Chemical Industry Journal 4

C 04

Chemical INDUSTRY JOURNAL www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

SUMMER 2016

I

IJ J

SUMMER 2016

Carbon

capture pilot scheme proves its worth

UK and World News

Innovation

REACH

Risks and Regulations

Brad-Chem Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence • Water / glycol corrosion inhibitors • Tacky additives • Lubricant additives • Moly dispersions • Graphite dispersions • Multi-metal corrosion inhibitors

BRAD-CHEM www.brad-chem.co.uk

+44 (0) 1942 261 024

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

SUMMER 2016

WELCOME z

Welcome

Why the regulatory system can be a force for good Welcome to the latest edition of Chemical Industry Journal, which includes a look at some of the news from the world of regulation.

Chemical companies have long learned to live with regulation, be it environmental rules governing the level of emissions or the new REACH regulations which allow better identification of components in substances.

Although each regulation brings with it plenty of paperwork and can add cost to business operations, there has always been a general acknowledgment that such bureaucracy is important.

John Dean

Editor in chief

Regulation is important because industry needs to comply with enviromental demands, doing all it can to guarantee safety for workers and public alike, and making sure that toxic chemicals are properly controlled.

What is striking, though, is a growing acceptance that regulation is not just a necessary evil, another task to make life more difficult, but that it can be a force for good.

As has been shown by legislation such as REACH in Europe and the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act in the United States, both chronicled in our special report on regulation and law, there is a growing acceptance that reassuring the public is important.

A number of years ago I was involved in ‘writing a bus tour’ of a major UK chemical complex. Behind the initiative was a belief that many people living near the plant misunderstood what it was doing.

They would look at the cracker flaring and assume something was going badly wrong or see the billows of steam from the chimney and complain about polluting smoke.

The idea of the script for the bus tour was to help passengers better understand the chemical industry and the best part of fifteen years later the likes of REACH and the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act are motivated by similar aims.

Signing the latter legislation into law, President Barack Obama said; “Folks should have the confidence to know that the laundry detergent we buy isn’t going to make us sick, the mattresses our babies sleep on aren’t going to harm them.”

3

Such comments underline the importance of the regulatory system, not just as a bureaucratic necessity but also as something that can benefit the perception of the industry.

Like it or not, no industry operates in a bubble.

Each one must constantly bear in mind the way it is viewed by the public. Yes, I know that public relations can be an off-putting concept for some but it is crucial to the way any sector works and good regulation plays its part.

The same is true of the environmental side of the industry, examined in another of our features in this edition.

Like those people misinterpreting the steam at that chemical site I worked on, there is a danger that the public can automatically assume the industry to be a negative, which makes it important that the sector promotes its green credentials.

Regulation plays a key role. Whether it be laws that drive down emissions or regulations that lead the industry towards more carbon capture, regulation helps increase public confidence in the industry.

And yes, I know it can be demanding for those working in the sector. I remember an environmental officer at a huge chemical company with whom I once worked throwing his hands up in despair when, after years of relentlessly driving down pollutant levels in the nearby river, the demand from the regulator for the year ahead was even more stringent.

“We are down to just about the minimum emissions possible,” he said. ‘How on earth can I produce another ten per cent of nothing?”

Although I had a background in environmental journalism, I sympathised. However, he managed it and today a once-dead river is an internationally important waterway for aquatic bird life.

Yes, regulation can be demanding, frustrating, costly, downright irritating sometimes, but shaped properly by our regulators, it can be a force for good and if the public receive that message, life can only become easier for the chemical industry. shaped properly by our regulators, it can be a force for good and if the public receive that message, life can only become easier for the chemical industry.

NEWS

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

6

10

13

7

11

14

8

12

15

4

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

SUMMER 2016

NEWS

Contents

3

Introduction/Foreword

4-5

Contents

6-11

UK News

12-15

World News

20-23 Environment 28-35 REACH

20

28

38-40 Legal 42-45 Risk and Regulations

Editor

John Dean john.dean@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

38

22

Design

Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 0845 884 2385 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Contributors

John Dean & Francis Griss john.dean@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Advertising

Distinctive Publishing, Unit 6b, Floor B, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1LE Tel: 07813 874970 email: john.neilson@distinctivegroup.co.uk www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

23

42 5

Distinctive Publishing or Chemical Industry Journal cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Chemical Industry Journal.

z NEWS

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

Team announce reaction breakthrough Scientists at the universities of Bristol and Newcastle have uncovered the secret of an elusive chemical reaction in a bacterium that lives at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

The research team hopes that the discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics and other medical treatments.

true ‘Diels-Alderase’, a Diels-Alder enzyme, exists and have established in atomic detail how it catalyses the reaction.

The Diels-Alder reaction, originally discovered

by Nobel Prize-wining chemists Otto Diels and Kurt Alder, is one of the most powerful chemical reactions known, and is used extensively by synthetic chemists to produce molecules, including antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs and agrochemicals.

Dr Paul Race, from BrisSynBio, said they found the enzyme, called AbyU, in a bacterium called Verrucosispora maris which lives on the Pacific seabed. V. maris uses the AbyU enzyme to biosynthesise a molecule called abyssomicin C, which has potent antibiotic properties.

However, there has been much debate about whether or not nature uses the reaction to produce its own useful molecules and the identity of the biological catalysts, in the form of enzymes, responsible for performing this reaction have remained a mystery Some natural ‘Diels-Alderases’ have been identified but have either been shown not to perform the reaction or the evidence is ambiguous.

Now, researchers at BrisSynBio, a BBSRC/ EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre at the University of Bristol and the School of Biology at Newcastle University have shown that a

The team first had to solve the atomic structure of AbyU, and then simulate the enzyme reaction using quantum mechanics methods.

Dr Race said: “Once we had figured out how AbyU was able to make natural antibiotic, we were able to show that it could also perform the Diels-Alder reaction on other molecules that are difficult to transform using synthetic chemistry.”

The team are now investigating ways of using the enzyme to make molecules similar to abyssomisin C, in the hope that antibiotics are found that are even more effective than the natural molecule.

‘Unity needed after Brexit vote’ The organisation representing the UK chemical industry says that the UK Government must work with its members to protect the sector after the Brexit vote in June.

Steve Elliott, Chief Executive of the Chemical Industries Association which represents chemical and pharmaceutical businesses across the UK, said “It is not the decision that our sector wanted, but we fully respect the wish of the people for change.

“Whilst business craves certainty, it is also used to operating in challenging and

changing circumstances; this is what companies and their representative bodies do wherever they operate. We now have to look to the future and I am confident that an important and resilient industry such as ours can prosper in this new situation.

“I am calling on the Government to work hard on securing the best exit plan for the UK and then establishing the new trading arrangements. Whilst we need to progress both these negotiations as soon as we can to limit uncertainty, we also need an

6

Dr Race said: “What is particularly exciting about our work is that not only have we resolved the riddle of the natural DielsAlderase, but we have also shown that the enzyme can perform Diels-Alder reactions that are challenging to perform using synthetic chemistry.

“The work opens up a raft of possibilities for making new useful molecules that could, for example, form the basis of new medicines, materials, or commodity chemicals.”

Dr Jem Stach, from Newcastle University, a co-author of the paper, said: “Nature, not only in the compounds it produces, but also the means by which it does so, is the best chemist.

This has never been clearer to me than it was during this collaboration between biologists and chemists.

“Starting with genome gazing, and ending with new chemistry, on a journey that took in structural biology, synthetic chemistry and computational chemistry, was utterly rewarding, educational and fascinating.”

immediate period of calm reflection to minimise instability.

“As an Association we will do everything we can to help our members through any period of uncertainty and to be influential in the Government’s negotiations, both here in the UK and with our partners in Brussels.

“Our sector looks forward to playing its part in helping to carve out a new role for our country, maximising UK chemical and pharmaceutical competitiveness and jobs in the global economy.”

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

NEWS z

Partnership announced

The University of Liverpool’s Materials Innovation Factory is to partner with UK robotics specialists Labman Automation to develop the Formulation Engine for the new centre.

Due to open in 2017, the £68m Materials Innovation Factory aims to revolutionise materials chemistry research and development by drawing together multi-disciplinary research expertise and unparalleled technical facilities.

Reviews call for better education for young scientists Two eminent British academics have published recommendations to improve the job prospects of graduates in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) degrees.

A stronger focus on employment outcomes and more real-life work experience were among the recommendations set out in reviews conducted by Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt and Professor Sir William Wakeham into how universities and employers can develop a pipeline of highly-skilled graduates in STEM subjects.

Their findings coincided with the publication of the Government’s white paper, Success as a knowledge economy, which set out plans to improve the quality of teaching within UK higher education.

Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said: “The UK has a world-class higher education system but, as these reviews recognise, more must be done to address the variability in outcomes for some graduates and to ensure all students receive the highest quality teaching.”

workers in the digital sector by 2022, there remains an unemployment rate of 11.7% for computer sciences graduates six months after graduation, above the 8.6% average for STEM graduates.

Both reviews identified that students would benefit from universities and employers working closer together to expand work experience opportunities and said that professional bodies need to strengthen their accreditation systems so they support universities to deliver high-level STEM skills that are most relevant to industry.

The UK has a world-class higher education system but, as these reviews recognise, more must be done to address the variability in outcomes for some graduates and to ensure all students receive the highest quality teaching.

Despite figures showing that the UK needs more than half a million additional

7

Labman Automation, a robotics manufacturer in North Yorkshire, will design and build the Formulation Engine, an advanced robotic system which will allow multiple workflows to operate simultaneously.

China link is confirmed

Professor Tony James, from Bath University, has been appointed Guest Professor at Shaanxi University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Xian, China.

Tony recently travelled to China to discuss possible collaborations with the University of Bath and towards the end of 2016, a delegation from SUST will visit Bath to continue the talks.

Accolade for Mike

Professor Mike Hill, of Bath University, has won the 2016 Royal Society of Chemistry Main Group Chemistry Award for his outstanding contributions to the chemistry of s-block metals particularly regarding their applications in homogeneous catalysis.

His research explores the use of sustainable elements such as calcium as catalysts in chemical production.

Chair is reappointed

Dr Paul Golby has been reappointed as Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The reappointment is for a two years.

Professor Sir Richard Friend was appointed to a second term as a member of the Council.

z NEWS

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

SUMMER 2016

Research breakthrough made at the University of Warwick

University of Warwick spinout Interface Polymers Ltd is pioneering a new way of making plastic alloys and composite materials.

“Our initial focus is to prove the value proposition for our materials in pilot scale trials. We are also talking to specialty chemical and plastics formulation businesses about collaborative R&D projects that will generate early revenue through licensing. Our aim is to de-risk the venture for early investors while enabling the company to build up its intellectual property assets.”

The work uses the company’s patented range of polymer additives named Polarfins, which modify the surface properties of commodity plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene, making them easier to coat, adhere to and mix with other materials.

The research breakthrough was made by Chief Scientific Officer Dr Chris Kay while working as a PhD student under the supervision of Professor Peter Scott in the University of Warwick’s Chemistry Department.

Having recently won £500,000 from Innovate UK to fund production scale-up and application development, the company is looking for seed capital investment of £1.5m to complete the first funding round.

CEO Phil Smith, said “This technology promises to open up a world of innovation in the plastics industry. The addressable market is worth at least $3 billion per annum so the potential scale of this business is substantial

Using a simple and industrially-convenient process, Dr Kay is able to create a range of copolymers comprising a polyolefin segment joined in the middle of the molecular chain to a polar polymer segment.

When added in small percentages to a polyolefin resin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, the additive molecules migrate to the surface and render it more attractive to other polar materials such as metals, ceramics and polar polymers such as acrylic, styrene or vinyl acetate based resins.

8

The ability to independently modify both segments in the copolymer chain is unique and allows the company to adapt its Polarfin additives to a diverse range of applications in which two or more previously incompatible materials can be stuck together or mixed.

Dr Kay said: “We have now spoken to over 100 potential customers across Europe and North America and it has been very encouraging to see people getting very excited about how they could use our materials to solve existing problems and develop new products. With their input, we are already focusing on a shortlist of the most promising opportunities with high margins and fast adoption potential.”

Simon Waddington, who joined as Business Development Director after a long career with the Dow Chemical Corporation, said: “We are talking to some of the leading innovators in the polymer industry and there is a growing sense that the timing is good for us. People are looking for alternatives to chemical adhesion promoters and our technology has the potential to meet that need, too.”

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

SUMMER 2016

IChemE Forms of Contract For over 45 years IChemE have partnered with experienced industry professionals to publish their acclaimed UK and international Forms of Contract.

The Red Book – Lump Sum Contract The Green Book – Reimbursable Contract The Burgundy Book – Target Cost Contract The Yellow Book – Subcontract The Brown Book – Subcontract for Civil Engineering Works The Orange Book – Minor Works The Silver Book – Professional Services Agreement The contracts are available to purchase in hard copy, printable PDF, view only PDF and editable word document formats.

For more information or to make a purchase please contact our sales team on: +44(0)1788 534470 or sales@icheme.org

www.icheme.org/foc

1325_15 FOC HP .indd 1

24/11/2015 16:23

Positive : Partnership At Envigo, we help our customers achieve their REACH goals by applying our wealth of scientific experience and expertise, focused program management, expert data interpretation and an unrivalled depth of global regulatory knowledge.

Envigo are dedicated to helping our customers to create a healthier and safer world.

Download our new

REACH 2018 ‘Are you ready?’ white paper

envigo.com/REACH

9

z NEWS

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

Silver could solve touchscreen challenges Physicists at the University of Sussex are developing a new material for touchscreen devices that has already proved to be more flexible and to have higher conductivity than current technologies.

Working in collaboration with M-SOLV Ltd, a touchsensor manufacturer based in Oxford, Professor Alan Dalton and his team have shown that silver nanowires, which are more than a thousand times thinner than a human hair, are a viable alternative to the currently used material, indium tin oxide (ITO), which is expensive to source and process and brittle.

Their research sought alternative materials to overcome the challenges of ITO, which is mined largely in China and Canada and is suffering from uncertainty over supply.

Graphene, carbon nanotubes and random metal nanowire films are among the alternatives being explored but the new study, carried out while Professor Dalton was at the University of Surrey, showed how silver nanowire films have emerged as the strongest competitor, due to transmittances and conductivities that can match and readily exceed those of ITO. Using a technique, called ‘ablation’, which involves the removal of material using a laser beam to produce individual electrode patterns, the team produced a fully operating five-inch multi-touch sensor, identical to those typically used in smartphone technology. They found it performed comparably to one based on ITO but used significantly less energy to produce.

Professor Dalton said: “Not only does this flexible material perform very well, we have

On the road

shown that it is a viable alternative to ITO in practical devices. The fact we are able to produce devices using similar methods as currently in use, but in a less energy-intensive way, is an exciting step towards flexible gadgets that do not just open the door for new applications, but do so in a much greener way.”

The team also showed that by using ‘ultrasonication’, which involves applying highfrequency sound to the material to manipulate the length of the nanosized rods of silver, they could tailor the properties for a range of other applications.

Matthew Large, an author on the research, said: “Our research hasn’t just confirmed silver nanowires as a potential replacement touchscreen material but has gone one step further in showing how ultrasonication can allow us to tailor performance capabilities.

“This allows us to tune how transparent or how conductive our films are, which is vital for optimising these materials for future

Minister welcomed

The logistics members of the Chemical Business Association (CBA) completed more than one million journeys to deliver more than four and a half million tonnes of chemicals in 2015 to virtually every sector of the UK economy, according to recently-released figures.

The Chemical Industries Association, which represents chemical and pharmaceutical businesses across the UK, has welcomed the industrial strategy set out by new Prime Minister Theresa May. It said that the recognition of the strategy in a cabinet minister’s job title is hugely significant.

The figures are contained in the CBA’s annual Logistic Index report, now in its tenth year.

Steve Elliott, Chief Executive of the Association, said “We have long campaigned for greater clarity and

10

technologies like flexible solar cells and rollable electronic displays.”

Maria Cann, a technologist from M-SOLV and an author on the paper, said: “We are seeing a lot of interest from our customers in silver nanowire films as an ITO replacement in devices. This work is a really important step in establishing exactly which sensor designs can make good nanowire products. The fact that the nanowire films are processed by the same laser techniques as ITO makes the transition from ITO to nanowires really straightforward.

It won’t be long before we are all using nanowires in our electronic devices.”

The team, who moved from the University of Surrey to the University of Sussex this year, are now looking to develop the scalability of the process to make it more industrially viable.

Funded by Innovate UK and EPSRC, the team are collaborating with M-SOLV and a graphene supplier Thomas Swan to use a nanowire and graphene combination in the electrodes to markedly reduce the cost.

commitment from Government on industrial strategy. The shape of the new Government and the inclusion of energy as well as the explicit naming of industrial strategy in the Business Department’s responsibilities marks an important start.

What we now need are policies that reflect this understanding.

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

New research units are opened UK Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson opened two specialist hi-tech facilties when he visited Culham Science Centre in Oxfordshire.

MRF is a seen as a key part of the Governmentbacked National Nuclear User Facility which aims to improve the UK’s nuclear research base, to ensure Britain has long-term options for generating low-carbon energy in the future.

Professor Steve Cowley, UKAEA’s CEO, said: “UKAEA and Oxfordshire are taking technology from fusion research and moving it towards industrial applications. Robotics is a vital sector where much of the future lies, and advanced materials are key to the next generation of innovations.”

Let there be light

Researchers have used quantum states to mix a molecule with light at room temperature, which it is hoped will help the exploration of quantum technologies and provide new ways to manipulate the physical and chemical properties of matter.

Previous attempts to mix molecules with light have been complex and only achievable at very low temperatures, but the researchers, led by the University of Cambridge, have developed a method to produce ‘half-light’ molecules at room temperature.

The units at the Abingdon centre are being developed by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).

RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments) is a robotics test centre for UK industry and The Materials Research Facility (MRF) is a laboratory for scientists designing the nuclear power stations of the future – both fission and fusion.

NEWS z

Leading women gather Mr Johnson “The hard work of scientists, academics and apprentices in Culham is a prime example of why the UK is a world-leader in scientific discovery. These new facilities will take the next steps in developing clean energy, and train apprentices to support local businesses and growth.”

Leading women from the UK chemical industry assembled at Chester Race Course for the second Annual Samuel Banner Ladies Polo Day. Companies from the across the UK were represented, in what has become a very popular women’s networking event, organised by the Banner Chemicals Group.

Mr Johnson also announced funding for Oxford Advanced Skills – a new apprentice training facility for Oxfordshire hi-tech businesses, also to be located at Culham Science Centre.

Oxford Advanced Skills is a partnership between UKAEA and training providers JTL – it will train 150 engineering apprentices per year when completed in 2019 and aims to address the skills shortage which threatens Oxfordshire’s booming technology sector.

Cautious optimism for sector The latest survey of UK chemical and pharmaceutical companies reported a strong start to 2016 and an optimistic feeling about the future.

The Chemical Industries Association quarterly business survey of member companies showed 95% saying sales volumes remained at previous levels or increased, 90% saying exports remained at previous levels or increased and 87% saying capital expenditure and research and development spending remained at previous levels or increased.

Companies were optimistic for the year with 88% expecting to maintain or grow sales performance, 95% to maintain or grow exports, 87% to maintain or grow R&D spending and 85% to maintain or grow capital expenditure.

Steve Elliott, Chief Executive of the Association, said: “We would never be complacent but our member companies appear to be bucking the trend. The strong start to 2016 and the positive feelings about the year ahead are encouraging for our sector and for the UK economy.

“Despite official data which has reported low growth, poor manufacturing outlook and a trade deficit, the chemical and pharmaceutical sector is working hard to meet the needs of customers in the UK and across the globe.”

The survey also asked what companies saw as threats to their performance. Higher raw material and energy costs topped the list, with increased competition from China, shrinking markets, increasing costs of legislative compliance and uncertainty over the UK’s membership of the European Union ahead of June’s referendum all being highlighted.

The chemical and pharmaceutical industry adds £15 billion of value to the UK economy every year from total annual turnover of £50 billion. This represents 10% of the value added by the whole of manufacturing.

It is the UK’s largest manufacturing exporter with annual exports of close to £50 billion.

11

Honour for team

A team of researchers from GSK and the University of Edinburgh have won the Royal Society of Chemistry Teamwork in Innovation Award winners for 2016.

The award was given for the outstanding collaboration between industry and academia to discover medicines for treatment of acute pancreatitis.

The Teamwork in Innovation Award recognises outstanding examples of teamwork in promoting innovation through industry–academia partnerships. The prize is awarded annually and the winners are chosen by an independent selection panel.

z WORLD NEWS

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

SUMMER 2016

Ivy could hold key to new products American researchers are investigating new approaches to wound healing, creating stronger armour for the military and maybe even cosmetics with better staying power – and all thanks to a humble plant.

New research from The Ohio State University has illuminated the tiny particles responsible for English ivy’s ability to latch on so tightly to trees and buildings that it can withstand hurricanes and tornadoes.

The researchers pinpointed the spherical particles within English ivy’s adhesive and identified the primary protein within them.

Mingjun Zhang, the biomedical engineering professor who led the work, said: “By understanding the proteins that give rise to ivy’s strength, we can give rise to approaches to engineer new bio-inspired adhesives for medical and industry products.

“It’s a milestone to resolve this mystery. We now know the secret of this adhesive and the underlying molecular mechanism.

“Ivy has these very tiny hairy structures that have a wonderful interaction with the surface as the plant climbs. One day I was looking at the ivy in the backyard and I was amazed at the force.

“It’s very difficult to tear down, even in a natural disaster. It’s one of the strongest adhesive forces in nature.”

When he and his team took a look at the ivy’s glue with an atomic-force microscope, they

those plants to affix themselves to walls, fences and just about anything in their way.

“When climbing, ivy secretes these tiny nanoparticles which make initial surface contact. Due to their high uniformity and low viscosity, they can attach to large areas on various surfaces.”

After the water evaporates, a chemical bond forms, Mingjun said, adding: “It’s really a nature-made amazing mechanism for highstrength adhesion.”

were able to identify a previously unknown element in its adhesive.

Mingjun said that particles rich in those proteins have exceptional adhesive abilities that could be used to the advantage of many people, from biomedical engineers to paint makers.

The glue doesn’t just sit on the surface of the object that the ivy is clinging to, he said. It finds its way into openings invisible to the naked eye, further solidifying its bond.

To confirm what they found, Zhang and his collaborators used the nanoparticles to reconstruct a simple glue that mimics ivy adhesive. Advanced bio-adhesives based on this research will take more time and research.

The tiny particles inside the glue on their laboratory slides turned out to be primarily made up of arabinogalactan proteins.

In addition to its strength, ivy adhesive has other properties that make it appealing to scientists looking for answers to engineering quandaries.

When the scientists investigated further, they discovered that the driving force behind the curing of the glue was a calcium-mediated interaction between the proteins and pectin in the gelatinous liquid that oozes from ivy as it climbs.

Mingjun said; “Under moisture or high or low temperatures, it’s not easily damaged. Ivy is very resistant to various environmental conditions, which makes the adhesive a particularly interesting candidate for the development of armor coatings.”

Mingjun, a member of Ohio State’s Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, is particularly interested in bio-adhesives that could aid in wound healing after injury or surgeries. Others, notably the US military, are interested in surface-coating applications for purposes that include strengthening armor systems, he said.

Mingjun’s collaborators from Ohio State were Yujian Huang, Yongzhong Wang, Leming Sun and Jennifer Petrosino. Others involved in the study were Li Tan, of the University of Georgia; and Mei-Zhen Cui and Feng Hao, of the University of Tennessee.

Mingjun said: “Many plants are excellent climbers but scientists have had limited information about the adhesives that enable

The research was supported by the U.S. Army, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Project will increase propylene production levels Borealis, a provider of solutions in the fields of polyolefins, base chemicals and fertilisers, has announced a EUR 40 million investment to upgrade its steam cracker in Porvoo, Finland.

The upgrade will enhance the cracker’s energy efficiency, yield higher production capacities for propylene and crude C4, and enable an overall higher production quality of propylene.

The investment in the cracker will further enhance its performance by boosting capacity and improving energy efficiency and the project is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2017.

As part of the upgrade, the production capacity of propylene and crude C4 will increase by 30 kilotonnes per annum and 10 kilotonnes per annum, respectively.

“Through continuous investments, Borealis is securing its position among the most innovative and reliable polyethylene and polypropylene suppliers in Europe.”

The project will also upgrade the quality of all produced propylene to polymer grade, thereby increasing value as well as productivity in the adjacent polypropylene production plant.

Flexible, integrated steam crackers and their associated production units form the backbone of the Borealis olefins and polyolefins portfolio in Europe.

Markku Korvenranta, Borealis Executive Vice President Base Chemicals, said: “Investing in upgrades and capacity expansion at strategic Borealis production locations such as Porvoo enables us to improve the competitiveness of our strong, integrated polyolefins business in Europe.

Borealis sources basic feedstocks such as naphtha, butane, propane and ethane from the oil and gas industry and converts these into ethylene, propylene and other high value hydrocarbons. It also produces propylene in a propane dehydrogenation plant in Kallo, Belgium.

12

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

WORLD NEWS z

Canadian investment on the up

Chemical Industry spending in the provinces of Western Canada, consisting of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, has greatly increased compared with last year, according to a new report.

The provinces are home to some of the country’s largest chemical and petrochemical complexes and Texasbased research organisation Industrial Info based its findings on 39 projects with plans to begin construction this year, totaling an estimated $221 million in capital and maintenance spending.

Organisations come together to boost sportswear recycling BASF is among ten organisations from industry and science working together on a project to increase recycling in sportswear.

Led by adidas and funded by the European Commission, the three-year Sports Infinity project aims to develop recyclable, partly waste-based, textile fibre-reinforced composites, particularly for use in sports shoes.

The goal is a new breed of sporting goods that will not be discarded but reused. A used football shoe, for instance, could be collected and shredded into tiny pieces, of which every gram is reprocessed to help produce new footwear, says BASF. BASF’s extensive polymer know-how will play an integral part in developing new materials and tailoring them to the manufacturing process. Recyclability is a key factor in the material selection process.

Juergen Weiser, Director Technology, Performance Materials, BASF, said: “We are

focusing on special new polymers with a broad mechanical property range.

“The goal is to create a recyclable product that can be fine-tuned to a variety of applications and related processes. Developing new and disruptive cradle-to-cradle sporting good concepts together with partners along the entire value chain is a perfect fit for us.”

As part of the project, polymers, either from industrial or sportswear waste sources, will be reengineered to the key manufacturing processes for Sport Infinity. The processes uses almost every gram of material and do not produce waste.

Sport Infinity brings together partners from various disciplines from specialty equipment manufacturers and processing experts to chemical suppliers and fibre and textile processors.

Involved are adidas AG; BASF; KISKA GmbH; FILL Gesellschaft m.b.H.; Friedrich-AlexanderUniversität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU); OECHSLER AG; University of Leeds, Centre for Technical Textiles (CTT); Association CETI (Centre Européen des Textiles Innovants); Hypercliq E.E and SportsMethod Ltd.

New venture launched Tokyo-based Mitsui Chemicals and SKC Polyurethanes Inc has officially launched a joint venture bio-polyol manufacturing company in India,

Vithal Castor Polyols Pvt. Ltd has been established with Itoh Oil Chemical Co. Ltd and India’s Jayant Agro-Organics Ltd to manufacture and sell bio-polyol using Indian castor oil from nonedible plants as a main raw material.

Eight per cent of the world’s castor oil is produced in India and the new venture’s manufacturing plant in India allows the company to stably supply bio-polyol.

Award for company

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc of Tokyo has been presented with this year’s Japan Chemical Industry Association Outstanding Award for its work to contribute to the local community.

The company’s activities have included sponsorship of children’s sports events, educational support including plant tours for elementary, junior and high school students and the holding of chemical experimental classrooms.

Accolade for Chemetall Chemetall, a global surface treatment company and a division of Albemarle Corporation, has been named as one of Germany’s best apprenticeship companies.

The goal is to create a recyclable product that can be fine-tuned to a variety of applications and related processes. Developing new and disruptive cradle-to-cradle sporting good concepts together with partners along the entire value chain is a perfect fit for us.

13

The study conducted by the weekly news magazine FOCUS tested 2,000 companies from 22 industries and its results were influenced by the success of apprentices, vocational training, and salaries paid to the apprentices.

z WORLD NEWS

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

Company uses carbon dioxide in production process Covestro has launched a plant in Dormagen near Cologne in Germany that uses carbon dioxide as a raw material in the production of plastics.

The company is, for the first time, using carbon dioxide instead of crude oil on an industrial scale, creating a foam component made with 20% CO2.

Covestro CEO Patrick Thomas said: “We have to change the way we look at CO2, and we will. Using it as an alternative source of raw materials is a solution to some of the biggest challenges of our time, finding a replacement for finite fossil resources such as oil and gas and closing material cycles.

“Thanks to our innovative process and the launch of our production operations in Dormagen, we see ourselves as a pioneer in this area.”

The development was welcomed by Thomas Rachel, Parliamentary State Secretary from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, which financially supported Covestro’s technology in the research and development phase.

He said: “This method of using carbon dioxide as a raw material is an important step as we move toward a sustainable future. The German

Federal government is promoting the use of CO2 as a raw material in order to expand the chemical industry’s raw materials basis and open new avenues to sustainability.”

Covestro scientists worked with experts from the CAT Catalytic Center in Aachen – a research institute operated jointly with RWTH – to find the right catalyst that would make the chemical reaction with CO2 possible.

In Dormagen, Covestro is using carbon from CO2 to manufacture a new type of polyol. These are core building blocks for polyurethane foam – a versatile material that is used in many industries around the world. The carbon dioxide is chemically bound into the material.

The company has invested EUR 15 million in the new plant, which has an annual production capacity of 5,000 metric tons.

The CO2 used is a waste product from a neighboring chemical company.

The new CO2 based polyol has been engineered initially for flexible polyurethane foam intended for use in mattresses and upholstered furniture. In terms of quality, the foam achieves at least the same high standards as conventional material produced using only petrochemical raw materials, i.e. crude oil.

By eliminating the use of crude oil and saving the energy otherwise used to process that oil, the method is more environmentally-friendly than conventional production processes.

Thanks to the catalyst and the considerable energy contained in the remaining content

Call for reform

Marco Mensink, Director General of Cefic, the EU chemical industry body, said: “Proposed ETS reforms to divide industries in groups or tiers protect certain industries at the expense of others. This is not only unfortunate but undesirable, since it’s based on old industrial production data. Before taking such a decision, updated and recent data should be applied at the very least.”

Professor Ernst Schmachtenberg, Rector of RWTH Aachen University, said: “Making efficient use of the carbon dioxide molecule, which is normally slow to react, is a real scientific and technical challenge. We have made a breakthrough by combining application-centric basic research with research-based industrial practices.”

Honour for professor

The EU chemical industry has called for a reformed European Emissions Trading System (ETS) that enables allocation of free carbon allowances.

ETS is designed to cut industrial carbon emissions from European manufacturing facilities and recent proposals would see ‘at-risk sectors’ receive greater free allocations of carbon allowances – the ‘currency’ underpinning ETS.

of petrochemical raw materials, no additional energy needs to be expended to make the lowreactivity CO2 react.

Hong Kong Baptist University has conferred the title of Emeritus Professor on Professor Chan Wing-hong for his contributions to academic work and university activities over three and a half decades. He retired as a professor in the Department of Chemistry in August.

Company wins contract

Amec Foster Wheeler has won a contract for the engineering and material supply of a steam reformer heater for hydrogen production for the JSC Orsknefteorgsintez refinery at Orsk, Russia.

The heater will be based on Amec Foster Wheeler’s Terrace WallTM design and form part of a new 75,000 Nm3/h hydrogen production unit to be installed at one of the leading refineries in Russia.

14

Professor Chan was Head of the Department of Chemistry from 1998 to 2007, leading it through financial hardship arising from the Government’s cuts to higher education spending after the Asian financial crisis.

A prolific scholar in the areas of organic synthesis and analysis, chemical sensors and supramolecular chemistry, Professor Chan has published more than 200 refereed articles in leading international journals and received more than 3,600 citations.

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

WORLD NEWS z

Library launched for researchers

US company Waters Corporation has introduced a new metabolic profiling reference library for use during ion mobility mass spectrometry-based research.

The Metabolic Profiling CCS Library includes more than 900 measurements of collision cross-section values, which measure the gas phase threedimensional shape of a molecule for an additional identification coordinate used to confirm analytical results.

Warning for European chemical industry

Recycling breakthrough

A report by the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) has shown that, despite growing global demand for chemicals and the better environmental and energy efficiency performance of the EU chemical industry, competitive pressures on the sector continue to rise.

The sector produces 17% of the world’s chemicals, employs 1.2 million EU workers and contributes 551 billion Euros to the EU economy but Cefic says that China continues to dominate and is planning an ambitious strategy to take its chemical industry to the next stage of development.

On the other side of the Atlantic, says Cefic, the EU chemical industry is challenged by the US chemical industry revival, which is riding the shale gas boom.

In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is embarking on an ambitious strategy aiming to expand downstream production of chemicals.

By comparison, in Europe the chemical industry faces high energy and feedstock costs and a complex regulatory environment, resulting in declining export competitiveness, says Cefic.

Cefic says that this is boosting profits abroad and attracting billions of dollars in investment, on which Europe is missing out.

Marco Mensink, Cefic Director General, said: “It is crucial for Europe to enable this sector to innovate and transform from the existing asset base, to allow it to act as enabler of key materials and supplier for other sectors in Europe in the next decades.

“Keeping Europe an attractive place for chemical investment requires urgent action on the cost of energy and feedstock and on better regulation.

“Ninety per cent of global GDP growth will happen outside the EU in the coming decades, of which we need to take our share. Growth and jobs are highly dependent on a strong domestic business climate.”

In particular, the report highlights that making ethylene – a major chemicals building block -in Europe is twice as expensive as in the US.

15

The Dow Chemical Company has introduced a new technological breakthrough which will allow the recycling of polyethylene-based packaging used in stores.

Developed with the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), Dow’s RecycleReady Technology enables the recycling of packaging for products like granola and nuts, which was not possible before.

The pouch made with RETAIN polymer modifiers is the first package of its kind with barrier film that can be recycled in a polyethylene recycling stream.

New production line opens

US firm Honeywell has opened a new $150 production line at its catalyst manufacturing facility in Shreveport, Louisiana, to produce a new range of catalysts for the oil refining industry at the facility, which employs 290 people.

The new production line will manufacture catalysts for hydroprocessing, which removes impurities from fractionated crude oil and also makes transportation fuels.

The SoluTionS To Your MoST Challenging waTer iSSueS. From process monitoring to laboratory verification, Hach is your trusted partner —assuring maximum uptime through preventative protection and superior service.

To learn more, visit: hach.com/ChemindustryJournal

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

On-line TOC Analysis for Difficult Applications Global leader in energy and petrochemicals selects the BioTector B7000 TOC Analyser after a six-year search.

OVERVIEW

After six years of searching, a joint oil refinery and chemical manufacturing site in the Netherlands selected the BioTector B7000 TOC Analyser for its difficult online application.

The BioTector B7000 uses a unique oxidation method, based on hydroxyl radicals. Its proven ability to operate successfully, even in the most difficult applications, sets it apart from other TOC analysers currently on the market.

THE PROJECT

The project had as its directive the identification of a Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyser that would give reliable results in an application having both high calcium and high salts concentrations. Most of the instruments that were tested failed after only a few hours operation as a result of these conditions. Two and a half years after starting the project, the BioTector was taken for testing and to the company’s surprise continued to run where all other analysers failed. Further tests were carried out and the BioTector was

finally approved as the only instrument that successfully met its stringent requirements.

application and is now commercially available as an optional feature of the BioTector.

The tests were carried out at a epichlorohydrin (ECH) processing facility. ECH is an intermediate product made from cracked oil.

ECH strippers are used in the manufacturing process. Effluent from the strippers is monitored online by the BioTector TOC analyser. The effluent contains a mix of particulate components, together with Clbased chemical structures, this is a difficult combination for any TOC analyser.

The BioTector was further fitted with an air purge system and certified for EExp Zone 2 use as it was to be installed in a hazardous area.

The standard procedure for TOC measurement has as its first step the removal of all inorganic carbons (IC), leaving only the organic carbons (OC) in the sample. This is normally achieved by lowering the pH in the sample and using a stripper gas to remove the CO2 that is formed.

Normally, the BioTector uses sulphuric acid (H2SO4) to remove the IC. Sulphuric acid, however, reacts with calcium to form gypsum (CaSO4), which builds up into a stone-hard sediment within the analyser. To avoid this, for this sepcific application the BioTector uses hydrochloric acid (HCl).

High concentrations of salts and the use of hydrochloric acid combine to create a highly aggressive environment. To avoid corrosion of the stainless steel reactor standard in the BioTector, a new reactor made of Teflon PFA (per fluor alkoxy) was specially made for this

17

THE RESULTS

Final tests on the BioTector’s online operational reliability and accuracy were completed and the BioTector TOC analyser was approved as the recommended system for all facilities of this company.

The testing and resultant modifications of the BioTector developed in co-operation with the customer took three years.

The experience gained from the tests and the modifications introduced have resulted in a superior product to the benefit of all users of online TOC analysers worldwide. This project proves that it is possible to carry out reliable online TOC analysis even in the most difficult industrial environments.

Phone: 0161 872 1487 Email us: info-uk@hach.com http://uk.hach.com

Conductorliner

The World's First Anti-Static Repair System

THE PROBLEM Currently there are thousands of miles of underground pipes and associated infrastructure, much of it in the chemical and nuclear sectors.

WORLD FIRST SOLUTION

How do you repair a pipe, crack or displaced joint using a material or method that will still dissipate static charge so that there is no threat of explosion?

The Logo

APPLICATIONS Conductorliner is the ultimate underground infrastructure repair system, best serving those sectors that have a daily need to mitigate explosion risks.

Colour: CMYK Red

Please get in touch to arrange a visit from one of our sales team or to request a brochure.

Telephone: +44 (0)330 111 0007 Email us at: info@conductorliner.com

CONDUCTOR

INER

THE WORLD’S FIRST ANTI-STATIC REPAIR SYSTEM

www.conductorliner.com

Typeface: Din Bold Con 60% Grey

Typeface: Din REG 80% Grey

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

The World's First Anti-Static Repair System CONDUCTORLINER has been developed by Oranmore Environmental Services, the UK’s leading specialist infrastructure solution provider. It is the first product of its type in the world.

When pipes are originally laid they are, by definition, theoretically perfect. Such pipes are usually made of some kind of DISSIPATIVE earthenware material, which means if flammable liquids such as solvents, for instance, pass down them, any build-up of static is dissipated through the pipe, thus preventing the threat of explosion.

Established in 2010 Oranmore offers a full turnkey solution for above and below ground infrastructure, ranging from comprehensive structural surveys, to full repair and maintenance of drainage systems, chambers, sumps, pipes, tanks and associated assets.

Up to now such materials have always been fibre glass patches, polyester liners and epoxy coating systems, which are insulators, meaning they break the continuity of the static flow and allow it to build-up, causing the potential for spark, explosion and possible chain reaction.

Headquartered in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, the company works across the UK and Europe providing a range of services to the water, construction, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, petrochemical and nuclear industries.

And it is from this wealth of experience that Oranmore has been able to identify a major flaw that has been present in underground infrastructure for decades, threatening the personal safety and continued well-being of thousands of workers in many of those sectors listed above, as well as massively increasing the threat of environmental and commercial risk.

This is set to change thanks to its revolutionary new product, CONDUCTORLINER, a true ‘world first’ which is set to change forever the face of international underground infrastructure repair.

THE PROBLEM

Currently there are thousands of miles of underground pipes and associated infrastructure, much of it in the chemical and nuclear sectors.

WORLD FIRST SOLUTION

How do you repair a pipe, crack or displaced joint using a material or method that will still dissipate static charge so that there is no threat of explosion?

The UK national standards body, the BSI, issues standard BS60079-32 for electro-static hazards in potentially explosive atmospheres.

When a pipe is in need of repair, be it a hole, a crack or a displaced joint, other substances are, by definition, introduced into the pipe to facilitate that repair.

All infrastructure repair systems in potentially explosive atmospheres should conform with this standard. They do not and never have.

Up to now industry has been effecting repairs to negate environmental risk, unwittingly introducing an explosion risk. This is set to change for the first time in modern industrial history thanks to CONDUCTORLINER.

Such products do not conform with the BS60079-32 standard for electro-static hazards in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Oranmore Environmental Services has come up with a ‘world first’ answer, because not only is CONDUCTORLINER EN/BS60079-32 standard compliant, but it has also been proven to be the first 100% dissipative infrastructure repair system in the world.

Effectively current repair methods introduce the potential for explosion and spark, because they are NOT dissipative! The environmental risk may be negated, however, by definition, an explosion risk is introduced.

Please get in touch to arrange a visit from one of our sales team or to request a brochure.

Email us at info@conductorliner.com or call is on +44 (0)330 111 0007, Kindly ask for Tom or Lydia McGrath.

The Logo

CONDUCTORLINER is the first product in the world that conforms with HSE legislation and that is EN/BS60079-32 compliant.

Colour: CMYK Red

CONDUCTOR

INER

THE WORLD’S FIRST ANTI-STATIC REPAIR SYSTEM

19

Typeface: Din Bold Con 60% Grey

Typeface: Din REG 80% Grey

z ENVIRONMENT

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

Carbon

capture pilot scheme proves its worth The chemical industry has been making great strides in its efforts to reduce its impact on the environment and one area offering great cause for optimism is carbon capture.

Among recent advances is the completion of a joint pilot project in the United States by BASF and technology company The Linde Group to improve capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) from flue gas at a coal fired power plant at the National Carbon Capture Center (NCCC).

The NCCC is a US Department of Energy (DOE) research facility managed and operated by Southern Company, in Wilsonville and since January 2015, the project operated a pilot plant under an agreement with DOE’s National Energy

Technology Laboratory (NETL).

Following the successful completion, BASF and Linde will begin largerscale testing and explore commercial opportunities.

The technology integrates BASF’s advanced aqueous amine-based solvent and process technology, marketed under the OASE® blue brand, with novel CO2-capture process and engineering innovations developed by Linde.

Results showed that it captured more than 90% CO2 from the flue gas while the purity of the CO2 was more than 99.9%.

The design capacity of the operation was up to 1.5 Megawatt-electric (MWe) and required less than 2.8 gigajoules of regeneration steam per metric ton of CO2.

In addition, the NCCC includes a postcombustion carbon capture facility that allows testing and integration of advanced technologies using coal-derived flue gas from an 880-MW pulverized coal unit at Alabama Power’s Plant in Gaston.

The pilot plant has operated at the

20

facility for more than 1,200 hours at a higher regeneration pressure of 3.4 bar absolute, thereby demonstrating a cost advantage over other amine-based technologies.

Dr Andreas Northemann, Vice President of BASF’s OASE Gas Treating Excellence, said: “The amine-based OASE blue technology offers significant benefits for CO2 capture as it aims to reduce the regeneration energy requirements using novel solvents.

“Long-term pilot testing demonstrated the solvents’ performance and stability.

BASF’s almost 50 years of experience in industrial gas treating, combined with the expertise of Linde in largescale engineering, procurement and construction, will lead us to the commercial scale-up of OASE blue technology.”

Dr Christian Bruch, Member of the Executive Board of The Linde Group, said: “The result should prove that CO2 capture is economically feasible, substantially reducing emissions and their negative impact on climate.”

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

The amine-based OASE blue technology offers significant benefits for CO2 capture as it aims to reduce the regeneration energy requirements using novel solvents.

Dr Andreas Northemann

Vice President of BASF’s OASE Gas Treating Excellence

21

ENVIRONMENT z

z ENVIRONMENT

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

Report underlines value of hydrogen approach Similar work is under way in the UK where the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA) has welcomed publication of a report which sets out how the gas grid can be converted to hydrogen.

The report, a collaboration between Northern Gas Networks, Wales & West Utilities, Kiwa Gastex and Amec Foster Wheeler, recommends that a UK-wide conversion from natural gas to hydrogen could reduce emissions from the heat sector by 73% - making a dramatic contribution towards meeting the UK’s decarbonisation goals.

Converting natural gas into hydrogen takes place via a process called Steam Methane Reforming, which turns the gas into hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

To achieve the significant emissions reductions from the process, the H21 Leeds City Gate report proposes to use CCS to capture and store the carbon dioxide from the conversion with hydrogen remaining as a zero-carbon fuel that can be used for heating, transport and electricity.

with their new approach to CCS as soon as possible and to ensure that this new approach enables the use of CCS to produce low-carbon hydrogen, as well as to reduce emissions from energy intensive industries and power.

“The report highlights the value of CCS to the UK economy, and we, therefore, need a collaborative partnership between industry and Government to develop this crucial low carbon infrastructure.”

Dr Luke Warren, Chief Executive of the CCSA, said: “To meet the UK’s ambitious climate change goals will require decarbonisation across the economy. This report sets out an excellent proposal to turn the UK’s gas grid into a hydrogen network, which can reduce emissions and provide a long-term future for the UK’s gas infrastructure.

“However, this option largely depends on the availability of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and we, therefore, call on the Government to come forward

Greenhouse gas emissions continue to fall in Europe European Union greenhouse gas emissions continued to decrease in 2014, with a 4.1% reduction in emissions to 24.4% below 1990 levels, according to the recently-published annual inventory from the European Environment Agency (EEA).

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the 24-year period was due to the growing use of renewables, the use of less carbon intensive fuels, improvements in energy efficiency and changes in the economy, including the recession.

The figures come from the EU annual greenhouse gas inventory submitted to the United Nations. In absolute terms, greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 1383 million tonnes (Mt) in the EU since 1990, reaching 4282 Mt of CO2 equivalents in 2014.

Demand for energy to heat households has also been lower, as Europe on average has experienced milder winters since 1990, which has also helped reduce emissions according to an analysis linked to the inventory.

Hans Bruyninckx, EEA Executive Director, said: “It is positive that Europe has been able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions substantially since 1990. It is an important step towards reaching our 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

“To accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon society, we need to further boost our investments in technology and innovation aimed at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.”

FINDINGS INCLUDED

The overall reduction of 24.4% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 23% including international aviation, was accompanied by a 47% increase in gross domestic product (GDP).

GHG emissions decreased in the majority of sectors between 1990 and 2014. Emission reductions were largest for manufacturing industries and construction (-372 Mt), electricity and heat production (-346 Mt), and

22

residential combustion (-140 Mt).

Not all sectors were able to reduce emissions. Road transport, responsible for the largest increase in CO2 emissions, grew by 124 Mt from 19902014, and 7 Mt from 2013-14.

Emissions from international transport (aviation and shipping), which are not included in national totals reported, increased substantially between 1990 and 2014 (93 Mt).

Emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a group of GHG gases used in the production of cooling devices such as air conditioning systems and refrigerators, increased (99 Mt).

EU GHG emissions were cut by 185 Mt between 2013 and 2014 (4.1%). The reduction was mainly due to lower heat demand by households due to the very warm winter in Europe.

The increase in non-combustible renewables, particularly from wind and solar power, also contributed to lower emissions in 2014.

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

ENVIRONMENT z

Ammonia emissions fall in Europe

Ammonia emissions in Europe have fallen since 1990, but by not as much as emissions of other air pollutants tracked under an internationally agreed United Nations convention.

According to a new report from the European Environment Agency, ammonia emissions increased in 2014, meaning several EU Member States as well as the EU now exceed their respective ammonia emission limits under the convention.

Around 94% of ammonia (NH3) emissions in Europe stem from agriculture, mainly from manure storage, slurry spreading and the use of fertilisers containing nitrogen. Ammonia contributes to eutrophication — an oversupply of nitrogen — and acidification of ecosystems.

It also forms particulate matter in the atmosphere which harms human health.

The Gothenburg Protocol to the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) contains emission reduction commitments that have to be met for nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), and sulphur oxides (SOx).

The annual European Union emission inventory report 1990-2014 under the LRTAP Convention shows that NH3 emissions fell by 24% between 1990 and 2014, but increased in the EU‑28 between 2013 and 2014 by 0.9%.

Ammonia emissions from the EU-15 in 2014 were 0.2% higher than the 2010 limit, the first time the EU-15 has exceeded its emission ceiling for this pollutant.

The rise in NH3 emissions in 2014 was mainly due to increases in France, Germany and Spain.

Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain also exceeded their individual NH3 ceilings in 2014.

Emissions of the other main pollutants covered by LRTAP have dropped considerably since 1990, including the three air pollutants primarily responsible for the formation of ground-level ozone (O3). Carbon monoxide (CO), NMVOCs and NOx were reduced by 65%, 60% and 55%, respectively.

Key findings included: Across the EU-28, SOx emissions have fallen the most with an 88% reduction since 1990.

This is a result of a combination of measures including a shift from fuels with high sulphur content towards low-sulphur fuels such as natural gas, flue-gas desulphurisation in industrial facilities and EU directives relating to the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels.

Emissions of primary particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 have fallen by 23% and 25%, respectively since 2000, and black carbon (BC) by 42%.

Emissions of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg), as well as the organic pollutants dioxins and furans, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have also dropped substantially since 1990, by about 66 % or more.

The EEA member countries Norway and Switzerland, also have emission ceilings

23

specified under the Gothenburg Protocol.

In 2014, Norway exceeded its NH3 ceiling.

Switzerland complied with all its ceilings.

US TOXIC CHEMICAL EMISSIONS FALL The US Environmental Protection Agency has released its 2014 TRI (Toxics Release Inventory), which demonstrated once again the chemical industry’s commitment to protecting the environment.

Total US releases of toxic chemicals decreased by 6% from 2013 to 2014, according to the EPA’s annual TRI report. The US chemical sector saw its emissions decrease by about 4% during the same period.

The EPA noted that the reduction was “mainly due to decreases from chemical manufacturing facilities and electric utilities.”

New Jersey is among areas leading the efforts; its 367 reporting facilities realised a 1% reduction of Total TRI emissions on the previous year. Since 1988, total TRI emissions in New Jersey have reduced by 89%.

The chemical sector accounts for 32% of TRI emissions in New Jersey. The industrial processes, many of which operate 24 hours a day and seven days a week, have voluntarily implemented emission reduction measures that mean the sector was able to reduce emissions by 10% compared to 2013, and by more than 94% since 1988. The national average for the chemical industry is 83%.

z ENVIRONMENT

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

SUMMER 2016

YOUR PARTNER IN ENVIRONMENT AND TOXICOLOGY ENSURING CHEMICAL REGULATORY COMPLIANCE WORLDWIDE      

Risk assessment of chemicals Strategies for REACH registrations and SVHC substances Chemical compliance and regulatory toxicology Environmental laboratory services Hazard classifications and Safety Data Sheets for your global market Software tools incl. our new ChemClass for classification of chemicals mixtures according to national or regional implementation of GHS

© DHI / Photo: ©

Contact: info@dhigroup.com For more information, visit www.tox.dhigroup.com

DHI Agern Allé 5 DK-2970 Hørsholm Tel: + 45 4516 9200

24

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

SUMMER 2016

ADVERTORIAL

The last wave of pre-registered substances should be registered before 31st May 2018.

The deadline is for substances pre-registered in the tonnage range from 1 – 100 tonnes per year and includes chemicals that are often manufactured or imported by small or medium sized European enterprises (SMEs).

It is a challenge for the small companies who often have no or little experience with REACH registration to navigate in the landscape of legal provisions, guidelines and IT systems.

Furthermore, the tonnage band from 1 – 100 tonnes covers the highest number of individual substances to be registered in one go. The European Chemicals Agency, ECHA, has developed new and more user-friendly IT systems and issued tutorials and guidance to support companies about to register for the first time. Moreover, ECHA urges SMEs to start the work as soon as possible.

Since the start of REACH, DHI has supported industry in the preparation of a large number of registration dossiers as well as other services related to the REACH implementation and compliance. The challenges up to the 2018 deadline are different from previous registrations due to the high number of substances with only limited toxicological and ecotoxicological information available. Based on our experience, we highlight below a few issues that are important for the registrants to consider for the 2018 registration deadline.

EVALUATE SUBSTANCE SAMENESS AND CREATE SUBSTANCE IDENTITY PROFILE

It is important that the registrants carefully describe the identity of a substance and document this based on detailed and relevant chemical analyses. The first challenge for registrants of the same substance in a Substance Information Exchange Forum

Shutterstock©

SMEs need to prepare for REACH 2018 now (SIEF) is to evaluate the sameness of the substance. It is recommended that the SIEF (or the consortium) prepares and agrees on a Substance Identity Profile (SIP) that describes the substance identity and variations in terms of composition. In addition to the name and EC/CAS number, the SIP describes the molecular weight range, concentration range of main constituent, additives contents and how to check the sameness based on spectral data and analytical methods. Most often the lead registrant drafts the SIP but as it describes the limits of the registration, it has to be agreed among the participants in the SIEF.

NON-TEST METHODS ARE GAINING GROUND

The 2018 registration deadline is the last registration deadline in the transitional provisions for pre-registered substances manufactured or imported in the tonnage range from 1 – 100 tons/year. This group includes speciality chemicals with only limited data. Non-test methods like QSAR and readacross will be preferred over test when it can be justified. Clearly, this reduces the need for test and the related costs, but it should be noted that a detailed scientific justification is required, endpoint by endpoint, and that this will entail more work for preparing the technical dossier. It should also be noted that substances manufactured or imported for the first time can be pre-registered up to one year before the registration deadline of 31stMay 2018.

GUIDANCE ON SAFE USE IS A SUPPLIER RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of the chemical supplier to provide guidance on safe use to his customers based on the information obtained in the registration. For substances over 10 tonnes/year classified as dangerous,

25

an assessment of exposure and risk is required covering all identified uses of each substance. This includes the waste phase and recommendations for safe use which have to be communicated in exposure scenarios. Over the years, DHI’s experts within Environment and Toxicology have generated exposure scenarios and risk characterizations for a wide range of industrial, professional and consumer uses. In most cases, tier 1 methods are sufficient to document safe use but often higher tier exposure modeling is used to reflect more realistic use conditions. The ECHA guidance includes recommendations for methods and tools including the IT tool ‘Chesar’ designed to assist the user in preparing exposure scenarios.

FACTS ABOUT DHI

Provides consultancy services within water, environment and health to n public and governmental authorities n industry sectors such as chemicals industries, ports, water utilities, energy, infrastructure and transportation n consulting engineers and contractors DHI operates globally and has offices in more than 30 countries.

For more information www.tox.dhigroup.com

RAS RISK & HAZARD MANAGEMENT

Understanding and facilitating the effective management of risk is our core business.

Our expertise covers the full range of risk assessment and management services across:

Safety Risk

Business Risk

Environment Risk

Only when the risk facing an organisation is well understood can it be effectively managed.

Key to the successful identification, assessment and management of risk is engagement with the right

people, using the right processes at the right time. We believe we are different to many of our competitors and our approach is distinctive, we don’t always walk the well-trodden path but look at each client’s particular risk context and develop a tailored solution, working in partnership with our client.

We work across all aspects of risk, from Quantitative Risk Assessments and Predictive &

Consequence modelling, through to the ‘softer’ risks which may affect an organisation’s reputation.

+44 (0) 1244 674 612 • enquiries@ras.ltd.uk • www.ras.ltd.uk

… f o e if l e h t in k e e W A

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

Carolyn Nicholls is the Operations Director at RAS Ltd, a Risk and Hazard Management consultancy based in Chester. Carolyn has worked hard in her years in the industry to develop innovative and workable solutions to a wide range of risk management problems and to grow RAS Ltd into the 25 strong consultancy that it is today.

Monday

I always make sure I am in the office on Mondays to review projects and set the team off on new tasks. I start the day with my team of project coordinators and we discuss progress and try to resolve any technical/planning issues.

Then we have our weekly team meeting where everyone at RAS convenes so we can update each other on our whereabouts in the coming weeks. In the afternoon, I meet with each team member to answer questions and make sure that everyone can be making progress on their work, as it is likely that I will be out of the office for the rest of the week. Towards the end of the day, a junior colleague and I drive to the Northeast, ready for a few days of meetings with some of our clients over there.

Carolyn N

Thursday

icholls

Today I’m at a fuel storage terminal meeting with the operator, an environmental remediation specialist and the UK lead on safety and environmental risk and emergency planning. We’re discussing how we can join up their corporate approach with the industry’s regulations and guidance, specifically COMAH and CDOIF, to help their sites when they are writing their contingency plans. It’s an exciting session, as this is something RAS have been interested in getting involved with and it’s always good to know that what we do is making a difference to the wider industry. We also chat about other issues such as modelling oil spills on water.

Tuesday

Today I am at a large site to facilitate a meeting between a client and the regulator. We have just finished working with the client to produce their COMAH Safety Report – one of our largest ever projects – and we are now making a start on the next piece of work. The morning is spent helping the client to prepare. We discuss our approach and review a presentation. Before the afternoon session with the regulator begins, we all meet for lunch. It’s a good icebreaker for the client and the regulator, and I have a really interesting conversation with them about risk matrices – a subject I will hopefully be speaking about at a conference soon. Thanks to our preparation in the morning, the meeting went really well. It was a good introduction to dealing with the regulator for my colleague too.

Friday

Today I’m at an airport fuel storage farm chairing a bowtie session and ALARP review for their risk control measures, ultimately seeing if they could be doing anything more to reduce their risk. I enjoy this, as there is some room for blue-sky thinking before we hone in on new measures using judgement and cost-benefit analysis. I’ve met one of the graduate consultants from RAS here so I can give them some on the job training on the concept of ALARP and give them some exposure to process control systems in the real world. On the train home, I catch up on some work ahead of a busy weekend working on my Georgian house, which my husband and I are rebuilding brick by brick.

Wednesday

This morning I’m at a chemical manufacturing complex.

We’re having a video conference with the safety teams at each of the organisation’s sites across the world to discuss some feedback on a critique RAS completed on their HAZOPs and LOPAs. I recently did some training for them on LOPA, and it was good to see that they had taken it on board. In the afternoon, I did some task analyses with the site as part of a programme of human factors updates I am supporting them with. After this, I say goodbye to my colleague who is driving back to the office in Chester, and I get on the train down south. On the train, I call the office to touch base and make sure everything is okay.

RAS RISK & HAZARD MANAGEMENT 27

+44 (0) 1244 674 612 enquiries@ras.ltd.uk www.ras.ltd.uk

z REACH FEATURE

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

Small businesses urged to get ready for

REACH With two years to go before the new REACH laws impact businesses, smaller UK chemical companies have been urged to start preparing now.

REACH – the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals – requires chemicals which are manufactured in, or imported to, Europe in quantities between 1 and 100 tonnes per year to be registered before 1 June 2018, a change that will mostly, but not exclusively, impact smaller businesses.

The Chemical Industries Association (CIA), which represents chemical manufacturers of all sizes located across the UK, is among organisations which are helping small businesses get ready for the change.

As part of the work, the Association’s subsidiary business REACHReady has been working with the UK Government and other organisations to develop joint advice, as well as supporting the European Chemicals Agency in its efforts to raise awareness.

Silvia Segna, CIA’s REACH Executive, said it was crucial that REACH was not put on the back-burner just because there are still two years to comply, adding: “Two years may seem like a long time but it is important that companies start to prepare now.

“Waiting till later may lead to chemicals not being able to be registered causing disruption to their manufacture and/or import with potential knock-on effects on businesses and product availability.”

adopted a White Paper setting out the strategy for a future Community Policy for Chemicals. Having come into force in 2007, REACH aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment through the better and earlier identification of the intrinsic properties of chemical substances.

Manufacturers and importers are required to gather information on the properties of their chemical substances, which will allow their safe handling, and to register the information in a central database in the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in Helsinki.

The Agency is the central point in the REACH system: it manages the databases necessary to operate the system, co-ordinates the in-depth evaluation of suspicious chemicals and is building up a public database in which consumers and professionals can find hazard information.

Companies are not the only ones being urged to play an active role in REACH. A call for Europe’s different regulatory regimes to engage was made in a major speech

delivered in June to Chemspec Europe 2016, the international exhibition for fine and speciality chemicals, by another Chemical Industries Association officer.

Nishma Patel, acting Chemicals Director, urged the world’s regulatory community to embrace early opportunities to influence the fate of chemicals in the EU marketplace and to use REACH to support innovation.

During the speech, Nishma, who leads REACHReady, said “Every chemical business I know appreciates the importance of regulation.

“We are not about de-regulation, indeed we are at Chemspec to make sure businesses know what they need to do to follow the law, but there is scope for businesses to get involved in the REACH processes earlier to ensure both growth and innovation of the EU chemical industry is maintained. Industry must play its part, but so too must regulators.

“I have a message for governments, agencies and others who agree and implement regulation across the globe. Regulate to innovate.”

Waiting till later may lead to chemicals not being able to be registered causing disruption to their manufacture and/or import with potential knock-on effects on businesses and product availability.

The beginning of REACH can be traced back to 2001, when the European Commission

28

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

REACH FEATURE z

REACH regulations governing skin sensitivity are changed The REACH requirements for skin sensitisation are changing, making nonanimal testing the default requirement.

The amended REACH annexes concerning skin sensitisation are expected to enter into force in autumn 2016. The information needed for the classification or risk assessment of a substance will then be obtained through non-animal methods as a first step.

In vivo methods can only be used if the in chemico or in vitro test methods are not adequate for the substance or cannot be used for classification and risk assessment.

With the amended requirements, if a substance is predicted to be a skin sensitiser based on the available data, skin sensitisation potency should also be assessed. There is currently no

29

standardised way to assess potency with the in vitro methods and, therefore the in vivo test may still be necessary.

However, estimating potency is not necessary if an existing in vivo study does not allow potency estimation and the study has been performed according to internationally-adopted test methods and good laboratory practice.

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

SUMMER 2016

Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Consulting REACH 2018: A Deadline not to Underestimate info@bluefrogscientific.com www.bluefrogscientific.com

Chemicals I Human Pharmaceuticals I Veterinary Medicines I Agrochemicals I Feed Additives 30

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

SUMMER 2016

ADVERTORIAL

REACH 2018: A Deadline not to Underestimate The phase-in period of the REACH Regulation presents a number of challenges to the chemical industry.

Previously, these challenges included the preparation of complex registration dossiers for specific deadlines in 2010 and 2013 for the so-called “high tonnage” chemicals.

JOINT SUBMISSIONS

The forthcoming deadline in 2018 will present a slightly different challenge than the previous deadlines; for many companies this deadline will require the greatest number of registration dossiers to be submitted, for substances manufactured or imported in the 10-100 and 1-10 annual tonnage bands.

STRATEGY

LEAD SUBMISSIONS

For Lead Registrants, significant data sets will still need to be generated meeting strict quality requirements in accordance with Annexes VII and VIII of REACH (See Table 1). Additionally for substances in the 10100 tonnes per year band, chemical safety assessments covering the entire life cycle of a substance will have to be conducted.

Preparing a lead registration dossier also carries a substantial accounting and administrative burden, as the lead dossier will have to be made available to all other potential registrants intending to prepare joint submissions, supported by a fair and transparent cost sharing mechanism. For some companies, the specialist skills and resources needed for Lead Registrant status may not be readily available, and access to these resources will need to be planned and budgeted accordingly.

Annex VII data requirements comprise a minimal set of physico-chemical, toxicological, ecotoxicological and environmental fate studies. Annex VIII data requirements include a set of mandatory tests, in addition to tests triggered by certain properties of a substance, requiring expert knowledge to aid decision-making steps throughout a testing programme. Testing programmes must also be meticulously designed considering the exposure scenarios and risk characterisations that must be prepared for each identified use of a substance. Poor quality data can make proving safe use in a risk assessment an extremely difficult task.

• How many substances need to be registered?

Companies intending to prepare joint submission dossiers have to rely on the communications made by the Lead Registrant concerning, in particular, when access to the lead dossier will be available and at what cost. Additionally, joint registrants may have to perform their own chemical safety assessments, if the Lead Registrant does not provide a chemical safety report covering the joint registrant’s identified uses as part of the Letter of Access. More worryingly for smaller companies with limited resources, there are many 2018 phase-in substances without a Lead Registrant. Should a volunteer for this role not step forward, these substances risk being lost from the market.

The best strategy for successfully meeting the 2018 REACH deadline is simple; planning! It is essential that the following considerations are given to a registrant’s 2018 portfolio:

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

• Is there a Lead Registrant for all of the substances in need of registration?

• Do my personnel have the necessary skills and experience readily available to complete substance registrations?

• How much will each registration cost?

• How many registrations can realistically be completed per year?

• Which departments within my organisation will have to support the registration (e.g. legal, purchasing, signatories)?

With the above information, a strategy for registering a company’s 2018 portfolio can be prepared, including an estimate of resource requirements and of course, costs.

Blue Frog Scientific Limited is a leading UK-based scientific and regulatory affairs consultancy supporting Clients in all major sectors of the chemical industry.

TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

ECOTOXICOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

Annex VII Data Requirements (1-10 tonnes per year) † •

Melting/Freezing Point

•

Skin Irritation or skin corrosion

•

Analytical Method Validation

•

Boiling Point

•

Eye Irritation

•

•

Relative Density

•

Skin Sensitisation

Short term toxicity testing on invertebrates

•

Vapour Pressure

•

•

•

Surface Tension

In vitro gene mutation study in bacteria

Aquatic Plant growth inhibition test

•

Water Solubility

•

Acute toxicity by Oral Route

•

Ready Biodegradability

•

Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water)

•

In vivo skin irritation

•

Flash Point

•

In vivo eye irritation

•

Flammability

•

•

Explosive Properties

•

Self-ignition temperature

In vitro cytogenicitiy study in mammalian cells or in vitro micronucleus study

•

•

Oxidising Properties

In vitro gene mutation study in mammalian cells

•

Granulometry

•

Acute toxicity by Inhalation

•

Acute toxicity by Dermal Route

•

Short term repeated dose toxicity study (28 day)

•

Screening for reproductive/ developmental toxicity

•

Assessment of toxicokinetic behaviour

Annex VIII Data Requirements (10-100 tonnes per year) †

† - If endpoints are to be waived, a comprehensive waiver argument needs to be included in the waiver justification

Table 1. Data Requirements Associated with 2018 Registrations

By Damien Carson

Director of Blue Frog Scientific www.bluefrogscientific.com

31

•

Short term toxicity testing on fish

•

Activated sludge respiration inhibition test

•

Hydrolysis as a function of pH

•

Adsorption/desorption screening

ADVERTORIAL

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

REACH & CLP Compliance Specialists LOA Valuations

Opt-out Registrations

Joint Registration

Authorisations

Lead Registrations

Strategy & Planning

Supply Chain Compliance Auditing

Downstream User Support

Safety Data Sheets

Only Representative Services

Hazard classification reviews

Training

Plus BPR, Agrochemicals, Cosmetics...and more

Access your FREE REACH and CLP guidance now: www.stewardshipsolutions.co.uk

T: +44(0)1706 220901 M: +44(0)7834 676908 E: chriseacott@stewardshipsolutions.co.uk 32

Winner Chemicals Northwest 2015 Service Provider of the Year Award

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

Time for Cool Heads on the UK/EU Regulatory Scene Since the UK Brexit referendum result, it has often been amusing to read the responses of commentators involved in the chemical industry regulatory sector.

Even though no-one yet knows the impact that Brexit will have on key legislation like REACH, CLP and BPR in the UK, urgent warnings and all manner of instructions are available in abundance. Much of the advice seems to involve encouraging readers to get rid of – or avoid altogether - existing UK-located REACH Only Representatives (ORs). Unsurprisingly, a lot of this advice is promulgated by OR companies and organisations with offices based in EU countries other than the UK, eager to grab a chunk of UK OR activity, which represents the biggest OR sector in the EU at more than 20% of all EU ORs. Aside from the Brexit issue, the mid-2018 deadline to register substances manufactured in, or imported to, the EU at >1tpa is getting alarmingly close. The UK REACH authorities have made it perfectly clear that it is ‘business as usual’ on the REACH front, and they have no intention of relaxing their stance on REACH compliance in the UK. Rather, they have been urgently canvassing UK businesses about the state of REACH compliance in their supply chains, worried that critical substances will be unavailable after the mid-2018 deadline.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

What should chemical manufacturers and downstream users do, faced as they are with both the uncertainties of Brexit and the looming mid-2018 deadline?

FINAL THOUGHTS

Crystal-ball-gazing is a risky business, but here are some predictions about the next few years: EU chemicals legislation may well be retained fully in its current form in the UK, and as already happens in the three EEA EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway).

Even if EU chemicals legislation is not retained ‘as is’, an equivalent Swiss-style model can be envisaged i.e a parallel system that requires paper-work duplication and some differences in legal-entity arrangements.

they have not yet registered substances, and you need these for your own purposes, be persistent about asking for evidence of their REACH compliance activities. Seek expert help if necessary, and maybe even consider specialist audits of supply chain compliance.

Look for suppliers of substances which are already REACH-registered so that at least you have a back-up if current suppliers let you down after mid-2018. But, do please note: suppliers of <1tpa substances do not necessarily need to register these, so may legitimately not hold REACH registrations.

If you need to register substances yourself, please do get started on the registrations process now, if you have not done so already.

At the least, find out what your Letter of Access will cost (assuming one exists!). These can be very expensive, and in some cases should be challenged. This can take considerable time and effort, so delaying to 2017 /2018 to check LOA costs could be unwise. If you discover there is no registrations activity taking place for a substance, be prepared to shoulder the Lead Registrant role yourself. This can be a daunting prospect, but a good advisor will lead you effectively through the process.

In the event that REACH no longer applies in the UK, UK-located ORs will simply set up a new legal entity in an EU country, if they do not have one in place already. Ironically, OR activity in the UK could actually increase if companies in the EU are required to engage UK-located ORs to represent them.

In practice, the mid-2018 REACH registration deadline will probably become a messy affair, with a lot of registrations still to be completed.

While we certainly do not advocate companies being tardy in their registrations activities, it is apparent to us that the increasing demands for REACH support are not necessarily being matched by an adequate amount of competent and effective EU chemical regulatory services.

Dr Chris Eacott

Managing Director, Stewardship Solutions Ltd, UK +44(0)1706 220901 chriseacott@stewardshipsolutions.co.uk www.stewardshipsolutions.co.uk

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS:

Keep a cool head! The Brexit process will take a long time to work through and UK decisions about which EU legislation to ditch or keep are probably several years away. Our current view is that the UK authorities would quite like to retain environmental legislation such as REACH, especially since they were key founding-architects of the regulation.

Continue your efforts on REACH compliance, including undertaking registrations when necessary, making best use of your UK OR etc.

By now, chemical suppliers will have a pretty good idea about which substances they will continue to support under REACH – or not. If

33

z REACH FEATURE

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

SUMMER 2016

REACH – Complex Substance Identities The issue of determining substance identity and substance sameness has proven to have been a complex task to date within REACH SIEFs and Consortia. This is particularly apparent in the case of complex substances, typically regarded as UVCB (substances of Unknown or Variable composition, Complex reaction products or Biological materials).

Exponent’s regulatory team considers the issues and how to deal with them effectively.

Mono–constituent substances are generally well defined, being > 80% a definitive substance. However, variations in the remaining 20% can lead to different classifications and substance profiles.

allow definitive identification of the registered substance, composition, variability and therefore the reported compositions potentially represent different substances that cannot be covered by one registration.

Multi–constituent substances are defined by the main constituents being present at > 10% but < 80%. Again, variations in the concentration ranges of the main constituents can lead to different classifications and substance profiles. (Ref : ECHA “Guidance for identification and naming of substances under REACH and CLP”, version 1.4, June 2016)

Expert knowledge of the chemistry involved for complex substances together with the battery of chemical analysis all combine to determine the substance footprint and enable the registrant to describe the substance in the registration dossier as accurately as possible. This should include identification of as many components as possible.

Remember that UVCB substances, by definition, are not considered to contain impurities.

The resolution as to whether the two scenarios described above will lead two substances identified as being the same has typically not been determined until the pre-SIEF begins to address substance sameness. The substance sameness profile (sometimes referred to as a substance identity profile or abbreviated to SIP) is typically prepared by the lead registrant or consortium handling the lead registration and circulated to the pre-SIEF for comment.

Some amendments are possible at this stage. It is usually a condition for signing the SIEF agreement and subsequently the joint submission that a non-lead registrant agrees to the substance sameness profile.

Where it is particularly difficult to define a substance sameness profile is in the case of UVCB substances. Even though the chemistry of such substances may be reproducible, variations in the compositions and purities of starting materials (which may themselves be UVCB substances) can lead to difficulties in establishing substances sameness. This is an important issue since a number of chemical sectors include such complex substances, for example zeolites, inorganic pigments, substances with variability in alkyl chain length, coal derived substances and petroleum derived substances.

For such substances it is critical to conduct robust chemical analysis for the purposes of characterisation, for example for organic substances such analysis would be expected to include Infra-Red spectroscopy, NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy), Ultra-Violet / Visible Spectrophotometry and High Performance Liquid (or gas) Chromatography – Mass Spectroscopy.

In the case of inorganic substances appropriate analytical techniques include Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, X-ray Defraction, Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy and

Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry.

The lead registrant would normally be expected to offer guidance on any non-standard techniques recommended for analysis of a “difficult” substance.

Robust chemical analysis is particularly critical for non-phase-in UVCB substances since Article 26 inquiry dossiers are scrupulously examined by the European Chemicals Agency – ECHA, but the compositional information and accompanying analytical data of any registration that is selected for evaluation would be examined and hence needs to be detailed and of a good standard. In all registration dossiers it is vital that the reported composition is properly supported by the analytical evidence In contrast to mono-constituent substances UVCB substances are also defined according to the manufacturing process and, as such, when preparing the dossiers for such UVCB substances it is also key to have a handle on the actual chemical manufacturing processes; for instance reaction times, temperatures, pressures, stoichiometries of reagents etc.

Combining this knowledge with the chemical analysis will enable the registrant to determine the chemical composition to be entered into the dossier as accurately as possible. However, disclosure of such manufacturing detail within SIEFs may not be forthcoming from members since such information may be regarded as confidential. Where obtaining this information is particularly problematic will be for importers who may not have detailed information on the manufacturing process from the non-EU manufacturer and in many cases will be in possession of only a safety data sheet, technical data sheet and perhaps a CAS number. In these cases, there will be a need for close engagement with the non-EU manufacturer to acquire the necessary detail which in all likelihood will require confidentiality agreements to be in place. Indeed, ECHA have previously observed upon perusal of certain UVCB dossiers that the manufacturing process included in the dossier has not been sufficiently detailed to

34

In addition, particularly in the case of non-phasein substances the designation, or “naming” of the substance may also raise difficulties. Even when the Guidance for identification and naming of substances under REACH and CLP has been followed, experience has shown that the derived name can still be subject to challenge by ECHA. Difficulties with the identity of complex substances from the earlier REACH registration deadlines resulted in the European Commission launching an expert study in 2014 to determine the major challenges and to discuss best practices. This is owing to the fact that many dossiers have been found to be noncompliant with regard to substance identity, usually due to there being insufficient detail reported in the substance composition and/or insufficient analytical evidence.

This final project report and annexes were published on 14th July 2016. The annexes includes a number of sector specific fact sheets prepared with the aim of rectifying existing deficiencies and assisting 2018 registrants with complex substances.

It is therefore recommended for those registrants with complex substances to peruse the outputs from this study, evaluate the chemistries of their complex substances, conduct robust chemical analysis, identify substance sameness in the respective SIEFs and to carefully and diligently construct accurate compositions during the preparation of their respective dossiers. This is not a trivial task and for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with scare resource there may be a need to engage with external assistance.

For further information please contact Julian Reddy at jreddy@exponent.com

Not Sure About REACH? REACH requires companies that supply substances in quantities of one tonne or more per year to register them with the European Chemicals Agency. Although nearly 7,000 existing chemicals have already been successfully registered, the Agency has estimated that a further 25,000 substances will require registration by June 1, 2018 and will need to be supported by a comprehensive dossier, and in many cases a chemical safety report. This presents an enormous challenge to industry and with time running out, it is important to act now before it is too late.

Let Exponent Help You Exponent is one of the largest scientific and regulatory consulting firms in the world and a leading provider of services to companies in the chemical industry, both large and small.

Exponent’s REACH team includes regulatory affairs professionals, project managers, risk assessors, socio economic analysts and technical specialists with extensive experience in solving complex regulatory problems and the expertise to assist you in the run up to the 2018 REACH deadline.

Examples of Our Services • Regulatory strategy and advice

• Dossier preparation and submission

• Programme and project management

• Chemical safety assessments/reports

• SIEF and consortia management

• Evaluation and authorisation services

• Data evaluation and gap analysis

• Extended Safety Data Sheets

• Use of Intelligent Testing Strategies (ITS)

• Only Representative and Third Party Representative services

• Study placement and monitoring

Explore Exponent Julian Reddy Head of REACH and Chemical Notification Services jreddy@exponent.com • Office: +44 (0) 1332 868000

z REGULATORY FEATURE

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

Benefits and challenges of compiling and maintaining restricted substance lists The manufacture of modern consumer products, such as electrical goods, toys, textiles and footwear, is a complex process involving a wide range of chemicals and materials.

Legislation, such as the EU RoHS Directive, REACH Annex XVII and the EU Cosmetics Directive, restricts chemicals in products, while REACH and Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Proposition 65 are among the laws requiring manufacturers and retailers to disclosZe any chemicals of concern present within products. As a result, the lack of information on chemicals of concern in products and supply chains represent a liability to companies, shareholders and customers, which, if revealed, can result in costly fines, loss of market share and stock value, and damaged brand reputation. This liability is only set to increase as other countries begin to implement their own legislation.

In addition to the growth in global regulation, consumer demand, market forces, media attention, and NGO activism are all forcing companies to ensure their products meet high safety standards, in regards to their chemical properties. It is therefore essential that companies have a chemicals management strategy in place to know what harmful chemicals may be present in their products and supply chains, in order to disclose or eliminate their presence.

There are numerous chemical management strategies, yet Restricted Substance Lists (RSLs) represent a relatively simple compliance approach. RSLs consist of chemicals that are banned or restricted from use in finished articles or end-products, along with maximum recommended concentration levels. RSLs act as guidance documents for retail suppliers that provide a straightforward approach for determining harmful substances having the potential to be present in finished products and which should be avoided. In response to industry initiatives, such as Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals, many companies are expanding their RSLs to include hazardous substances potentially used and discharged into the environment during manufacture.

These documents are called Manufacturing RSLs and aim to protect worker safety and prevent environmental harm.

Given the global growth in chemical regulation, RSLs frequently contain several hundred chemical restrictions, and represent dynamic lists requiring frequent updates and revisions. Therefore, developing and maintaining RSLs represents a significant investment in time and resources, which can place a large burden on companies. As a result, many companies employ a passive chemicals management strategy that ensures regulatory compliance but foregoes pre-emptively looking for chemical risks in products, and hence saves costs in the short term by not investing in additional systems and staff. However this approach can leave companies unprepared for rapidly changing market demands and regulations, which has previously resulted in chemical crises costing brands and retailers hundreds of millions of dollars.

36

One solution is to outsource this task to organisations that have expert knowledge and understanding of chemical regulations, who can assist with the development of a pro-active RSL that goes beyond chemical compliance, and positions companies ahead of regulatory requirements. The REACH Centre is a leading provider of chemicals management services, and has experience in creating bespoke RSLs for various companies and organisations.

Chemtrac, our subscription-based reference tool, contains regulatory and use information on nearly 250,000 substances, which allows users to easily identify chemicals of concern and track regulatory changes. In addition, Chemtrac contains various NGO and industry specific chemical lists, thus supporting horizon scanning and making it possible to anticipate future regulatory trends, in order to build in contingency and provide a safety net against a fluctuating regulatory landscape.

Investing in a pro-active RSL programme can help companies enhance brand image through corporate responsibility and environmental sustainability, improve product quality and innovation, reduce the risk of costly product recalls, and achieve a competitive advantage by gaining confidence in retailers and consumers over product safety, which all generate long-term value for companies, shareholders, the public and the environment.

Graham Pattle

Information Scientist â&#x20AC;&#x201C; chemtracÂŽ at The REACH Centre

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

REGULATORY FEATURE z

WHAT MAKES CHEMTRAC UNIQUE?

We think it is our single online product stewardship platform, together with our deep knowledge of chemicals management and proactive customer service.

If you are looking for regulatory compliance software you should talk to us...

www.chemtracglobal.com

+44(0)1524 594155 sales@chemtracglobal.com 37

z LEGAL

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

38

SUMMER 2016

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

LEGAL z

New US law will make chemical industry

Safer That sense of co-operation is evident in the US as in the case of recent legislation introduced by two politicians to update the way the United States assesses and manages the risks posed by chemicals and products that contain them.

its inventory of existing chemicals and create a risk evaluation process.

President Obama said: “This has been years in the making. I know there were times when folks questioned whether or not all the parties involved would be able to reach this agreement but that’s what public service is about: pushing through disagreements, forging compromise -especially when it’s hard, and especially when it’s about something as important as the health and safety of our kids and our families.

The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act is the culmination of an initiative to enact the first update of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in 40 years.

“I’m absolutely confident that we can regulate toxic chemicals in a way that’s both good for our families and ultimately good for business and our economy.

Here in America, folks should have the confidence to know that the laundry detergent we buy isn’t going to make us sick, the mattresses our babies sleep on aren’t going to harm them.”

President Barack Obama signed it into law and said: “Most Americans would expect that we could come together to fix this law and do a better job of protecting the American people.”

Congressman Smiku said: “The legislation is a vast improvement over current law and a careful compromise that is good for consumers, good for jobs and good for the environment.”

Introduced last year by Republican Congressman John Shimkus and Senator Tom Udall, the law was named in honour of the late New Jersey senator who spearheaded reform efforts for several years before his death in 2013.

Industry groups and some environmentalists applauded the enactment of TSCA reform.

The original legislation, the Toxic Substances Control Act, was signed into law by President Ford in 1976.

The law gives the US Environmental Protection Agency new authority to review and regulate chemicals, along with mandating that the agency update

American Chemistry Council President Cal Dooley said: “Chemical evaluation and regulation will meet new 21st Century standards, which will improve the lives of American families, support American manufacturing and bolster U.S. economic growth.”

biggest problems with a badly broken law that has left our health at risk. Now the hard part must begin: tending to decades of neglect when it comes to unreviewed and unregulated chemicals.”

Cabot Corporation and LyondellBasell Industries, both of which have facilities in Tuscola, were among US companies to praise the legislation.

Carl Troike, the Facility General Manager for Cabot Corporation in Tuscola, said: “We carefully consider the effect of our products on the health and safety of our customers, employees, the communities where we operate, as well as their impact on the environment.

“The modernisation of TSCA will further ensure the safety of chemical products, but more importantly improve consumer confidence in the safety and regulation of the chemical industry.

“With a stronger system in place, we can ensure that the chemical industry is able to continue to innovate while delivering chemical products that are safe for their intended use.”

Shawn Cullen, the Plant Manager for LyondellBasell in Tuscola, said: “This bill positively impacts our facility by improving the effectiveness of US chemical regulations and increasing consumer confidence in the safety of chemicals.”

Environmental Defense Fund lead senior scientist Richard Denison said: ““While not perfect, the Lautenberg Act fixes the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

39

z LEGAL

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

Chemical industry shows its willingness to support law changes Because the chemical industry is so bound up in regulations, it is crucial that companies receive the best legal advice possible.

The amount of legislation governing the industry has grown dramatically in recent years, which has made the work done by specialist law firms ever more valuable.

The range of that legal advice is extensive, including: • Employment law, including contracts and industrial relations • Health and safety law, including in chemical plants, refineries, clean rooms in high-tech manufacturing, factories and warehouses. Common industrial accidents include forklift accidents, falling objects, slips, trips, and falls, machinery or equipment injuries, explosions or

blast injuries, and chemical burns or inhalation. Personal injury laws are a major area of practice related to industrial laws. According to the US-based Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which monitors workplace safety conditions. many of the top violations resulting in citations are given to industrial workplaces.

Common problems include poor communication, lack of respiratory protection, poor electrical design, inadequate or disabled machine guards and improper or unlicensed use of powered industrial trucks.

• Environmental law, including ensuring that companies meet emissions legislation and legislation governing potentially harmful chemicals, including REACH. However, the chemical industry is not just complying with legislation, it is also playing its part in shaping new and improved laws.

Leading the legislation changes are organisations like the European

Commission and the chemical industry has shown its willingness to work with EC legislators on shaping new laws.

For instance, the UK-based Chemical Industries Association recently welcomed Commissioner Marianne Thyssen’s announcement on a legislative proposal for inclusion of additional substances and occupational exposure limits within the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive.

CIA Chief Executive Steve Elliott said: “The health of workers in the chemical industry is a top priority for businesses.

“A workplace can have a significant impact on an individuals’ health, and protecting the health of those who work for an organisation is at the heart of every sustainable business. Good health leadership, which CIA strongly advocates to its members and beyond, means looking after the organisation’s best resource, its people.

“CIA urges the Commission to work with industry and stakeholders in agreeing the final details to implement.”

However, the chemical industry is not just complying with legislation, it is also playing its part in shaping new and improved laws.

40

SUMMER 2016 2016 SUMMER

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIAL

Major opportunity to recover materials from waste within the UK bioeconomy Best practice has simply demonstrated risk mitigation of environmental impact of landfill and incineration.

But these controls are not necessarily practiced around the world. Instead of burying the problem or turning it to carbon dioxide in a very expensive way, why not make use of our waste and turn it back into consumer products such as personal care products, food and drink and transport. Bio refineries are today’s solution for bringing waste back into the production stream.

Europe is facing the challenge of accumulating waste, where 80% of the population is expected to live in Cities by 2020. Every year, 242 million tonnes of municipal solid waste is generated, 55% of this is disposed to landfill or incinerated.

Urban organic waste has low value applications such as energy production and animal feed; otherwise it is disposed to landfill. This releases harmful green house gases. But what if waste was redefined as a resource; one that could potentially drive the production of biofuels for transportation and

domestic heating, and provide alternative routes to petrochemicals for the production of commodity chemicals.

Industrial Biotechnology has potential to move the treatment of urban organic waste up the waste hierarchy, transforming a disposal problem into a valuable raw material and a secure source of sustainable chemical feedstocks. Biological technologies such as enzymes and micro-organisms can convert heterogeneous biowastes to homogenous intermediate chemicals such as sugar and methane gas. These can be fermented or

chemically converted to polymers, fuels and chemicals.

CPI has a ten year track record in development and commercialisation of biotechnologies and is bringing together knowhow in wasteprocessing and bio-processing for scaling-up key enabling technologies that convert waste streams into bio-based value chains. This can drive sustainability in the chemical industry whilst addressing a major societal challenge.

For more information please contact info@uk-cpi.com

When quality matters.

Nozzles Chemical and Pharma Hoses Expansion Joints Dry Disconnect Couplings

ELAFLEX LTD. · Riverside House, Plumpton Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 0PA1 Phone +44(0)1992/45 29 50 · sales@elaflex.co.uk · www.elaflex.co.uk

2013_Ad_When Quality matters_210x100mm.indd 1

12.06.2013 16:34:45

41

9

z REGULATORY

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

Regulation should not stifle

Innovation The chemical industry has long been bound by some of the world’s most stringent regulations but there is a growing movement to regard them not as a necessary evil rather as an opportunity to promote innovation.

Among the organisations taking that view is Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, which has launched new proposals highlighting how the European Commission’s Better Regulation Agenda can better support growth and innovation in Europe.

The Commission adopted its Better Regulation Agenda in 2015, comprising a package of reforms to improve openness and transparency in the EU decision-making process, improve the quality of new laws through better impact assessments and promote consistent review of existing laws.

First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: “We are listening to the concerns of citizens and businesses – especially SMEs who worry that Brussels and its institutions don’t always deliver rules they can understand or apply.

“We want to restore their confidence in the EU’s ability to deliver high quality legislation. Better regulation is not about ‘more’ or ‘less’ EU rules, or undermining our high social and environmental standards, our health or our fundamental rights. Better regulation is about making sure we deliver on the ambitious policy goals we have set ourselves in the most efficient way.”

Those comments found an echo in the views of Cefic, whose Director General Marco Mensink highlighted the fact that 96% of Cefic’s 29,000 member companies are SMEs and face a complex European patchwork of rules and procedures.

He said: “Better regulation is in both our and the government’s interest.

We need regulations that meet the political goals they implement and that support competitiveness and innovation.

“If we find opportunities to improve, this should be followed by concrete measures to address shortcomings.”

The European chemical industry proposes three steps to strengthen the Better Regulation Agenda: Set tangible burden reduction targets – It says that the cumulative burden of existing legislation is significant and should be reduced. Cefic sees room for the same high levels of health and environmental protection but with fewer costs, enhancing competitiveness and growth

42

Improve the assessment of impacts on innovation – Cefic points out that the chemical industry is an enabler of innovation. It says that policy-makers and regulators should adequately consider impacts on innovation before taking decisions dealing with everything from investment in new technologies to the marketing of new products and processes in the EU Extend best practices beyond traditional law-making – Better Regulation principles should also apply to EU rules outside the legislative procedure, from guidance documents to implementing and delegated acts, says Cefic.

SUMMER 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

Regulation that comes at a cost

Complying with regulation does come at a cost, though, and a new European Commission study shows that the cost of implementing major regulations for the European chemical industry doubled between 2004 and 2014.

According to the study, Europe’s complex regulatory framework poses a significant burden on EU chemical companies, amounting to about 10 billion euro per year.

The Commission’s Cumulative Cost Assessment shows that the total cost as a result of EU legislation borne by chemical companies in six sub-sectors between 2004–2014 amounts to 12% of the value added of the EU chemical industry, with variations ranging from nearly 3% for plastics to 23% for crop protection products.

Compared to Gross Operating Surplus, the additional cost reaches 30%, indicating that the cost of regulation is a significant factor shaping the profitability of the chemical industry.

According to the report, the three main drivers of regulatory cost are regulations on industrial emissions, generating 33% of the cost, chemicals with 29% and worker safety with 24%. Energy legislation also contributes to the cost.

The chemical industry will face an increasing cost to comply with stricter emission limit values, with more ambitious CO2 emission reduction targets and energy efficiency objectives.

Marco Mensink said: “The picture is very clear. Europe needs to focus on its competitiveness, of which the regulatory burden is a big factor.

“Although the report indicates that costs almost doubled between 2004 and 2014, no firm conclusions about its impact on global competitiveness can yet be drawn.

“In a second phase, the study will now compare these costs to other regions, shining a light on the impact of regulation on competitiveness on a broader scale.

“Cefic will continue to explore with the EU institutions how the regulatory framework can be made more cost-effective and fit for purpose while upholding the same high level of safety, health and environmental protection.”

43

ADVERTORIAL

‘Re-think needed on endocrine disruptors proposal’ The UK-based Chemical Industries Association (CIA) has called for a re-think of the announcement by the European Commission on its proposal for the identification of endocrine disruptors.

CIA has criticised the proposal for not providing the criteria necessary to distinguish between harmful and non-harmful substances.

Though CIA views the proposal to use the WHO/IPCS definition without potency (strength of substance) as a sensible starting point, it believes this single definition is not sufficient for regulatory purposes.

The chemical industry supports the use of the WHO/ IPCS Definition with full hazard characterisation and risk assessment, saying that it will enable identification of chemicals which can potentially cause harm.

It says that, without such an approach, many chemicals may unjustifiably be identified as endocrine disruptors, with potential proposals for stringent regulation including bans resulting in the unnecessary loss of many of the benefits they bring to society.

CIA encourages regulatory policy measures to be based on risk-based science and calls on the Commission and Member States to adopt this approach.

Senior Health executive Dr Roger Pullin said “The chemical industry is fully committed to ensuring its products are handled and used safely so as to avoid harm to human health and the environment. This regulation will make that aim harder. I am calling on the Commission to work with industry and all stakeholders in order to take another look and develop appropriate regulation.”

Training for addressing human factors issues in Process Safety and COMAH reviews Human Reliability for the Oil, Gas and

Human Factors is recognized as a key topic for addressing safety in the oil, gas, onshore chemical plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing and power generation sectors.

This course covers all the topics necessary to produce the Human factors Factors is recognized as a key topic for addressing human analyses to satisfy COMAH safety report safety in the oil, gas, onshore chemicalon plants, pharmaceutical submissions, together with guidance producing the manufacturing and power associated procedures andgeneration. competency management documentation based on these analyses.

Human Reliability Associates offer a comprehensive training programme in Human Factors in Process Safety.

Human Reliability Associates offer a This includes hands-on workshops and case studies based comprehensive training programme in Human in on our extensive practical experience over theFactors past 34 Process Safety.

This includes hands-on workshops and years. The course can be taken as individual days, two day case studies based on our extensive practical experience modules or as a complete, integrated four day course. over the past 34 years. The course can be taken as individual days, two day modules or as a complete, Trainers integrated The coursesfour willday be course. given by Dr David Embrey (Managing Director), Jamie Henderson and Neil Hunter with more Trainers than 50 years of collective experience.

The courses will be given by Dr David Embrey (Managing Director), Jamie Henderson and Neil Hunter with more than 50 years of collective experience.

Course dates 2016 - 2017

Recent (2015) feedback endorsed the quality of our training: Recent (2015) feedback endorsed the “Presenters were subject matter experts and have a real quality of our training: skill for delivery of this content in a clear, concise and “Presentersway” were subject matter experts and have a real professional skill for delivery of thisexperience content in aand clear, concise and “Good speakers with communication skills” professional way” “Very interesting content and great presentation skills” “Good speakers with experience and communication skills” “Speakers were knowledgeable, helpful and interactive” “Very interesting content and great presentation skills” “Speakers were knowledgeable, helpful and interactive” Fees (excluding VAT)

Single days Fees (excluding VAT) Single module (Two Days): Complete Course (Two Modules-4 days): Single days (Payment must be made via a single invoice) Single module (Two Days):

Complete Course (Two Modules-4 days): (Payment must be made via a single invoice) Module 1: Introduction to human factors (HF), predicting and preventing Slips, 1st-2nd 7th-8th Mistakes and Violations, HF in process plant design, addressing HF in in Major November February Course dates 2016 Accident scenarios for COMAH safety reviews, task and error analysis tools and 2016 2017 techniques Module 1: Human Factors in Plant design, safety cases, 17th8th 9th-10th May September procedures and competency Module 2: Human failure identification, identifying and improving factors affecting error probability, using task and error analysis to develop ‘Risk Aware’ Procedures 12th-13th 7th-8th and Competency management, Shift handovers, staffing levels and safety December 7th-8th March Module 2: HF incident analysis, safety critical communication, 14th-15th 2016 critical communication, incident investigation methods, quantifying human error 2017 June October workload and human reliability assessment probabilities for QRA

Booking a place Contact us at the address below: T: +44 (0)1257 463121 E: dembrey@humanreliability.com www.humanreliability.com 1 School House, Higher Lane, Dalton, Wigan, Lancashire, WN8 7RP, UK.

www.youtube.com/humanreliabilityassociates

£750 £1000 £1800 £750 £1000 £1800

4th-5th April 2017 17th-8th May

16-17th May 14th-15th June2017

z REACH ADVERTORIAL

SPRING 2016

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

Requirements for a Global Emergency Telephone Service

By Ulrich Mann

GBK GmbH Global Regulatory Compliance, Ingelheim, Germany If you are responsible even for the transport of adhesives in small tubes you need an emergency phone number, not only for airfreight shipping documents but also for the safety data sheet.

Having an emergency telephone number is a legal requirement for:

• US-Transport: DOT § 49 CFR 172.604 (Docket HM-126 C)

• Air freight: IATA-Dangerous goods regulations - Deviations of the Governments and Airlines • Sea freight: IMDG-Code

• Safety data sheets: REACH Annex II Requirements for SDS - EU-Regulation 1907/2006 (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)

If you do not comply with these requirements there can be several consequences, such as the refusal of transport by airlines and shipping companies. It can also lead to a breakdown of transportation flow due to official bans including the risk of fines of up to $10,000. The end result can also lead to product liability risks.

In order to avoid these risks, there is a simple solution. GBK GmbH Global Regulatory Compliance can take care of these responsibilities on your behalf. You supply us with the necessary data and we can take care of everything else. We will provide you with the following support services: • Access to our emergency call center (24 hours / 7 days)

• Emergency call service in 170 languages • Fulfillment of your legal obligations

• Transposition of the airline and shipping company requirements • Medical advice in case of poisoning

• Additional in the USA: Disposal service

US-DOT DEFINITION OF “EMERGENCY RESPONSE INFORMATION”

The US-DOT definition of “emergency response information’’ means information that can be used in the mitigation of an incident involving hazardous materials and, as a minimum, must contain the following information:

• The basic description and technical name of the hazardous material as required by Sec. Sec. 172.202 and 172.203(k), the ICAO Technical Instructions, the IMDG Code, or the TDG Regulations, as appropriate (see Sec. 171.7 of this subchapter);

• Immediate information regarding hazards to health; • Risks of fire or explosion;

• Immediate precautions to be taken in the event of an accident or incident; • Immediate procedures for handling fires;

• Initial procedures for handling spills or leaks in the absence of fire; and • Preliminary first aid measures

• Further requirements regarding Emergency response (DOT): a) A person who offers a hazardous material for transportation must provide an emergency response telephone number, including the area code or international access code, for use in the event of an emergency involving the hazardous material.

The telephone number must be monitored at all times that the hazardous material is in transportation, including storage incidental to transportation. b) The telephone number of a person who is either knowledgeable of the hazardous material being shipped and has comprehensive emergency response and incident mitigation information for that material, or has immediate access to a person who possesses such knowledge and information.

and c) entered on a shipping paper in a clearly visible location. This provision may be used only if the telephone number applies to each hazardous material entered on the shipping paper, and if it is indicated that the telephone number is for emergency response information (for example: ``EMERGENCY CONTACT: * * *).

The telephone number required by paragraph (a) of this section must be the number of the person offering the hazardous material for transportation or the number of a competent agency or organization accepting responsibility for transportation and capable of providing detailed information concerning the hazardous material.

REQUIREMENT FOR AN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER ON SAFETY DATA SHEETS Annex II of the REACh Regulation stated that under Chapter 1.4 of every Safety Data Sheet references to emergency information services shall be provided. If an official advisory body exists in the Member State where the substance or mixture is placed on the market (this may be the body responsible for receiving information relating to health referred to in Article 45 of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008) its telephone number shall be

46

given and can suffice. If availability of such services is limited for any reasons, such as hours of operation, or if there are limits on specific types of information provided, this shall be clearly stated. In addition to the above mentioned specifications, an Emergency Telephone Number of the company and/or an appropriate public information service as well as a commercial private support service provider of an emergency center can be given.

DON’T FORGET PRODUCT SAFETY ASPECTS

For compliance in other areas like detergents, the integration of the emergency response system into the companies is needed. It is also necessary that a toxicologist can be called in on demand.

Last but not least, there are special national requirements for countries like China and Australia. In these countries, a national emergency response telephone number is required. The regulatory basis for the emergency telephone number on Chinese product labels, is “GB15258-2009 General rules for preparation of precautionary label for chemicals” and in “GBT 17519 2013 Guidance on the compilation of safety data sheet for chemical products.”

GBK – EMTEL® HOW IT WORKS IN DIFFERENT MODULES

Module 1 – Providing the emergency telephone number for the transport documents (worldwide) Module 2 – Providing the emergency telephone number for all MSDS (according EC-Guideline)

Module 3 – Providing the emergency telephone number for product labels (consumer product; just in combination with module SDS/MSDS) Module 4 – Providing the emergency telephone number for China on the product label and in the MSDS Module 5 – Providing the emergency telephone number for detergents

CONCLUSION

In order to be fully compliant, you have to fulfil the regulatory requirements regarding emergency response. The benefits of using the services of a professional provider include • Capable solution for additional services concerning hazardous materials/goods • Legal compliance

• Limitation of liability

• Reduction of internal costs and effort www.gbk-ingelheim.de

Supporting enterprises in the field of Environment, Health & Safety

Our services: > GBK – EMTEL® 24/7 Emergency Response

> Management Systems

> Regulatory Compliance

> Product registration

> Contract Support

> Training Partner

> Chemicals Law and Hazardous Substances Ordinance

> Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor

> Dangerous Goods regulations

> IT-Consulting services

> Workplace Safety > Company responsible officer

GBK GmbH Global Regulatory Compliance Königsberger Str. 29 55218 Ingelheim/Germany Managing Director: Bjoern Noll

> USA-Service > Logistics Consulting

Tel: +49 61 32 / 9 82 90 - 0 Fax: +49 61 32 / 8 46 85 gbk@gbk-ingelheim.de www.gbk-ingelheim.de

nanoribb

electrochemistry

metamaterials

catalog: americanelements.com

medicine thin film 1

1

H

dysprosium pellets

nanodispersions

3

ite

Li

2 1

4

2 8 1

12

6.941

Na

Beryllium

cathode

22.98976928

conesK

Mg

2 8 8 1

20

39.0983

40.078

2 8 18 8 1

38

85.4678

Cs

56

Ba

87

Fr (223)

2 8 18 8 2

39

88

Ra

Francium

(226)

Y

2 8 18 18 8 2

57

La

2 8 18 9 2

40

Zr 91.224

2 8 18 18 9 2

72

Hf

138.90547

89

Ac (227)

Radium

super alloys

Ce

2 8 18 19 9 2

140.116

Th 232.03806

73

Rf (267)

2 8 18 32 32 10 2

105

Db (268)

59

Thorium

91

Pr

42

Mo

74

W

2 8 18 13 1

2 8 18 32 12 2

43

Tc

183.84

Re

106

Sg (271)

2 8 18 13 2

44

Ru

2 8 18 32 13 2

76

Os

Bh (272)

Seaborgium

2 8 18 15 1

45

Rh

Hs (270)

Bohrium

Pa 231.03588

2 8 18 32 20 9 2

60

2 8 18 22 8 2

2 8 18 23 8 2

62

Nd Pm Sm 144.242

(145)

Neodymium 92

61

2 8 18 32 14 2

77

2 8 18 16 1

U

238.02891

Uranium

150.36

Promethium 2 8 18 32 21 9 2

93

Np (237)

Neptunium

2 8 18 32 22 9 2

63

94

Pu (244)

Plutonium

Eu

109

95

(243)

2 8 18 25 8 2

Mt (276)

64

2 8 18 32 32 15 2

Gd

anti-ballistic ceramics

110

Ds

14

10.811

Al

(281)

2 8 18 25 9 2

65

157.25

96

(247)

Tb

47

Ag

2 8 18 32 17 1

79

Au

Curium

Bk (247)

Berkelium

48

Cd

2 8 18 27 8 2

111

Rg (280)

49

In

2 8 18 32 18 1

80

Hg

Tl

200.59

Roentgenium

112

Cn (285)

32

Ge

50

Sn

113

Uut (284)

Copernicium

82

Pb

Dy

2 8 18 28 8 2

67

162.5

98

Cf (251)

Californium

Ho

2 8 18 29 8 2

164.93032

2 8 18 32 32 18 3

2 8 18 32 28 8 2

99

Es (252)

Einsteinium

Er

114

2 8 18 30 8 2

69

Tm

100

Fm (257)

2 8 18 32 18 4

Fermium

101

Md (258)

Se

52

Te

83

Bi

2 8 18 32 32 18 4

115

Uup (288)

70

Po

116

Lv (293)

36

2 8 18 8

83.798

53

Krypton

2 8 18 18 7

I

54

Xe

85

(210)

86

Rn

Uus (294)

2 8 18 32 18 8

ionic

(222)

Astatine 117

liquid

Xenon

2 8 18 32 18 7

At

2 8 18 18 8

131.293

Iodine

2 8 18 32 32 18 6

anode

Br Kr gallium lump 126.90447

2 8 18 32 18 6

cermet iron

39.948

Argon

79.904

2 8 18 18 6

2 8 8

Ar

Bromine

Livermorium

Radon 2 8 18 32 32 18 7

Ununseptium

118

Uuo (294)

2 8 18 32 32 18 8

es

Ununoctium

neodymium foil Yb

2 8 18 32 8 2

173.054

71

Lu

102

No (259)

Nobelium

2 8 18 32 9 2

174.9668

Ytterbium 2 8 18 32 31 8 2

35

(209)

2 8 18 32 32 18 5

Neon

2 8 18 7

Polonium

Ununpentium

2 8 18 31 8 2

2 8 18 6

127.6

84

20.1797

Cl

Tellurium 2 8 18 32 18 5

18

35.453

78.96

2 8 18 18 5

2 8 7

2 8

Ne

Chlorine

Selenium

208.9804

Mendelevium

titanium robotic parts

34

Bismuth

Thulium

2 8 18 32 30 8 2

2 8 18 5

10

Fluorine

32.065

121.76

168.93421

nickel foam

biosynthetics

Fl (289)

Erbium 2 8 18 32 29 8 2

Sb

17

2 7

18.9984032

S

Antimony

Flerovium

167.259

Holmium

51

2 8 6

F

Sulfur

74.9216

2 8 18 18 4

9

15.9994

Arsenic

207.2

Ununtrium

68

As

2 6

Oxygen

P

Lead

quantum dots 66

33

Tin

Thallium 2 8 18 32 32 18 2

2 8 18 4

118.71

2 8 18 32 18 3

16

30.973762

72.64

2 8 18 18 3

2 8 5

O

Phosphorus

Germanium

204.3833

Mercury 2 8 18 32 32 18 1

2 8 18 3

8

14.0067

28.0855

114.818

81

15

N

2 5

Nitrogen

Si

Indium 2 8 18 32 18 2

2 8 4

Silicon

69.723

2 8 18 18 2

7

Carbon

Gallium

112.411

Dysprosium 2 8 18 32 27 8 2

Ga

Cadmium

Gold

Terbium

97

2 8 18 18 1

196.966569

2 8 18 32 32 17 1

31

Zinc

Silver

158.92535

2 8 18 32 25 9 2

Zn

2 8 18 2

2 4

12.0107

Boron 13

65.38

107.8682

Darmstadtium

Gadolinium 2 8 18 32 25 8 2

2 8 18 18

195.084

rare earth metals laser crystals

Pt

30

63.546

Platinum

Am Cm Americium

78

2 8 18 1

Copper

106.42

Meitnerium

Europium 2 8 18 32 24 8 2

Pd

192.217

151.964

Samarium

46

Iridium 2 8 18 32 32 14 2

Cu

Palladium 2 8 18 32 15 2

Ir

29

Nickel

102.9055

Hassium

2 8 18 24 8 2

Ni

2 8 16 2

58.6934

Rhodium

190.23

108

28

Cobalt

Osmium 2 8 18 32 32 13 2

2 8 15 2

58.933195

101.07

186.207

107

Co

Ruthenium

Rhenium 2 8 18 32 32 11 2

27

Iron

(98.0)

75

2 8 14 2

55.845

Technetium

Tungsten 2 8 18 32 32 12 2

Fe

54.938045

95.96

2 8 18 32 11 2

26

Manganese

Molybdenum

Dubnium

Protactinium

platinum ink

Nd:YAG

2 8 18 12 1

Mn

2 8 13 2

europium phosphors

2 8 18 21 8 2

Praseodymium 2 8 18 32 18 10 2

25

51.9961

180.9488

nanofabrics

optoelectronics

Ta

Cr

Tantalum

140.90765

Cerium 90

104

24

2 8 13 1

Chromium

92.90638

Rutherfordium

photovoltaics spintronics

Nb

178.48

2 8 18 32 18 9 2

2 8 11 2

Niobium 2 8 18 32 10 2

2 8 3

C

26.9815386

V

Hafnium

Actinium

58

41

6

Aluminum

50.9415

2 8 18 10 2

palladium shot

B

He Helium

2 3

tanta

2

4.002602

99.999% ruthenium spheres

Vanadium

Zirconium

Lanthanum 2 8 18 32 18 8 2

23

47.867

Yttrium

Barium 2 8 18 32 18 8 1

Ti

2 8 10 2

Titanium

88.90585

137.327

Cesium

22

44.955912

87.62

2 8 18 18 8 1

Sc

2 8 9 2

Scandium

Strontium

132.9054

rod

21

Calcium

Rubidium 55

2 8 8 2

Ca

Rb Sr dielectrics

CIGS

nuclear

Magnesium

Potassium

37

2 8 2

24.305

Sodium

19

semiconductors

9.012182

Lithium 11

2

5

2 2

Be

high purity silicon rods

vanadium

surface functionalized nanoparticles

refractory metals 1.00794

Hydrogen

crystal growth

atomic layer deposition

solid

yttrium

cerium polishing powder

Lutetium 2 8 18 32 32 8 2

103

Lr (262)

2 8 18 32 32 8 3

Lawrencium

solar energy nano gels

LED lighting tungsten carbide

nanoparticles

Now Invent.

TM

optoelectron mischmetal

superconductors

macromolecules

dysprosium pellets

sputtering targets

gadolinium wire

ultra high pur

neodymium foil erbium doped fiber optics cerium polishing powder macromolecules thin film

Experience the Next Generation of Material Science Catalogs

advanced poly dium sponge On January 8, 2016, americanelements.com relaunched. Now with over 10,000 research papers zirconium in a new searchable Research Center. Printable GHS-compliant Safety Data Sheets. Thousands of thin film new products. And much more. All on a new secure multi-language "Mobile Responsive" platform.

gadolinium wire neodymium foil macromolecules

Now Invent...Reinvented! advanced polymers

alternative energy single crystal silicon

diamond micropowder Š2001-2016.AmericanElementsisaU.S. RegisteredTrademark.