONCorrosive Chemical AacksHead to page 11 to read this arcle on corrosive chemicals to understand why everyone should be aware of the legislaon and useful links on the BASA website.11Safeguarding BiodiversityRead about how biodiversity plays a pivotal role in the chemicals sector and how the loss of biodiversity could have profound implicaons for the supply of crucial products.Regulatory OverviewBASA Consultant Caroline Raine gives you an update on what’s coming in 2024 and beyond in relaon to EU/UK REACH, Poison Centres, EU CLP and GB MCL.3 6BASA AWARDS NIGHT 2024 – FULL DETAILS COMING SOON!Get ready to mark your calendars and shine your shoes because BASA (Brish Adhesives and Sealants Associaon) is rolling out the red carpet for its inaugural Awards Night! It's me to celebrate the movers, shakers, and innovators in the adhesives and sealants sector like never before.Picture this: a gliering evening where industry tans and rising stars gather under one roof to honour excellence and achievement. From breakthrough innovaons to sustainable pracces, we're celebrang the outstanding contribuons of individuals and companies that drive our industry forward.But wait, there's more! This isn't just any awards ceremony – it's a chance to network with the best and brightest minds in the business. Rub elbows with industry leaders, forge new connecons, and gain insights that could take your career or business to the next level.And here's the best part: YOU can be a part of it all. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a fresh face in the industry, there's an award category just waing for your name. Don't be shy – showcase your hard work, dedicaon, and ingenuity. Who knows? You could be the next big winner, taking home the coveted trophy and earning recognion from your peers.But even if you're not ready to take the spotlight, there's sll a way to get involved. Sponsor an award and show your support for the outstanding achievers in our community. It's a chance to raise your prole, align your brand with excellence, and give back to the industry that has given us so much.So, what are you waing for? Get ready to book your ckets, dust o your tuxedo or gown, and make history at BASA's rst-ever Awards Night. Enter an award, sponsor a category, and join us for an unforgeable evening of celebraon, inspiraon, and innovaon. See you on the red carpet!Bulletin
BASA Bullen Issue 1042CEO WelcomeDear BASA Members,As we reect on the past 12 months, I am grateful for your unwavering support and dedicaon to our associaon. Your commitment has been instrumental in driving BASA forward, even amidst unprecedented challenges over the last three years.I am pleased to announce that our relaonship with FEICA (the European Adhesive and Sealant Associaon) has never been stronger. Together, we have navigated the complexies of the post-Brexit regulatory landscape, ensuring that our members remain informed and prepared for whatever the future in Europe may hold. BASA connues to dedicate resources on the UK (in respect of Great Britain) regulaons as these diverge from the EU. Meeng the challenges of dual regulaon can be a nightmare and myself and the regulatory team are on hand to help you all. This is an important membership benet, so please take advantage of it.Looking ahead, I am thrilled to announce this year’s annual Sports Day is scheduled for the 19th of June. I encourage all our golfers and shooters to mark their calendars and book their places for their preferred events. And don't forget to stay for the presentaon dinner, where we will celebrate the spirit of camaraderie and compeon. We will be sending out some direct links to book your places aer the AGM held on 7th March. I would like to extend my hearelt thanks to our sports day sponsors IMCD, Newport Industries, and Omya for their connued support of this cherished event. Your contribuons make it possible for us to come together as a community and celebrate our shared passion for the industry.But that's not all! This year, we are excited to introduce a new addion to the BASA calendar: our inaugural Awards Dinner, scheduled for November. Plans are well underway, and I am condent that it will be an evening to remember. For further informaon, please turn to page 3, where you will nd details on how to get involved. We will be launching the awards process at our upcoming AGM, so if you missed this important occasion take a look at the dedicated website for the awards night. Let us celebrate the achievements of our members and inspire future excellence within our industry.Once again, thank you for your connued support and dedicaon. Here's to a bright future ahead for BASA and its members.Lorna WilliamsCEO, BASAThe aim of BASA is to be the umbrella organisaon for adhesive and sealant manufacturers in the UK and Ireland. BASA will support its members by represenng and promong the industry, oering guidance on technical and compliance issues, providing networking opportunies for members and providing members with support services.Technical/Regulatory Compliance• To inform members about the impact of UK and European legislaon• To oer industry posions about regulatory proposals• To provide advice about informaon sources• To deliver training about key issues to membersPromong the Industry• To posively project the social and economic benets of the adhesives andsealants industry to government, consumers and industryBASA Mission• To posively project the sustainability of our products• To foster academic/industry links (careers, research)• To promote the use of adhesives/sealants and the choice of member companies• To oer guidance to end users in the correct selecon and use of adhesives and sealants• To seek opportunies to promote the industry to schools and further educaon including vocaonal training organisaons, with a view to encouraging new entrantsNetworking opportunies for members• To provide business, technical, social networking opportunies for members• To provide a plaorm for members to meet/discuss issues of industry concern• To provide opportunies for members to discuss toll manufacturingUK Representaon• Interact with other business organisaons, trade associaons, government and NGOs to represent industry views according to Council guidelinesEuropean Representaon• To maintain our leading role within FEICA, acvely parcipang in FEICA commiees and contribung to seng its agenda to ensure members’ best interests are represented, according to Council guidelines• To inform members about European technical/regulatory issuesSupport Services: Providing Members With:• Training seminars for members• Anity partners programme
3 BASA Bullen Issue 104Save The Date: BASA SPORTS DAYHawkstone Park Hotel & West Midlands Shoong Ground, ShropshireIn the dynamic landscape of modern industry, the relaonship between biodiversity and the chemicals sector is oen overlooked. However, the intricate connecon between the two is undeniable. From the manufacture of formulated chemical products to the maintenance of sustainable supply chains, biodiversity plays a pivotal role. Understanding this relaonship is essenal, as the loss of biodiversity could have profound implicaons for the supply of crucial products.The Intersecon of Biodiversity and Chemicals ManufacturingThe chemicals industry encompasses a vast array of products, from adhesives and sealants to pharmaceucals and ferlizers. Many of these products rely on natural resources obtained from diverse ecosystems. For instance, organic compounds extracted from plants serve as raw materials for various chemical formulaons. Moreover, biodiversity provides essenal ecosystem services such as pollinaon, water puricaon, and soil ferlity, which are vital for agricultural and industrial processes.Formulated Chemical Products and BiodiversityFormulated chemical products, including adhesives and sealants, are engineered to meet specic performance criteria. These products oen contain a combinaon of synthec and natural ingredients. The loss of biodiversity can disrupt the availability of natural resources used in these formulaons. For example, if a plant species crucial for producing a specic chemical compound becomes exnct or endangered due to habitat destrucon, it Safeguarding Biodiversity: The Crucial Link with the Chemicals Industrycould lead to supply chain disrupons and increased producon costs.Supply Chain VulnerabiliesBiodiversity loss can create vulnerabilies in the supply chains of formulated chemical products. As ecosystems degrade and species decline, the availability of raw materials becomes uncertain. This uncertainty can manifest as price volality, regulatory hurdles, and logiscal challenges. For instance, restricons on the extracon of certain natural resources due to conservaon eorts can limit the availability of key ingredients, leading to producon delays and shortages.Sustainable Pracces and Biodiversity ConservaonTo migate the risks associated with biodiversity loss, the chemicals industry must embrace sustainable pracces. This includes adopng environmentally responsible sourcing strategies, invesng in biodiversity conservaon iniaves, and exploring alternave raw materials. By priorizing biodiversity conservaon, companies can safeguard their supply chains while contribung to the preservaon of ecosystems and species diversity.Collaboraon and InnovaonAddressing the challenges posed by biodiversity loss requires collaboraon and innovaon across the chemicals industry and beyond. Collaborave eorts between manufacturers, government agencies, non-governmental organizaons, and academic instuons can lead to the development of sustainable soluons. This may involve leveraging technology to opmize resource use, promong circular economy principles, and supporng reforestaon and habitat restoraon projects.ConclusionThe relaonship between biodiversity and the chemicals industry is mulfaceted and indispensable. From sourcing raw materials to ensuring product availability, biodiversity underpins the resilience of supply chains for formulated chemical products. As global biodiversity connues to decline at an alarming rate, it is imperave for the chemicals industry to priorize sustainability and biodiversity conservaon. By doing so, stakeholders can not only safeguard their business interests but also contribute to the preservaon of the planet's natural heritage for future generaons.JUNE 192024
BASA Bullen Issue 1044A quick guide to disclosing your climate impactIn an era where environmental consciousness is no longer a choice but a responsibility, businesses are facing increasing pressure to be transparent about their carbon footprint. As governments worldwide ghten regulaons and consumers demand eco-friendly pracces, the need for accurate and comprehensive carbon calculaons has never been more crical. The queson echoing through boardrooms and execuve suites is: Does your business have its carbon calculaons ready to report?Why start carbon reporng now?Carbon reporng has evolved from a mere trend to a regulatory necessity. Governments and regulatory bodies globally are instung stringent requirements for manufacturing businesses to disclose their carbon emissions and sustainability eorts. Key regulatory driversSeveral major regulatory frameworks are shaping the landscape of carbon reporng, urging product-led businesses to take acon:1. UK’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporng (SECR): SECR applies to quoted companies, large unquoted companies, large limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and academy trusts. SECR requires companies to collect and report global Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions. Scope 3 emissions reporng is voluntary, but recommended. In addion, companies must disclose at least one emissions intensity rao - emissions factors that compare emissions data with an appropriate business metric or nancial indicator, such as CO2e per employee or million £ in turnover. 2. EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporng Direcve (CSRD)The new CSRD law came into force in January 2024. It requires all large companies and listed SMEs that operate in the EU to report on their climate impact – and begin publishing regular reports in 2025 for the nancial year 2024. The CSRD establishes a baseline of reporng for all companies. That includes the full climate requirements, which go further than the TCFD framework, which they are based on. They include measurement and disclosure of a company’s full Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, an assessment of climate risks, and policies related to climate change migaon and adopon.3. UK’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR)In August 2023, the UK Government introduced the UK Sustainability Disclosure Standards (SDS) within the SDR framework. The SDS will form the basis of any future requirements in UK legislation or regulation for companies to report on risks and opportunities relating to sustainability matters, including risks and opportunities arising from climate change.UK SDS will be based on the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). By using the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards as a baseline, the aim is that the information companies disclose under UK SDS will be globally comparable and decision-useful for investors.4. EU’s Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT)In January 2024, the European Parliament gave its final greenlight to the new Directive on ECGT. The new law aims to curtail a series of unfair company tactics that prevents consumers from making sustainable choices. The text, agreed upon in negotiations among EU institutions and member states, is now ready to be transposed into national legislation across the EU.Once enforced, the Directive will ban a series of greenwashing tactics, including climate neutral claims, which are among the most misleading green claims on the market. In addition, producers will only be allowed to mark a product as “eco” or “green” when the entire product is truly greener than conventional ones and certified by a trustworthy scheme such as the EU Ecolabel. More rigorous oversight will also extend to sustainability labels, which will need to be backed up by third-party verification to ensure their credibility and reliability.5. UK’s and EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)The UK government announced that it will introduce a CBAM by 2027. It will establish a carbon tax on imported goods targeted at a series of key emissions-intensive industries, with the purpose of equalising the carbon price paid by UK producers with those outside the UK and avoiding “carbon leakage” or the shifting of production of carbon-intensive goods to jurisdictions with less stringent emissions reduction policies. Further detail, including the precise list of products in scope, will be the subject of consultation in 2024.The EU recently adopted a CBAM to equalise carbon prices on imports with its own ETS system. While carbon pricing under EU CBAM will commence on January 1, 2026, a transitional phase is set until the end of 2025, during which only reporting obligations will be enforced.
5 BASA Bullen Issue 104As organisaons embark on the crucial journey of disclosing their carbon footprint, it’s important to remember that beyond regulatory mandates, transparent carbon reporng emerges as an indispensable step toward fostering a sustainable business. Embracing this responsibility not only ensures compliance but posions businesses as trailblazers in an era where sustainability is the cornerstone of corporate resilience and success. What steps can you take to ensure your business is ready for carbon reporng?1. Understand applicable regulaons: Stay informed about the specic reporng requirements relevant to your industry and locaon. Subscribe to informave news outlets and set Google alerts for the climate legislaon your business could be subject to in the future.2. Conduct a carbon audit: Evaluate your carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. It’s important to be ready for disclosure requirements when they come and to not fall behind. Invesng in specialised tools and professional help to conduct assess your carbon footprint could save me and resources, whilst providing condence in your results.3. Invest in data quality: Strengthen data collecon processes to ensure the accuracy of your environmental data. Consider implemenng soware soluons that streamline data management. Make sure to assign responsibility and accountability for each data collecon area. 4. Stay exible: Prepare for changes in regulaons and reporng standards. Maintain a exible reporng infrastructure that can adapt to evolving requirements. Ulising a carbon accounng soware soluon can migate the risk of being stac when it comes to calculaons and processes. Be strategic, forward thinking and understand that carbon management is a journey.5. Communicate transparently: Embrace transparency in your reporng. Clearly communicate your emissions, reducon iniaves, and sustainable pracces to build trust with stakeholders – both internally and externally. Invest in employee upskilling to ensure your workforce understands the importance of carbon data collecon and reporng.Reach out to the xtonnes expert team to nd out more about support for your business with its carbon reporng.Immy MobleyImmy.m@xtonnes.com
BASA Bullen Issue 1046Regulatory Overview – what’s coming in 2024 and beyond?2024 promises to be another full-on year with regards to chemical compliance. Divergence from EU is becoming more prevalent, and this is set to connue and rapidly increase in 2024 and beyond. So, let’s look at what is coming in 2024 with regards to REACH, both UK and EU REACH and CLP, both GB and EU CLP.Let’s start with REACH.EU REACHThe EU REACH revision is on hold now, due to European Parliamentary Elecons, and whilst this pause is welcome, it brings some uncertaines and there are a few topics that may impact members: the concept of the Mixture Assessment Factor (MAF), polymers registraons under REACH and the Generic Risk Approach. We are working closely with FEICA on these topics and will connue to feed our concerns into ECHA. The REACH fees model is also likely to be reviewed.Otherwise, it is business as usual with REACH, dossiers must be kept up to date and companies must ensure that they monitor their substances with all the relevant lists. Note that the candidate list was just recently updated with a further ve substances in January 2024. BASA’s Watch List can help you monitor your substances, so be sure to check that out if you haven’t already!UK REACHThe REACH (Amendment) Regulaons 2023, SI 2023 No. 722 were published in 2023 which formally extends the UK REACH deadlines by amending Arcle 127. The deadlines are now conrmed as;Deadline (last date for dossier submission)27 October 202627 October 2028 27 October 2030 Tonnage1000 tonnes or more per year 100 tonnes or more per year 1 tonne or more per year Hazardous property• Carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproducon (CMRs) - 1 tonne or more per year• Very toxic to aquac organisms (acute or chronic) - 100 tonnes or more per year• Candidate list substances (as at 31 December 2020) Candidate list substances (as at 27 October 2023) We do not yet know what REACH registraon will consist of, but a consultaon, along with more informaon is expected in quarter 1 of 2024 – i.e. soon! Again, we will let members know when it is released and will give you some guidance on what it means, and how to respond. In the meanme, if you have not yet submied your Downstream User Import Nocaons (DUINs) please do them as soon as possible, They protect your business and allow you to benet from the transional registraon dates.EU Poison centresThose of you that did your nocaons under the ‘exisng” member states requirements have unl the 1st January 2025 to make your Annex VIII harmonised poison centre nocaons. EU CLPThe 21st Adaptaon to Technical Progress (ATP) to the Regulaon on the classicaon, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP) has been published. Commission Delegated Regulaon (EU) 2024/197 of 19 October 2023 amending Regulaon (EC) No 1272/2008 as regards the harmonised classicaon and labelling of certain substances.This Regulaon entered into force on the 25th January 2024 and it applies from 1 September 2025. The full text of the ATP can be found here:https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2024/197/oj Note that 1.2-Benzisothialzol-3(2H)-one (BIT), Dibutyln maleate; 2,2-dibutyl-(1,3,2-dioxastannepin-4,7-dione) and Dibutyln oxide are all impacted.The 22nd Adaptaon to Technical Progress (ATP) to the CLP Regulaon, Regulaon (EC) No. 1272/2008 has been noed to the World Trade Organisaon, Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO-TBT) Commiee. The 22nd ATP introduces changes to Table 3 of Part 3, Annex VI to the CLP Regulaon, the list of harmonised classicaon and labelling entries. The update includes amending 42 substances or substance groups and by deleng one entry.It closes for comment on the 15th March 2024 and can be found here :https://eping.wto.org/en/Search/Index?viewData=%20G/TBT/N/EU/1042 Adopon is expected in quarter 2 of 2024.Work is now ongoing on the 23rd and 24th ATPs.
7 BASA Bullen Issue 104In addion;• Line spacing: the distance between two lines shall be equal or above 120 % of the font size• Contrast: text must be black on white background• Typeface: single font, easily legible, without serifs• Leer spacing: appropriate to be legibleWe will let you know once these are formally agreed, and the regulaons published.Capacity of the package≤ 0,5 L≤3 L≤50 L≤500 L>500 L Dimensions of the label (in millimetres) for the informaon required by Arcle17If possible, at least 52x74At least 74x105At least 105x148At least 148x210Dimensions of each pictogram (in millimetres)Not smaller than 10x10If possible, at least 16x16At least 23x23At least 32x32At least 46x46 Minimum font-size (x-height in millimetres)1.21.41.82.02.0GB MCLAnd nally, GB MCL.The Great Britain Mandatory Classicaon list (GB MCL) has been updated with new and revised GB MCLs for 98 substances. The entry into force date was the 20th October 2023 and the compliance date is the 20th April 2025.The GB Mandatory classicaon and labelling list can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classicaon/assets/docs/mcl-list.xlsx The HSE GB CLP publicaon table can be There is also a revision to EU CLP that is imminent. The dra has been agreed and we now wait for it to be formally published. (So, it is subject to revision). It includes changes to;• More than One Constuent Substances’ (MOCS)• The Grouping Approach• Nocaon rules• Rules for updang labels• Rules on rell sales• Digital labelling And it will have new font sizes for EU CLP labels; found here www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/assets/docs/publication-template.xlsx A second update is imminent. The nocaon sent to the World Trade Organisaon contained 26 substances, with proposed adopon in Q1 2024 and mandatory entry into force Q3 2025. More informaon, including a list of the 26 substances and their proposed classicaons can be found here: hps://eping.wto.org/en/Search/Index?viewData=%20G/TBT/N/GBR/67 This means that we currently have 13 substances which have a classicaon in GB that is dierent to the EU classicaon. As we see the EU publish more ATPs and as the HSE updates the GB MCL this is only going to increase. Please remember that we have a substance watch list to help you review and monitor your substances and the weekly drop-in clinics are open to all members. If you have any quesons please feel free to get in touch. Arcle wrien by Caroline RaineUPDATE
BASA Bullen Issue 1048ChemTrust - Connued Divergence of UK and EU on SVHCsChemtrust have stated that in the four years since Brexit, the EU has added 31 new chemicals to its substances of very high concern (SVHC) watchlist while the UK has added zero. The latest update to the EU's SVHC list added a further 5 more substances, but UK ministers have said not to expect any new addions to their version unl 2025 at the earliest.Inclusion on the SVHC list requires companies to provide informaon to consumers about a substance's safety. It also sends a signal that industry needs to start looking for alternaves ahead of a possible ban.Chloe Alexander, senior campaigner at the charity CHEM Trust, said “We are increasingly seeing the UK’s post-Brexit regulaon of chemicals standing sll as the EU introduces new protecons from harmful chemicals,” adding that “people and the environment in Britain will have greater exposure to harmful chemicals than in the EU and a second-rate system for regulang chemicals.”A spokesperson for Defra, meanwhile commented “There is no reducon in our high levels of chemical protecon — with UK regulaons retaining both the fundamental approach and key principles of the EU regulaon.“By assessing the risks of each substance, we will ensure that we have a clear raonale for which substances are added to the UK REACH Candidate List, ensuring we beer protect human health and the environment.“As part of a wide program of work, we are currently assessing four possible substances to be added to our candidate list. UK REACH is not the only tool by which we can take acon on substances, with risks being addressed through a range of robust regulaons.” BASA Editorial comment: Manufacturers of adhesives and sealants regularly reformulate products to remove substances of concern and will always try to formulate the safest possible products to meet the funconal and performance requirements. The reality is that manufacturers in the UK are not operang in a bubble, and many manufacturers are part of a global market and take stock of all available informaon before placing product on the market. Implying that the post Brexit reality is that there is a greater exposure to harmful chemicals is not one that we recognise in our sector, and we would agree that a sensible approach is to assess the actual risks and exposure to any chemical substance. Divergence is problemacal for formulators of chemical products, and creates costs, but there is no evidence that this divergence is leading to greater exposure to harmful chemicals. Construcon Products Associaon NewsThe CPA has published new guidance: 'Golden Thread - How to Provide Informaon under the Building Safety Act 2022 and The Building (Higher-Risk Building Procedures) (England) Regulaons 2023'.Under the new “gateway” approach to ensure that building safety is considered at each stage of a building’s design and construcon, a “Golden Thread” of informaon needs to be compiled. The “Golden Thread” provides an audit trail throughout the life of a building. This Guidance explores what acons are needed from construcon product manufacturers to provide informaon under this new approach. The guidance document is available here: https://www.constructionproducts.org.uk/publications/technical-and-regulatory/cpa-guidance-golden-thread-how-to-provide-informaon/
9 BASA Bullen Issue 104BASA Working Group round up The core of the acvies within BASA, on behalf of our industry, are undertaken through our working groups. Perhaps not surprisingly, in this post EU Exit era, where we have to stay abreast of not only the developments in the UK but also the EU as well as worldwide, the Chemical Legislaon Working Group (formerly known as the Health & Safety Working Group) and the Environment and Sustainability Working Group have had the heaviest workloads and consequently the biggest outputs in terms of representaonal acvies, guidance documents and posion papers, all of which can be found on the BASA website. The Chemical Legislaon Working Group have issued mulple guidance documentscovering subjects including EU and UK REACH, EU and UK CLP, and Poisons Centres, as well as advising on the growing divergence between EU and UK chemicals legislaon.The Environment and Sustainability Working Group have also been busy following topics including carbon accounng and the approaches to achieving the governments ‘net zero’ target, the developing extended producer responsibility legislaon, with the divergent approaches around Europe to that of the UK. Plus, the environmental impact of microplascs and plasc pellet losses and the mass balance approach to achieving sustainable feedstocks. A guide to ‘green’ claims has also been reviewed.Whilst the above two working groups have been following the regulatory scene on behalf of the membership the Building Adhesives and Construcon Chemicals Working Group and the Sealants Working Group have been involved in the standardisaon work of those product groups and the developments of the EU and UK Construcon Products Regulaons, where there remains concern surrounding noed or approved body tesng capacity, in relaon to CE and UKCA marking, all of which could be resolved by a mutual recognion agreement.The principle focus of the Packaging Adhesives Working Group is around food contact materials, such as mineral oils. There is no specic legislaon in UK or EU concerning adhesive materials in contact with foods and so best pracce is guided by the regulaons concerning plascs and inks in food contact applicaons. There are also moves at EU level to create a harmonised one stop data base for all chemical substance hazard data. The work of all the Working Groups is coordinated and guided by the Technical Steering Commiee. To facilitate access to informaon for the members ‘Issues Maps’ that address all of the aforemenoned subjects and a collaon of the ‘Acve UK & EU Consultaons and Impact Assessments’ have been created on the website and are recommended as the rst place to begin any searches.Finally, the weekly drop-in clinics are open to all members and cover a wide variety of topics. They are all recorded and available for reference at your convenience on the BASA website.Arcle wrien by Jim Palmer
BASA Bullen Issue 10410UKCA Marking of Construcon Products – no news is not good news!The government announced at the end of 2022 that the deadline for ending recognion of the CE mark and moving to the UK alternave has been extended to 30 June 2025. Another announcement followed in 2023 from the Department of Business and Trade outlining the government’s intenon to extend recognion of the CE mark indenitely for the 18 product sectors they look aer, but this announcement did not include construcon products.At the end of 2022 we saw a U-turn on simplicaon measures that had been adopted by product manufacturers only six months earlier to allow the use of historical test reports from an EU noed body to issue your Declaraon of Performance (DoP). Where some simply missed the exempon around construcon products, others believed or assumed for policy reasons that the indenite extension to CE marking recognion would inevitably encompass construcon products given sucient me. Chaos resulted!Subsequent announcements in January 2023 have seen new product groups (vacuum cleaners, mobile phones, toys, and demolion explosives) able to rely “indenitely” on European safety marks to be sold in Britain. But again, disappoinngly, construcon products remain in a list with medical devices, marine equipment, rail products, cableways, transportable pressure equipment and unmanned aircra systems having to meet separate rules.Discussions connued with UK Government, via the Construcon Products Associaon and Construcon Leadership Council, where I represent BASA, but with no formal announcement over the last 12 months, I have no condence that the situaon will change for construcon products any me soon. As we move ever towards June 2025, we once more nd ourselves in a posion where to rely on a reversal of this policy remains a business risk. Of course, with the Building Safety Act, we are waing for the secondary legislaon that was promised, and we will then see whether the, now withdrawn, 2020 UK SI amending the exisng regulaon is further amended, or scrapped altogether in favour of a completely dierent proposal.For those who deal in products not covered by a designated/harmonised standard, the issuing of a UK technical assessment remains a voluntary process, however this relies on the use of a European Assessment Document, and this process is sll not completely clear if double tesng is to be avoided.In the absence of mutual recognion between UK approved bodies and European noed bodies it remains the case that there is no risk-free path forward in conformity assessments other than a complete duplicaon of tesng (for AVCP3 characteriscs) unless the manufacturer is exclusively pursuing trade in only one of these jurisdicons. New products are slightly easier to navigate, as an EUNB and a UKAB can work together to minimise duplicaon of the actual tests, however the administraon required to assess conformity to the standards carries an addional cost.We have some guidance documents available on the BASA members-only area of the website to summarise some of these aspects. Refer to the UKCA Marking of Construcon products Issues Map in the rst instance: www.basa.uk.com/WorkingGroups/ArcleDetails?arcleId=2059Independent Review of Building Regulaons and Fire SafetyThis review, led by Dame Judith Hacki, was a pivotal moment in the UK's approach to building safety following the tragic Grenfell Tower re. The report highlighted systemic failures in building regulaons, construcon pracces, and oversight mechanisms, ulmately calling for a holisc reform of the regulatory framework governing building safety.The Building Safety Act, which encompasses the provisions of the Building Safety Bill, seeks to address the key recommendaons including:• Creang a more robust regulatory framework: The Act aims to establish clearer roles and responsibilies for those involved in the design, construcon, and management of buildings, ensuring greater accountability for building safety.• Improving building safety standards: The Act introduces more stringent requirements for the design, construcon, and maintenance of high-risk buildings, including residenal high-rise buildings.• Enhancing oversight and enforcement: The Act empowers the new Building Safety Regulator to oversee compliance with building safety regulaons, invesgate incidents, and take enforcement acon against those responsible for breaches.• Strengthening resident engagement and rights: The Act aims to give residents a stronger voice in the management of their buildings and ensure they have access to essenal safety informaon.A DLUHC-commissioned independent review of the construcon products tesng regime by Paul Morrell OBE and Anneliese Day KCBASA set out recommendaons for industry and government alike to improve and strengthen the tesng regime for construcon products in April 2023. BASA have been inpung into the sector responses to the points raised in the review.Wrien by Lorna Williams
11 BASA Bullen Issue 104Corrosive Chemical Aacks – why you need to understand the legislaon? Aer the recent distressing corrosive substance aack in Clapham, it is probably useful to look at corrosive substance aacks, what they are, how oen they occur and the relevant legislaon. This violent use of throwing acid or alkali on to someone’s body with the intenon to harm or kill is what we mean by a corrosive substance aack and acids and alkaline-based substances are available from retailers, in store and online. Strong household cleaners contain strong acids and alkalis. Products such as bleach and oven cleaner are alkaline substances, but some related adhesive and sealant products may also contain strong acids and alkalis, so we should all be aware of the legislaon.According to the UK charity Acid Survivors Trust Internaonal (As), using freedom of informaon requests, gures show the police in England and Wales recorded 710 corrosive substance aacks in 2022, the most recent data available. This was up from 421 in 2021 during the Covid pandemic. They peaked at 949 in 2017 before new legislaon targeng the sale and possession of corrosive substances was introduced. NHS data for England shows 82 admissions to hospital in 2022-2023, and in earlier years an average of about 100 admissions a year. The region with the highest number of admissions in the most recent years was the north-west.New measures targeng aacks with corrosive substances came into force in 2022 and they were part of the Oensive Weapons Act of 2019, which introduced two new oences: selling a corrosive product (both over the counter and online) to a person under the age of 18; and possessing a corrosive substance in a public place without good reason or lawful authority.Possession of a corrosive substance in a public place carries a prison sentence of up to four years. It was already a crime under the Oences against the Person Act 1861 to use a corrosive substance with intent to inict grievous bodily harm. This oence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.Part 1 of the Oensive Weapons act restricts access to the most harmful corrosive substances by under 18s by making it an oence to sell a corrosive product, whether over the counter or online, to someone under 18 years of age. The denion of a “corrosive product” is as provided by Schedule 1 of the Act, and is reproduced below:Some of the substances dened as corrosive products are commonly used in household products such as high strength drain cleaners/unblockers, paint strippers, brick and pao cleaners, cleaning products, rust or limescale removers. However, products such as normal strength household bleach and cleaners will not be caught by the age restricons on sales as they tend to be more of an irritant and do not contain corrosive chemicals at the concentraons set out in the Schedule. Sellers will, however, need to check their product ranges to ensure that they know which products meet the denion of a corrosive product and must not be sold to a person under 18.In the case of business-to-business supply and purchasing of corrosive products, the sale and delivery provisions would not apply as the sale is being made to a business and not to a person under 18. The only excepon is where a business is run by a sole trader who is under 18. In these circumstances, the sole trader would need to make arrangements for the corrosive products to be purchased by, and delivered to, a person who is over 18.It should be noted that these restricons are under the Oensive Weapons Act. Other legislaon (eg the 1972 Poisons Act) deals with poisons and explosives precursors, which may introduce addional restricons for substances like hydrochloric acid, which are also listed as a regulated explosives precursor and cannot be sold to any member of the public, even if they are over 18 years of age, without an Explosives Precursors and Poisons (EPP) licence issued by the Home Oce and an associated photographic identy document.See online version of this Bullen on the BASA website for the below useful links.BASA Working Group content (Members-only area of the website)GN100 - Sales of adhesives and sealants to under 18s - v1.0 Guidance Note - Mixtures containing explosives precursors and poisons from 1st October 2023Mixtures containing ≥ 10% Hydrochloric Acid – changes under the Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulaons 2023Guidance Frequently asked quesons: The Poison Act 1972 and the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulaons 2023Home Oce Publishes Updated Guidance on Explosives PrecursorsThe Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulaons 2023UK Government GuidanceSupplying explosives precursors and poisons - Updated 29 November 2023Oensive Weapons Act 2019 PART 1 - Possession of corrosive substancesOensive Weapons Act 2019 – Statutory GuidanceName of substance and Chemical Concentraon limit (weight in weight) Abstracts Registry Number (CAS RN) Ammonium hydroxide (CAS RN 1336-21-6) 10% w/w Formic acid (CAS RN 64-18-6) 10% w/w Hydrochloric acid (CAS RN 7647-01-0) 10% w/w Hydrouoric acid (CAS RN 7664-39-3) 0% w/w Nitric acid (CAS RN 7697-37-2) 3% w/w Phosphoric acid (CAS RN 7664-38-2) 70% w/w Sodium hydroxide (CAS RN 1310-73-2) 12% w/w Sodium hypochlorite (CAS RN 7681-52-9) 10% w/w Sulfuric acid (CAS RN 7664-93-9) 15% w/w
BASA Bullen Issue 10412Navigang Post-Brexit Challenges: UK Chemicals Industry and Regulatory DivergenceAs the United Kingdom (UK) charts its course post-Brexit, one sector facing signicant challenges is the chemicals industry. With the end of the transion period, the UK now has the autonomy to shape its own regulatory framework. However, this newfound freedom comes with complexies, parcularly concerning chemicals and product legislaon. Navigang the divergence from EU regulaons poses substanal hurdles for businesses, requiring strategic planning and adaptaon. When you add challenges of the land border between Northern Ireland and the EU and the reality of NI following EU legislaon and GB diverging, it is easy to see the potenal for chaos!Regulatory Landscape Pre- and Post-BrexitBefore Brexit, the UK chemicals industry operated under the framework of European Union regulaons, primarily governed by the Registraon, Evaluaon, Authorizaon, and Restricon of Chemicals (REACH) regulaon. REACH provided a comprehensive system for the registraon, evaluaon, and authorizaon of chemicals, ensuring high standards of safety and environmental protecon.Post-Brexit, the UK established its own regulatory regime, UK REACH, to manage chemicals within its borders. While UK REACH mirrors many aspects of its EU counterpart, there are notable dierences, including registraon requirements, data sharing arrangements, and the role of regulatory authories. These variances introduce complexity and uncertainty for businesses operang in both the UK and EU markets, and again cause specic issues for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in terms of movement of goods.Challenges of Regulatory DivergenceOne of the primary challenges facing the chemicals industry post-Brexit is regulatory divergence between the UK and the EU. Misalignment in regulatory standards can create barriers to trade, increase compliance costs, and hinder market access. For businesses that export or import chemicals and formulated products, navigang divergent regulatory requirements adds layers of bureaucracy and administrave burden.Regulatory divergence raises concerns about maintaining product safety and environmental standards. Harmonizaon of regulaons between the UK and the EU ensured a consistent approach to risk management and compliance. Divergence risks fragmenng the regulatory landscape, potenally compromising safety and sustainability objecves.BASA is working hard to help member companies navigate this divergence, producing weekly clinics and guidance notes.Impact on BusinessesThe implicaons of regulatory divergence extend beyond administrave complexies. For businesses operang across borders, divergent regulaons necessitate strategic decisions regarding market priorizaon, supply chain management, and investment allocaon. Smaller enterprises, in parcular, may struggle to adapt to the addional regulatory burden, potenally liming their compeveness and growth prospects.Addionally, regulatory uncertainty undermines business condence and investment certainty. Rapid changes in regulatory requirements or lack of clarity on future regulaons can deter investment in research and development, innovaon, and infrastructure. Long-term planning becomes challenging in an environment characterized by regulatory ux.Strategies for AdaptaonIn navigang the challenges of post-Brexit regulatory divergence, the chemicals industry must adopt proacve strategies to ensure resilience and compeveness. This includes:1. Regulatory Compliance: Businesses must stay abreast of evolving regulaons in both the UK and EU markets, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements. BASA can help here. 2. Investment in Experse: Invesng in regulatory experse and capacity building is essenal for navigang complex compliance landscapes and managing regulatory risks eecvely. BASA can help to oset some of these costs with provision of limited support to member companies on specic quesons, and the provision of templates and guidance notes that may help migate some of the costs. 3. Collaboraon and Advocacy: BASA is ideally place to engaging with policymakers and regulatory authories to advocate for regulatory alignment where feasible and to inuence the development of future regulaons. 4. Diversicaon and Innovaon: Diversifying markets and supply chains and invesng in innovaon can migate the impacts of regulatory divergence and enhance compeveness in a changing regulatory environment.ConclusionThe UK chemicals industry faces signicant challenges in adapng to post-Brexit regulatory divergence. Navigang the complexies of divergent regulaons requires strategic planning, investment in experse, and proacve engagement with stakeholders. By embracing these challenges as opportunies for innovaon and adaptaon, the industry can posion itself for sustainable growth and compeveness in the evolving regulatory landscape. We at BASA help our member companies and provide an excellent return on the annual fees.
13 BASA Bullen Issue 104Sco Bader announces intent to invest £30m to transform Flagship UK manufacturing siteSco Bader UK, a Northamptonshire-based specialist in composite and adhesive materials, announces the intent to invest £30M to transform its agship UK manufacturing site. The ve-year programme will commence in 2024 with £8M earmarked for the rst phase of the works. This planned investment will support the group’s UK customers by making the plant more exible - enabling quicker lead mes and the rapid scaling up of an increasing number of sustainable alternaves to the Group’s current products as well as new performance products in areas such as 3D prinng.“The planned investment rearms our commitment to the UK composite supply chain and to all our colleagues, partners and associates that benet from our long-standing presence at Wollaston,” says Sco Bader’s CEO, Kevin Mahews. “In addion, the investment will upgrade our capability to connue to develop and supply new sustainable performance materials designed to help our customers on their journey to net zero.”This signicant commitment to the UK market will ensure the future of Sco Bader’s key product brands including Crysc® resins and gelcoats, Crestabond® structural adhesives and Crestapol® performance resins.Recent R&D investment - both in the UK and globally - has bolstered Sco Bader’s exploraon of more sustainable alternaves and innovaons that lead to the ‘lightweighng’ of composite parts for markets such as EV’s, renewable energy and land transportaon, as well as the development of bio-based ingredients for the personal care market. Alongside allocang the capital to transform its UK site, the company has also created a €2M laboratory facility in France, which will open in Q1 2024. Outside of Europe, Sco Bader’s two-year build of a $16M new manufacturing facility in Mocksville, USA, also becomes fully operaonal in 2024. These investments are designed to bring Sco Bader’s enhanced capabilies closer to its global customer base, helping with the longer term goal of shortening supply chains and lowering the carbon footprint associated with transporng goods. For further informaon visit www.sco.bader.comSTAND Q90 A message from Kieran Raerty, Rakem Group. My Brother Kevin very sadly passed away unexpectedly on Sunday 28th January 2024. Kevin's funeral was held on Friday 1st March at 12pm at St Osmund’s Church, followed by a service at East Lancashire Crematorium. Kev was the life and sole of many pares and I know he is relying on us to give him the send o he deserves. If you would like to make a donaon in Kevin’s memory to one of his and Emma’s chosen charies, or to leave condolences for his family and friends, you can do so at the online memorial page linked below. Thank you to everyone who has already sent cards, owers and messages of support, they have been very much appreciated. https://kevinrafferty.muchloved.comTribute to Kevin Raerty, 1968 - 2024Pictured: Kevin Raerty (Right) receiving a fellowship by the Royal Society of Chemistry for his dedicaon and outstanding contribuon within the chemical sciences industry.
BASA Bullen Issue 10414Mapei – A focus on sustainabilityAs a result of our commitment to reduce our impact on the planet, we have a new section dedicated to Sustainability on our website. http://sustainability.mapei.it/Mapei (UK) is thrilled to announce a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. In alignment with our ongoing efforts to integrate sustainable practices across all operations, we are looking to appoint a new Sustainability Officer. This strategic addition to our team underlines our dedication to not only meeting but exceeding their sustainability goals. In this role, our Sustainability Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing our sustainability strategy, ensuring that we adhere to the highest environmental standards. This will include oversight of our efforts to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainable resource use throughout our operations. They will also play a crucial role in engaging with stakeholders, including corporate departments, employees, customers, and suppliers, to foster a culture of sustainability within and beyond our company.Phil Breakspear (Managing Director), expressed excitement about the appointment, stating, "Bringing a Sustainability Officer on board is a pivotal moment for Mapei (UK). The expertise and passion for sustainability will be instrumental in driving our efforts forward. This new appointment will not only reflect our commitment to environmental responsibility but also our belief in the importance of sustainability as a cornerstone of our business strategy."Contact Paul Hodgetts for more information. p.hodgetts@mapei.co.uk. This confirms the investment by the Mapei Group into the UK market after the announcement last year about the acquisition of a second sight in the Northwest to provide a new manufacturing facility for Mapei admixtures. We look forward to featuring the opening of the new facility in the next issue of the BASA Bulletin.Chemique Adhesives, a leading UK manufacturer of industrial adhesives has recently announced the unveiling of its revamped company logo. This strategic redesign marks a signicant milestone in the company's growth, adapng a fresh, modern look.Since its establishment in 1985, the company has witnessed many changes including a recent expansion, driven by sustained growth. The updated logo represents the current identy of the company and stands as a visual testament to its future aspiraons.“Recognising the need for change, we felt it was the ideal me to evaluate our company logo and introduce modern components to its design,” commented Jennie Mayou, markeng manager at Chemique Adhesives & Sealants Ltd. “Whilst we have embraced a more contemporary look, the new logo also retains elements that pay tribute to the company’s legacy and longstanding commitment to producing quality adhesives for nearly four decades.”The rebranding iniave also reects the recent changes made to the company’s re-designed website which oers visitors an enhanced design, simplied navigaon, and an improved user experience, showcasing their extensive product range.Stuart Francis, managing director at Chemique Adhesives & Sealants Ltd commented “We are thrilled to unveil our updated logo that demonstrates our commitment to adaptability and growth. This design not only reects our dedicaon to delivering exceponal products but also signies our vision for a dynamic and successful future. We are condent that the new logo will resonate with our valued customers and aract new audiences, strengthening our presence in the market.”www.chemiqueadhesives.comChemique Adhesives unveils new updated logo
For all your UK and EU REACH, CLP and BPR needsHelpdesk Our experts answer your REACH, CLP and BPR queries via email or telephoneConsultancy Support at any stage of the compliance process – a service tailored to your needsTraining Providing training through a wide range of public workshops, bespoke training and consultancy servicesMatchmaker Finding you trusted service providers to help you comply with REACH, CLP and the BPRA wholly-owned subsidiary of the Chemical Industries Association, REACHReady offers a condential, cost-effective service providing you with information and guidance on what you need to do to comply with UK and EU REACH, CLP and the Biocidal Products Regulation.With a current global membership of over 6,500 subscribers, we support people working at all stages of the supply chain and in a diverse range of industry sectors. Discover how we can help you – nd us online, email enquiries@reachready.co.uk or phone 020 7901 1444 today!REACHReady Gold Membership gives you:• Access to a specialist-staffedHelpdesk• Up to an hour of freeconsultancy for newsubscribers• 20% discount on publicseminars, training andworkshops… and morewww.cia.org.uk/reachreadyContact your Trade Association or REACHReady to apply for your REACHReady Gold membership at a 25% discounted rate!
Your Member BenetsAnity PartnersOur aliaon oers members access to the Construcon Products Associaon guidancenotes and research and the FEICA extranet. We also work closely with BSI, ACA, BCF, ASA, TWI, SAA & TTA on a number of topics.Online SupportWe run a free 30-minute virtual drop-in session to present important regulatory, and business informaon and general guidance for members every Friday at 10am.Trade Associaon DirectoryFree lisng in the BASA Handbook, distributed at the CHEMUK exhibion and promoted on our socials, as well as an online directory on the BASA website. We also encourage members to send in their company news to publish in the BASA Bullen and on our social plaorms.Events and NetworkingWe run events for members throughout the year including; the AGM, Business Forum & Industry Lunch, Sports Day & a new BASA Awards Night. We also hold free Technical Forums online.HR, Legal, Health & Safety, Tax & VatAccess to ve business advice lines and over 750 free downloadable business documents from our partner Quest included in your membership fee. Plus a free, no obligaon, One 2 One review with a Quest Business Manager for every member.£Member OersOers from OAMPS Hazardous Industries, 4Ward Tesng Services, Equals Money Currency Exchange Services & Wallace Hind Recruitment. Discounts on ReachReady Gold Membership, FEICA conferences and key market reports with free aendence at selected FEICA seminars.BRITISH ADHESIVES & SEALANTS ASSOCIATION