REACH
REACH came into force in June 2007 and is generally considered to be the most comprehensive risk assessment policy for chemicals in order to increase the protection of human health and the environment.
In order to comply with this new regulation, Umicore has put in place a REACH implementation programme: its main focus is on creating a substance inventory and defining market opportunities, threats and cost factors. This is implemented via a network of product managers in each business unit, coordinated by a Group REACH Implementation Manager.
A clear road map has been established that includes critical milestones, timelines, follow up and monitoring. As part of its aim to combine forces with other companies in the most efficient manner, Umicore is actively involved in several consortia that are set up as joint ventures to generate the data necessary to comply with REACH. In 2007 Umicore signed 8 such consortia agreements (on substances related to precious metals, cadmium, zinc, nickel (3), cobalt and lead) while others are still being considered.
Umicore on the way to sustainability