Chemical Industry Journal 21 by Distinctive Media Group Ltd

ISSUE21

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| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

| foreword |

Welcome Helen Compson Editor

Editor Helen Compson helen.compson@distinctivegroup.co.uk

Design Distinctive Publishing, 3rd Floor, Tru Knit House, 9-11 Carliol Square, Newcastle, NE1 6UF Tel: 0191 580 5990 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Advertising Distinctive Publishing, 3rd Floor, Tru Knit House, 9-11 Carliol Square, Newcastle, NE1 6UF Tel: 0191 5805990 David Perratt Business Development Manager email: david.perratt@distinctivegroup.co.uk Tel: 0191 5805471 www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

TO MOVE PAST BREXIT, WE NEED TO CONFIRM THE WAY AHEAD At the end of December, the CBA wrote to DEFRA seeking clarification on key components of the annexe relating to chemicals in the EU trade agreement. Misinterpretation is now rife due to its opaqueness, the letter says.

Although the majority of non-EU countries have been steadily moving towards harmony with EU REACH and EU Cosmetics Regulations, meaning an ever-increasing number of businesses in the world today are used to operating within the REACH framework, what we actually have at present is a global patchwork of national regulations that do contain variations.

For starters, said chief executive Pete Newport: “There is a widespread belief in UK industry that this provision of the chemicals annexe will facilitate free data access for UK companies to the testing data held on the ECHA database enabling its use for registration to UK REACH.

“Non-UK companies that have already complied with EU REACH requirements are now preparing to comply with UK REACH, and to do that they have options to assess depending on the volume of business,” said Dr Küçükvar. Her analysis of the ever evolving situation begins on page 38.

“We think this belief is mistaken, but it is easy to understand why it has gained currency.” The CBA, which represents the independent chemical supply chain, has now published its proposed solution to the impasse bedevilling the formation of UK REACH. Take a look – we have published both the proposal and the original letter. Meanwhile, Dr Yaprak Küçükvar, director of the Istanbul office of REACH Global Services, is coming at the subject from another point on the compass, supporting non-EU companies navigating the minefield of exporting to the EU.

Distinctive Publishing or BioScience Today 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 BioScience Today.

And, getting down to the brass tacks of Brexit, we talk to David Dodd, regional director of transport and logistics company Suttons International. What sort of impact has it had on the ground, we asked him? Have costs ballooned? And are there signs customers are actively planning to void having to cross the new border, perhaps by setting up processing units in Europe instead? We were interested to hear what he had to say.

| contents |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

Transport company overcomes the challenges posed by Brexit

features

Beyond Brexit – at the end of December, the CBA wrote to DEFRA seeking clarification on key components of the annexe relating to chemicals in the EU trade agreement.

COVID-19 lockdowns lead to UK tech sales boom and adds to e-waste problem

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

| contents |

contents

www.chemicalindustryjournal.co.uk

welcome

4-5

Contents

Industry Contributors

8-13

News

14-17

post-brexit

issue 21

The Chemical Business Association, which represents the independent chemical supply chain, published its proposed solution to the impasse bedevilling the formation of UK REACH.

22-23

big interview Prof. Tom Welton, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, explains how COVID-19 lockdowns lead to UK tech sales boom and adds to e-waste problem.

28-31

logistics David Dodd, Regional Director (UK & Ireland) for Suttons International, tells us how a transport company overcomes the challenges posed by Brexit.

32-33

hydrogen gas Oxford team draws hydrogen from plastic waste.

34-35

toxic-free environment Rising to the challenge of creating a future-proofed sustainable, toxic-free chemicals industry.

38-39

reach Reach expert weighs up the cost of compliance.

Dr Yaprak Küçükvar weighs up the cost of compliance

| contributors biodigestables | |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY | CHEMICAL JOURNAL INDUSTRY SUMMER JOURNAL 2018 |

Peter Newport

Carolyn Nicholls

Chief Executive of the Chemical Business Association (CBA)

Operations Director of RAS Ltd

CBA is a not-for-profit business organisation representing the independent chemical supply chain in the UK. Its member companies distribute, pack, and blend over four million tonnes of chemicals each year with a market value of almost three billion euros.

A director of RAS Limited, Carolyn leads a team of risk and hazard management consultants and has been instrumental in creating the company’s assessment methodologies. Carolyn has experience of working with a large number of UK COMAH sites to develop safety reports and provide support in all aspects of risk management.

Peter is a key industry advocate to governmental and regulatory authorities in the UK and Europe. He is also a board member and current Treasurer of the European Association for Chemical Distributors (Fecc) and a board member of the International Chemical Trade Association (ICTA).

Dr Sarah Hickingbottom

Dr Yaprak Küçükvar

Bio-based Chemicals Business Consultant and Advocate

Director of the Istanbul office of REACH Global Services

A PhD chemist, Sarah spent over 15 years advising the global chemicals industry on bio-based chemicals and fuels, including markets, feedstocks, economics, policy, innovation, start-ups and scale-up. In 2018 she was appointed as BioVale’s CEO. BioVale is Yorkshire and the Humber’s Circular Bioeconomy Innovation Cluster.

Yaprak Yüzak Küçükvar has been managing REACH Global Services (RGS) Turkey Office in coordination with head office in Belgium since 2008. With over 15 consecutive years in regulatory compliance, 14 of which focused on chemicals management policies in the EU and Turkey, she has in-depth knowledge of EU REACH, Cosmetics Regulation and Turkish chemicals legislation.

Sarah spearheaded the drive to include the bioeconomy in local economic strategy and the need to invest in Yorkshire’s entrepreneurial ecosystems to support innovation and manufacturing scale-up. As 2020 ended, funding shortfalls led to Sarah’s role being removed and she now welcomes new irons in the fire for 2021.

She still leads a team of consultants, working with a wide range of clients from different sectors and also coordinates on a regional basis RGS HQ’s operations in the EU, Turkey and other regions such as Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan.

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| news |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

BRITAIN’S BIGGEST MANUFACTURING EXPORTER SEES SOME STABILITY BUT WARNS ABOUT THE FUTURE Chemical and pharmaceutical companies reported a second successive quarter of expansion at the end of 2020 according to the latest business survey of the Chemical Industries Association (CIA). In the survey 57% of businesses reported total sales growth and 26% reported no material change. Within this, 84% reported stability or growth in domestic sales and 83% in exports. More specifically, 87% saw growth or stability in EU exports (the industry’s biggest market) and 84% reported a similar outlook for “rest of the world” markets. Finally, over 40% of companies confirmed increases in production levels and new orders. Reacting to the data, CIA Chief Executive Steve Elliott said that the numbers reflected both the criticality of the industry to the economy and broader society in such a challenging environment but also the hard work of chemical businesses and their workforces across the UK. During the pandemic our industry has carried on working, underpinned by collectively agreed and carefully managed safety arrangements, enabling companies and their employees to conduct their business and do their jobs with confidence. With order books relatively strong - despite the disruption of COVID and our exit from the EU - all we ask is that supportive conditions for competitive advanced manufacturing are put in place to allow us to build on our resilient 2020 performance and enable us to play our part

throughout 2021 in boosting productivity across the UK and deliver solutions to meet our net zero ambitions. He continued “Our survey also produced questions about the need to get this country’s future global trading relationships right. As one of the most highly regulated sectors, our industry’s regulatory framework needs to be in close step with that of our key export markets to enable continued and increasing access. Should standards drop or should there continue to be an approach that does not recognise or efficiently link to the legal standards we met while in the EU, then prohibitive costs will mean investment in the UK will fall, undoing much of our strong performance to date. There is a high degree of concern about the cost of energy in the UK. While we are part of the solution to deliver a net zero economy because of the products and technologies we make, a system that sees us pay twice the amount for our electricity as other European countries is an ongoing blocker of opportunity”. Elliott ended “We are relieved there is an agreement on a future trading relationship with the European Union and I hope that the current freight and logistics challenges faced by chemical companies soon start to ease as businesses and authorities become more familiar with the new trading arrangements. That would leave the remaining and significant challenge of delivering an effective and proportionate REACH regime in the UK, and we look forward to working with the UK Government to deliver an outcome that best addresses health, environmental and commercial concerns.”

| sartorius |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

Cubis® II Loss on Drying For Determining Dry Weight of Tablets, Capsules, or Bulky Material according to USP or PhEur Loss on Drying is a back-weighing application to determine the amount of volatile matter in tablets, capsules, or bulky material. Samples are weighed before and after treatment, and the weight difference is measured. According to the US Pharmacopoeia Chapter 731 (USP Chapter 731) 1–2 g of sample is mixed; for large particles the size is reduced to about 2 mm by quickly crushing. If tablets are to be tested, the powder of not less than 4 tablets must be used; For capsules, the mixed contents of not less than 4 capsules must be used. A glass-stoppered, shallowweighing bottle that has been dried for about 30 minutes and cooled to room temperature in a desiccator is tared, the sample placed in the bottle, and the initial sample weight is measured. The sample is evenly distributed in the bottle by gentle shaking, the stopper is removed, and the bottle placed in a drying chamber to be incubated at elevated temperature. After heat treatment, the bottle is closed promptly, cooled down in a desiccator to room temperature, and then the back weight is measured. According to USP the “dry to constant weight“ or according to European Pharmacopoeia (PhEur) the “dried to constant mass” or “ignited to constant mass” weight value of pharmaceutical products is to be measured. The USP defines that two consecutive weighings must not differ by more than 0.50 mg per g of sample, whereas the PhEur specifies that two consecutive weighings must not differ by more than 0.5 mg to consider the sample as dried to constant weight or mass. If the measured weight difference is out of the allowed limits, the drying shall be continued and the weight measured again. In the Cubis® II software application for loss on drying, the administrator selects between the test procedure according to USP or PhEur, and the sample type – tablet or capsule. Due to the different definition of allowed weight difference, the selection between USP and PhEur determines the mode, or how the software application considers samples to have passed or failed the test.

42 <731> or European Pharamacopoeia (PhEur). After weighing back a sample, the software evaluates the weight difference and, if it is out of limit, displays a corresponding message to the user. By this mechanism the user gets a direct feedback when the volatile matter of a sample is too high and the drying process must be prolonged. The software application for each sample creates a comprehensive report, inclusive of the measured initial and back weight(s), and records if the test was passed or failed according to the applied pharmacopoeia. The Cubis® II software application Loss on Drying guides the user through the backweighing process and automatically evaluates the results according to USP or PhEur. If a test for a product fails the user gets a corresponding message displayed that cannot be overlooked. The Cubis® II balance is a perfect solution for your applications in the chemical composition analysis.

First the initial sample weight (with tare) and then up to three back weights are measured. In total, ten batches with up to 100 samples each can be processed. The software application calculates the difference between the initial and back weight for each sample, and determines if the weight difference is within the range allowed by USP Chapter

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| news |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

MANUFACTURERS OUTPERFORM OTHER SECTORS, AMID BETTER GROWTH EXPECTATIONS FOR 2021 • Eight out of 14 UK sectors outperformed their international counterparts in December, ahead of the latest national lockdown. • UK manufacturers and transport business buoyed by spike in demand for British goods ahead of the Brexit trade deadline and the temporary easing of restrictions at the start of December. • Majority of British businesses more optimistic on growth expectations for 2021 than their overseas counterparts, as the UK’s Covid-19 vaccine rollout began.

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

| news |

Manufacturers helped push the UK’s economic recovery ahead of the global benchmark in December, according to the latest Lloyds Bank UK Recovery Tracker. The Tracker, compiled working with IHS Markit, provides unique insight into the shape and pace of the UK’s recovery following the huge disruption caused by Covid-19. The latest data was compiled between 4th and 21st December 2020, ahead of the introduction of tighter lockdown restrictions at the end of the month, which should impact January’s results in certain sectors such as hospitality and tourism. Eight of the fourteen UK sectors monitored by the Tracker were ahead of the global index in December, up from six in November. Firms in the manufacturing industry, which posted a seven-month run of growth and helped slow falling UK GDP in November, were the biggest contributors to output growth in the final month of the year. A spike in demand from overseas buyers ahead of the Brexit trade deadline pushed the output of the chemicals (63.2), household products (57.1) and beverages and food manufacturing (54.6) sectors ahead of their global counterparts in December. A reading above 50 signals output is rising, while a reading below 50 indicates output is contracting. Meanwhile, transportation (56.9) outstripped global performance by the largest margin in December. This was the sector’s first rise in activity since July and its fastest growth for nearly two-and-a-half years. The performance was driven by the lifting of national lockdown measures in early December and an end-of-year spike in demand for logistics services ahead of the Brexit trade deadline.

VACCINE ROLLOUT DRIVES UK BUSINESSES 2021 GROWTH EXPECTATIONS Looking at a measure of expected output volumes, 11 of the fourteen sectors monitored by the Tracker anticipated stronger output growth than their global peers over the next 12 months during December, as the UK’s Covid-19 vaccination programme got underway. The UK’s software services sector’s expectations for growth were strongest of all sectors and well ahead of the rest of the world in December, with a reading of 81.5 against the global benchmark of 70.9. Accounting for the positive outlook,

providers anticipate increased corporate investment in digital services to continue in 2021. A reading above 50 signals that respondents expect output to rise in the next 12 months, while a reading below 50 indicates output is expected to contract. The industrial goods sector (75.6) was among those furthest ahead of the global benchmark (66.2) in December. The expectation of increased investment in industrial development and a positive outlook for the UK construction industry was behind the sector’s optimism for the next 12 months. Chemicals (64.7), transportation (62) and real estate (58) were the only UK sectors monitored by the Tracker with 2021 growth expectations behind the global benchmark in December. Chemicals producers commented on a slowdown in demand after sales to overseas buyers spiked ahead of the agreement of a trade deal with the European Union. Transport and real estate businesses anticipated another uncertain year for commercial property rentals and public transport, with many firms indicating employees will continue to work from home for a large proportion of 2021.

UK MANUFACTURERS’ GROWTH EXPECTATIONS FOR 2021 WEAKENED BY RISING COSTS While still well above the 50 mark that signals output is expected to rise over the next 12 months, the growth expectations of four UK manufacturing sectors weakened during December – chemicals (64.7 in December v 70 in November), metals and mining (69 vs 75), beverages and food (72.2 vs 77.4) and automobiles and auto parts (73.5 vs 73.7). Signs of inflationary pressures across the UK economy contributed to these sectors’ weaker output expectations for the next 12 months. Supply chain delays and the imbalance of container freight activity during 2020 led to a steep rise in shipping costs during December. Global raw material shortages also meant that UK manufacturers faced the sharpest rise in input prices for two-and-a-half years. Both factors are expected to increase prices charged by UK goods producers, which could negatively impact the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers in overseas markets during 2021. Jeavon Lolay, Head of Economics and Market Insight, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “While this survey was conducted before the latest national lockdown was announced, it is still worth highlighting the vaccine-induced rebound in business confidence across the economy. It is clear that, for many firms, this represents the defining influence for their prospects in the year ahead.

“While this survey was conducted before the latest national lockdown was announced, it is still worth highlighting the vaccine-induced rebound in business confidence across the economy. It is clear that, for many firms, this represents the defining influence for their prospects in the year ahead.”

“December’s data also highlighted the impact Covid-19 continues to have on global supply chains. Many manufacturers benefited from a boost in overseas sales ahead of the Brexit trade deadline, but raw material shortages, rising input costs and distribution problems are making the sector’s road to recovery more challenging.”

Jeavon Lolay, Head of Economics and Market Insight, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking

Scott Barton, Managing Director, Corporate and Institutional Coverage, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, added: “Growth expectations for the next 12 months help us chart the trajectory of the UK economy’s recovery from Covid-19. However, we cannot forget the incredibly challenging conditions businesses are currently facing during lockdown. Our immediate priority must be to support UK firms as they continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation in the face of adversity.”

| post-brexit |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

| post-brexit |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

BEYOND BREXIT

At the end of December, the CBA wrote to DEFRA seeking clarification on key components of the annexe relating to chemicals in the EU trade agreement. The following month, the organisation, which represents the independent chemical supply chain, published its proposed solution to the impasse bedevilling the formation of UK REACH. Here, we publish the letter and the proposal.

| post-brexit |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

Rebecca Pow MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Department of the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs cc Alok Sharma MP, BEIS 29 December 2020 Dear Minister CHEMICALS ANNEXE: UK-EU TRADE AND CO-OPERATION AGREEMENT CBA welcomes the conclusion of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement with the European Union (EU). But considerable uncertainty remains concerning the content and precise meaning of the final terms of the chemicals’ annexe. This letter requests the urgent clarification of a number of key issues some of which, in our opinion, are leading to the scope and content of the chemicals’ annexe being widely misinterpreted. Information Exchange Industry needs a definition of the term ‘non-confidential information’ that will be exchanged between the UK and EU authorities. We assume this information (a) will not be shared with industry; and (b) does not extend to the EU REACH registration data held by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) as ownership of this information is held by individual mainly European-based companies and consortia. There is a widespread belief in UK industry that this provision of the chemicals annexe will facilitate free data access for UK companies to the testing data held on the ECHA database enabling its use for registration to UK REACH. We think this belief is mistaken, but it is easy to understand why it has gained currency. The UK’s negotiating position contained several additional phrases referring to ‘removing technical barriers to trade’ and UK/EU co-operation ‘including through sharing information on chemicals.’ These phrases are not in the final version of the chemicals’ annexe and we believe the situation needs urgent clarification by DEFRA to remove any further misunderstandings. The importance of sharing the data held by ECHA cannot be under-estimated. The industry estimates the full cost of UK REACH could be up to £1billion, with the cost of testing data representing up to £800 million of this total. The UK industry has already invested millions in EU REACH. It is now facing the prospect of multiple registrations for exactly the same substance, the wasteful duplication of databases, and an unjustified and disproportionate fee regime to be imposed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Sharing data supports continuing high safety, health, and environmental standards as well as avoiding the prospect of increased levels of animal testing. Enforcement The last-minute nature of the agreement with the EU and the absence of official guidance on the new rules and regulations means a period of pragmatic enforcement is essential. Industry must be given time to adjust and comply with the new regime. CBA has set dates for a series of regulatory and trade workshops to help its member companies to come to terms with the emerging post-Brexit framework. To perform this function effectively, we need detailed guidance from both your department and the Health and Safety Executive. Despite many requests for this guidance relatively little has been provided to date on how compliance should be achieved. Conclusion As you can see, there is a need for your department to issue clarification and guidance on the meaning and practical impact of the chemicals’ annexe. It is not an exaggeration to say that the profitability and growth of the UK’s strategic chemical sector depends on an effective, functioning and affordable regulatory framework which allows it to continue to deliver key chemical components to thousands of downstream manufacturing and process companies.

Regards, Peter Newport Chief Executive CBA

| post-brexit |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

CBA OUTLINES ITS UK REACH DATA-SHARING PROPOSAL This proposal offers an innovative solution to the provision of testing data to support registrations under UK REACH, an issue that is central to the workability of the new regime. As UK companies are unable to form UK SIEFs to share data, a novel solution is needed to ensure that UK REACH does not result in an excessive regulatory burden on the UK and EU industry and avoids duplicative substance testing, especially tests involving animals. This is further complicated because other articles in the EU regulation, such as Article 11, require data sharing and the joint submission of data by lead registrants, with these being adopted within the UK REACH system with no amendment. A solution which would accelerate the development of UK REACH, is to allow European SIEF data holders to submit the full registration dossier already lodged with ECHA to UK HSE, regardless of whether or not they are based in the UK. he provisions of UK REACH mean that the EU SIEF T must appoint a UK Based Only Representative (OR) to be responsible for the submission of any subsequent changes within the data package. CBA proposes that the HSE registration fee should be waived for these types of registrants as an incentive for data owners to populate the UK REACH database rapidly. Peter Newport, Chief Executive, Chemical Business Association

This is a revised version of the document first submitted to DEFRA in February 2020 and now updated for the content of the subsequent UK/EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement. DEFRA has confirmed the UK cannot gain continued access to the substance database of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for use in registering substances to UK REACH. The implementation of the UK REACH legislation will therefore require the submission of a large volume of chemical test data to the UK REACH IT system operated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). When EU REACH was formulated the principle of ‘One substance, One Registration’ was enshrined in the regulatory text following a joint industry (CBA) and UK government (DEFRA) campaign to reduce duplicative and animal testing. The resulting Substance Information Exchange Fora (SIEFs) allowed entities to pre-register substance(s) under (EC) 1907/2006 Articles 29 and 30. Articles 29 and 30 are not legally applicable post-Brexit as EU REACH states “Each SIEF shall be operational until 1 June 2018.” In reality, this does not mirror the real-world situation. SIEFs and their equivalents are still operating within EU REACH: sharing new data, handling new registrants through the enquiry system, and arranging for new testing to be undertaken as part of the EU evaluation process. EU SIEFs allow competing organisations to share sensitive information without risking a breach of competition law.

This ensures that the same data currently held by ECHA would also be held by the HSE IT system – an important step for chemical safety and security. EU REACH participants based in the UK with valid EU joint registrations obtained via a Letter of Access (LoA), would be able to negotiate through the EU REACH SIEF, an LoA extension covering the UK REACH registration. This process would be free of charge or involve a small administration cost, as recommended by CIA & Cefic. Any new registrants for existing EU registered substances would contact HSE via a notification and would be directed to the European SIEF to obtain access to the relevant data package accordingly, as per the current system within EU REACH. This proposal allows the UK to complete the registrations for the substances within the published timescales and means that the UK HSE has the same data as ECHA, thus reducing the possibility of diverging data sets. The interpretation of data would be a matter for the HSE/ HMG and any differences of interpretation and their application within the sovereign territories of each party could be discussed under the provisions of the UK/EU chemicals’ annexe. If the European SIEF undertakes new tests or gathers further data, it would then update both ECHA (for EU REACH) and HSE (for UK REACH), so ensuring continuity. Registrants to UK REACH of substances not previously registered to EU REACH would undertake notifications to HSE, submit data to the appropriate revised deadlines under UK REACH, and pay fees to HSE for each registration.

| univar solutions |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

More than distribution: harnessing the power of science and trends to deliver resultS Univar Solutions’ global Solution Centers advance technology and product development to help maximize your success. Dr. Dejana Drew

Technical Services Director, Univar Solutions

Today’s manufacturers face unprecedented pressures to juggle competing business drivers, carefully balancing quality and profitability, productivity and sustainability. Choosing a long-term partner—rather than merely a chemical or ingredient provider—has never been more critical. The best partners offer new and unparalleled access to technical expertise, collaboration and leveraged resources to extend your bench and your business like never before. The right trusted partner can make all the difference for your long-term success. Every day, the scientists in Univar Solutions’ network of global Solution Centers partner with customers like you to turn the theoretical into the practical, the good idea into an innovative product and today’s emerging trend into tomorrow’s trendsetter. Providing a valuable boost in human power, resources and scientific and technical support from idea conception through product delivery, our customer- and solution-centric approach is designed to keep you on the cutting edge of innovation and opportunity.

SCALE AND STRENGTH TO TAKE ON BIG PROBLEMS At Univar Solutions, we’re proud to put our entire organization’s scale and strength into everything we do. For suppliers and manufacturers, the work accomplished at our Solution Centers could mean more robust formulations, improved product lines, less downside risk and faster times to market. And in the end, our work helps keep communities healthy, clean, safe and fed. One real-world example is how we helped sunscreen manufacturers navigate a potential industry disruptor. In recent years, a changing regulatory landscape mandated U.S. sunscreen manufacturers deliver oxybenzone-free sunscreen products. We approached this complex challenge by combining our in-house technical expertise and the unique technologies of two suppliers, with the goal of producing safe, effective sunblock alternatives without the concerning ingredient. The result? Improved formulations that not only meet regulatory requirements but are safer for the environment, provide better UV protection and have protective, long-lasting wearability.

LOCAL ACCESS, GLOBAL REACH Our Solution Centers are strategically located around the world to serve partners where they operate. Closely integrated with Univar Solutions’ and suppliers’ sales and technical development experts, our Solution Centers give customers of all sizes local access and global reach, helping to expand your capabilities and possibilities. The results speak for themselves. Whether it’s working in the U.K. and across Europe to reformulate and test specialty solvents, partnering in Brazil with the United Nations to phase out unsafe HCFC blowing agents in thermal insulation, or working in the U.S. to bring plant-based dairy alternatives to market, the benefits of our work extend well beyond local markets and communities.

INFORMATION AND INSIGHTS ARE KEY If information is power, then manufacturers need help harnessing that power in a profitable direction. This is where our technical teams shine, giving Univar Solutions the ability to spot trends and synthesize their potential impact on the markets we serve. We actively listen and closely collaborate with partners, suppliers and each other to help produce rich, robust solutions driven by science and data. When the pandemic presented global challenges and opportunities, we came together to deliver impressive results. Today, that means safer, socially distanced and sustainable living in the form of effective, comfortable face masks and films used to shrink-wrap everything from suitcases for safer traveling to consumer goods for safer shipping to the next vehicle you purchase for safer handling.

OUR PARTNERS HAVE A NEED FOR SPEED Manufacturers need fast solutions that save time and money without sacrificing quality or flexibility. Our Solution Centers are efficient and agile, combining expansive ingredient choices and the ability to pivot and problem solve as issues arise. Whether you need help developing a completely new product or perfecting one, our teams execute efficiently and with an eye to your bottom line.

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Let’s take a closer look at what Solution Centers bring to the table:

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Our multidisciplinary team of experts – chemists, scientists, engineers, formulators, technicians and more – bring deep industry application experience to every challenge. From our state-of-the-art formulation labs to our R&D centers and development kitchens, you’ll find help with product and application development, quality testing, performance benchmarking and rapid prototyping, not to mention specialized regulatory and compliance knowledge, packaging and private-label services, data analytics and product marketing support.

Dr. Dejana Drew is director of technical services at Univar Solutions and an eloquent voice for the Solution Centers’ mission to deliver exceptional custom solutions. With more than 15 years of lab and formulation experience, Dr. Drew is globally recognized for her deep knowledge of the latest market trends and advanced technologies, and is leading an impressive and diverse team of science and technology experts, who help bring value to your next project.

More expertise. More potential. More of what you need to innovate and grow. Being faster to market with innovative, market-leading products gets easier when you have an expert team at your side. With our global network of Solution Centers, composed of formulation labs, development kitchens, and research centers, we can help you prototype innovative formulations and recipes that set your brand apart. We’re excited to share rich market insights to keep you on top of trends, regulations, and help strategize product visions from concept to commercialization. We’ve got what you need to do it safer, smarter, better—so you can innovate and grow.

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— Safe, smart, sustainable delivery, for your chemical projects With over 5 decades of experience in the delivery of complex projects within the chemical and refining industry, ABB provides products, solutions and services that enhance the productivity and energy efficiency of a broad range of chemical processes. Our work has covered the smallest batch plant to the world’s largest continuous petrochemical complex Sadara in Saudi Arabia. Whether you need chemical process consultants, batch control, modular systems, automation, electrical or telecommunication experts, ABB will support you and address your needs. Our integrated solutions offer the industry’s best availability, quality, risk reduction and information flow. For further information please visit: abb.com/chemicals

| news |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

sector under pressure from attacks despite high confidence in security Organisations demonstrate strong appetite for digital transformation but misplaced confidence could be putting them at risk Over two-thirds (68%) of UK chemical organisations have detected cyber attacks on their Operational Technology (OT) or Industrial Control Systems (ICS) in the last 12 months, with 85% of these encountering at least one successful attack, according to new research from independent cyber security services company, Bridewell Consulting. These findings come despite 82% of chemical organisations saying they are confident that their OT systems are protected from threats, highlighting a degree of misplaced confidence in CNI cyber security in the sector. The research, which surveyed 250 UK IT decision makers in the aviation, chemical, energy, transport, and water sectors, found that the chemical sector is the second most confident when it comes to cyber security. However, organisations facing increasing risks posed by ageing legacy infrastructure that is becoming increasingly connected. The majority (70%) of chemical organisations rely on OT systems that are between 6-20 years old, with nearly a third (30%) between 11-20 years old. Systems are also increasingly accessible with 74% confirming that their OT / ICS environments are accessible from corporate networks. Less than a third (30%) say systems are not currently accessible from the Internet, and of those, 53% plan to make them accessible in the future, potentially widening the attack surface and introducing new threats. “The research highlights some nuances between how some organisations in the chemical sector perceive their cyber security posture versus reality” says Scott Nicholson, CoCEO at Bridewell. “Security vulnerabilities, whilst challenging to remediate within some organisations, could have serious implications, not just in terms of substantial monetary fines but also risks to public safety and even loss of life, so organisations simply cannot afford to be complacent.”

Covid-19 has also intensified cyber threats with over half (53%) of UK chemical organisations experiencing increased attacks since the pandemic began. Yet nearly a third (32%) have reduced cyber security budgets in response. This is putting increasing pressure on IT and security teams with 74% agreeing they have felt an increasing pressure to improve cyber security controls for the OT / ICS environment in the last 12 months. Cyber strategy and compliance could also be improved, with less than two thirds of organisations (60%) saying physical and cyber security strategies are aligned and nearly a quarter (24%) admitting to not fully understanding the requirements of the NIS Directive. Despite this, 98% of organisations are carrying out some form of security assurance activities, but only a third (36%) carry out penetration testing and less than a third (30%) conduct red, blue or purple team exercises. This could be due to increased workloads, with an increase in responsibilities and duties cited as the top challenge facing cyber security teams today (cited by 28% of respondents), followed by budget constraints (24%). Skills are also a worry as while 72% believe they have the right skills in place to maintain and secure their OT environment, 76% agree the UK’s CNI industry will be impacted by a critical cyber security skills shortage in the next 3 to 5 years. “The research shows that the chemical sector has the weakest understanding of the NIS Directive and was the least prepared for the NIS assessments. While steps are being taken to improve cyber security in the sector, more needs to be done to strengthen defences. Organisations, government and industry experts need to continue to work cohesively to plug any gaps and mitigate risks before it’s too late,” concludes Nicholson. The full research report entitled “CNI Cyber Report: Risk & Resilience” can be downloaded at: www.bridewellconsulting.com/cni-cyber-report-riskresilience

| big interview |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

COVID-19 lockdowns lead to UK tech sales boom and adds to e-waste problem Following our Precious Elements campaign last year – which raised awareness of the supply risks to elements in our personal devices such as mobile phones – we have conducted further research to quantify how the COVID-19 pandemic may have had an impact on the problem of waste electronic equipment. By Lizzy Ratcliffe Last year we discovered that there could be 40 million or more unused devices being hoarded in drawers and cupboards around the UK. Now we’ve found that this problem is growing even more, with 12.8% of the 2,000 UK residents we surveyed saying they had acquired new IT equipment to enable them to work from home during the pandemic. Of these, nearly as many said they had put redundant tech in the bin (10.8%) as said they had recycled it (12.8%). And a further 10% of said they had a stockpile of old IT equipment they didn’t need as a result of changing their working habits. Later this year we will release the full results of our global survey, which looked at technology consumption during the pandemic as well as attitudes towards personal technology and sustainability. Meanwhile, Currys PC World told us that fitness trackers were up 45% year on year, and gaming technology sales were up 121%. With many gyms across the country set to remain closed – the traditional time for making weight loss and fitness resolutions – this is a trend that looks set to continue well into 2021. The figures are revealed as part of our ongoing Precious Elements campaign, which draws attention to supply risks to some of the precious elements used in consumer technology, such as gold, yttrium and indium. Prof. Tom Welton, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “Clearly the coronavirus pandemic caused a rapid change to our work and lifestyle patterns, but a

significant unintended consequence we are now facing is a rapid increase to the UK’s already growing e-waste crisis. That nearly as many people are binning their old tech as recycling it is a huge concern. “We increasingly think about the sustainability of other items around the home, such as plastics and cardboard packaging. If we’re to have sustainable technology, we need to start thinking in the same way about our old gadgets, or we risk running out of the elements we need to produce these items while continuing to exacerbate the environmental damage caused by the consumer tech industry.” The Royal Society of Chemistry was invited to give evidence to the UK Government’s Environmental Audit Committee report into e-waste following its Precious Elements campaign last year, which found that up to 40 million unused gadgets were stockpiled in people’s homes because they didn’t know how to dispose of them. The recommendations have now been put to the government for possible inclusion in the new Environment Bill in 2021. Meanwhile, as of 1 January 2021, retailers distributing electrical and electronic equipment are now required to offer in-store take back of items equivalent to those sold to consumers in-store. In addition, retailers with greater than 400 square metres of floor space will be required to accept all items of very small Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regardless of whether customers are replacing the item by buying new products or not. Very small WEEE is defined as items with dimensions no greater than 25cm on any side/edge. Prof. Welton said: “We know chemists are working on the tricky problem of how to separate more critical raw

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

| big interview |

materials from electronic waste for recycling purposes, but we need local recycling infrastructure that enables the waste to be collected first. “While we welcome the changes coming in to force at the beginning of January to ensure that retailers operate takeback schemes – an issue highlighted in the Environmental Audit Committee’s report to government – it’s only possible to extract some of the more common raw materials on a large scale at the end of life. Many precious metals are never recovered.” Jason Love, Professor of Molecular Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh, whose research group designs new chemical reagents for metal recycling, believes chemistry is key to tackling this problem. “Existing methods of extracting precious metals from technology include smelting which can produce harmful emissions, is energy intensive, and requires further downstream separation processes,” he said. “Chemists are now working on more efficient and sustainable ways to separate these metals. This can involve dissolving the waste materials and then using carefully designed molecules that identify and extract the different metals. Understanding and controlling the interactions that lead to separation are very much fundamental chemistry challenges.” Prof. Welton concluded: “If we’re to successfully tackle the UK’s e-waste crisis, citizens, governments, retailers, manufacturers and scientists need to work together to make technology and our consumption habits more sustainable.” “In the meantime, we are urging everyone to be more conscious about how they use and reuse technology. For example, if a device is not useful to you anymore, try selling it, donating it or giving it to someone else. Recycle it as a last resort – but do not put waste technology in the bin.” The RSC’s survey of 2,000 people across the UK about their tech consumption and recycling habits found more than a quarter (26.9%) of people across the UK started to work from home for the first time as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but just a third of those (33%) took existing office equipment home.

AS OF 1 JANUARY 2021, RETAILERS DISTRIBUTING ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ARE NOW REQUIRED TO OFFER IN-STORE TAKE BACK OF ITEMS EQUIVALENT TO THOSE SOLD TO CONSUMERS IN-STORE.

Nearly the same number (29%) said their employer had purchased new tech on their behalf to support the change in working habits, and almost one in five (18.8%) purchased new IT equipment at their own expense to support home working. A further 17% said they used the need to work from home as an opportunity to upgrade their IT equipment when they weren’t previously planning on doing so. This is reinforced by sales figures from tech retailer Currys PC World, which show there was a 41% increase in computing sales between stores first re-opening on 1st May and 22nd August, compared to the same period in 2019. However, the electrical retailer, which also offers a free recycling service for small e-waste such as computers or gadgets, says returns of redundant equipment have dropped. While stores were closed for 13 weeks this year due to restrictions, e-waste returns were down 81% in 2020 when compared to the pre-lockdown period. Kesah Trowell, Head of Sustainable Business for Currys PC World said: “All through the pandemic we have been experiencing unprecedented demand for the technology that has been keeping families fed, clean and entertained as well as helping people to work from home, but it is vital that people don’t stockpile old or unwanted tech. “We already recycle 65,000 tonnes of waste electricals each year, making us the biggest e-waste recycler among UK retailers, but are committed to doing more through our e-waste doorstep recycling scheme and store take-back

“Clearly the coronavirus pandemic caused a rapid change to our work and lifestyle patterns, but a significant unintended consequence we are now facing is a rapid increase to the UK’s already growing e-waste crisis. That nearly as many people are binning their old tech as recycling it is a huge concern. Prof. Tom Welton, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry

scheme. Regardless of whether you have bought your tech from us, we will take any unwanted equipment to help declutter households and the environment at the same time.” Chemical researchers in academia and industry are working to develop solutions and the Royal Society of Chemistry is collaborating with them to communicate recommendations to policy makers. www.rsc.org/new-perspectives/sustainability/elementsin-danger

| ras |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

Delivering on Training Requirements in a Virtual Setting Last year we spoke about managing major accident hazards at high hazard establishments in the face of COVID-19, but at the time we couldn’t have predicted that the “temporary” measures associated with the pandemic would still be in place almost a year on. It has been a firm standpoint of the COMAH Competent Authority that regulatory activities must continue despite the pandemic, with many sites having to carefully think about how to demonstrate that they can maintain safe operations while adapting to reduced manning and other COVID measures. Overall, it feels like our industry has risen to the challenge and adapted well, even where we thought that some process safety activities would be impossible to achieve. From our perspective, this in particular means HAZOP and other hazard identification studies, ALARP sessions and information gathering for assessments and reports. It was once unthinkable that any of these processes should be carried out remotely, but where needs-must, we have adapted well and managed to maintain the necessary high standards of work. That’s not to say that all work going forward should be carried out remotely; we still recommend that studies are consolidated by an onsite review once things return to normal. On the whole, though, industry has learnt a lot about maintaining the highest standards of major accident hazards in a more virtual world. The same goes for training. It has been great to see our clients embracing online training in favour of delaying faceto-face sessions until more ‘normal’ times. By adopting the most suitable video conferencing platforms, we have been able to adapt our workshop style of training facilitation and feedback has remained positive. There have been some lessons learnt along the way that we look forward to implementing as we widen our training capacity in 2021. Limiting delegate numbers to smaller groups helps greatly in keeping up the energy needed for a productive training session. Facilitation is largely about engaging with delegates to make the most of their experience and make sure that the key messages stay relevant to them. This is easy when speaking face to face with delegates, when you can use body language to gauge feelings and change direction. Technology can become a barrier to communication but working with smaller groups can create a more comfortable atmosphere with more open discussion which ultimately helps delegates get the most from their course.

operators and technicians who would normally spend a lot of their time in the field. By limiting online training sessions to multiple shorter sessions, engagement has been positive and more consistent. Successful training relies on a balance of delivery techniques that address the different learning styles of the delegates. Online video conferencing platforms no longer limit trainers to Powerpoint presentations and a lecture style of delivery. Using break-out rooms for small groups of delegates helps to engage those with more active learning styles by allowing them to participate in activities and apply what they are learning to practical situations from the outset. For those with more visual and aural learning styles, shared screens, whiteboards and chat functions all help to ensure that information is delivered in a way that benefits the individual, and make it easier for trainers to quickly adapt to the needs of the delegates. Overall, it can be tempting to shy away from online training delivery in favour of delaying courses until they can be delivered in person. However, online methods of delivery can be quickly adapted to suit the organisation and the individual, which can result in positive training outcomes. We will be continuing to implement what we have learnt as we deliver online training to our clients through 2021. By bearing these lessons in mind, we can confidently deliver our bespoke courses in all aspects of process safety, as well as our new offerings of the Cogent Process Safety Management for Operators (PSMO) and Bowtie use and application, ultimately allowing operators to continue to demonstrate that they can maintain safe and efficient operations in this ‘new normal’. Jenny Hill & Carolyn Nicholls enquiries@ras.ltd.uk

Shorter sessions have also been of great benefit. When the time and expense associated with travel is limited, there is more flexibility in session start and end times, which has worked to the delegates’ advantage. Staying focussed on a video conference all day is tough on anyone, not to mention

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

Supporting sustainably safe and profitable operations. With over 20 years’ experience working within the COMAH regulatory regime, we provide essential process safety management and regulatory compliance support. We provide a unique blend of leadership, management, consulting, engineering and training services, that makes us the natural partner of choice for many of the

UK’s most prominent chemical manufacturing and chemical using companies. HFL Consulting is now part of SLR; a global leader in environmental and advisory solutions. Together, we provide world-class solutions and advice to our clients.

Find out more about how we can help improve your performance. safetyadvisoryeu@slrconsulting.com

0161 549 8410

www.hflconsulting.uk

overFill protection • level measUrement & alarms • volUme & Weight • process control

Providing solutions for Liquid Level Management ISS Projects (UK) Ltd provide level management solutions to various industries throughout the UK and design, install and upgrade all types of tank gauging systems, providing planned preventative maintenance and annual calibration services. We work on Top Tier COMAH sites and our CompEx Certified Engineers can provide a complete gauging solution utilising the most suitable type of sensor for the medium.

Case Study - Complete Tank Gauging + Overfill UnaUthorised prodUct movement detection • remote telemetry • FUnctional saFety

Task: ISS customer required a complete Tank Gauging and overfill protection system SIL 2 on a bulk storage farm. UK Ltd provide liquid level management solutions to industry throughout the UK. With many yearstoexperience in our field, tank ISS Projects

We design, installinstalled and upgrade all types of tank gauging Solution: ISS built, and commissioned an ISS Tank insystems, providing planned preventative maintenance and annual calibration services. Working onwith Topcontrol Tier COMAH sites Engineers are CompEx certified and can work on and install ATEX certified equipment, Touch Gauging system interlocks forour high and low levels they are trained theradar latest edition of wiring regulations. utilizing thealso latest 80GHz level sensors. All levels reading were then made available to the company network meaning anyone Providing a complete gauging solution to all types of sensors from Pressure Transmitters, Temperature sensors, Bubbler Probes to connected with authentication could log on and see real time tank Non-Contact andspace Guided Wave Radar connected Local Displays and or a HMI touch screen display capable of providing simultaneous levels and available in each tank. To meet the SILto 2 requirement real timefork level, temperature and toponpressure withtoused defined alarms all of which can be access via Local area or Wide area Vibrating switches were installed all tanksreadings and connect annetworks. ISS High Level Panel. Our TUV Functional Safety Engineer then provided the documentation and calculations required to meet SIL 2 We can also provide systems that will text or email alerts for preset conditions giving you peace of mind wherever you are.

ISS also install remote telemetry systems using GSM and network solutions sourcing the best solutions to meet your needs allowing real time information to be shared to anyone with a web browser and access to the internet, these units can send alerts via text or email and can be made accessible

Case Study - Tank Gauging + Remote Telemetry

Tel: 01765 606655

Email: info@issprojects.com Web: www.issprojects.com

Case Study - Unauthorised Product Movement Task: Upgrade an old gauging system with a new system incorporating unauthorised product movement monitoring (leak detection). Solution: The application required fourteen underground tanks containing various solvents to be gauged and monitored for unauthorised product movement. We selected magnetostrictive probes to provide us with a high level of accuracy (accuracy being a fundamental element to the function of the leak detection monitoring). The system uses Pepperl + Fuchs (P+F) field barriers for ATEX conformance and a P+F gateway for the HART variables. Our industry proven Tank-in-Touch gauge was used as the platform to build the leak detection system.

Task: ISS client wished to support their customer with tank gauging and remote telemetry.

The whole package not only monitors for any possible loss of product (which has an environmental as well as a financial cost), it also enables a more efficient stock control and ordering system which ultimately can save costs.

Solution: ISS supplied, installed and commissioned 2 tank radars and a Telemetry unit with a display, which could also be accessed via a device connected to the internet. The Telemetry uses a mobile sim so no connection to the sites network was required. The system sends out an email when a delivery is required and a further email if the level passes a lower set point. When a user is logged into the unit trending can be viewed and downloaded. Once installed the reorder setpoints can be configured remotely by ISS. Multiple users can login to the system with their own login. ISS monitor the unit for faults and visit the site once a year for a health check of the system

tel: 01765 606655 email: enquiries@issprojects.co.uk

web: www.issprojects.co.uk

ISO 9001:2015

REGISTERED COMPANY Certificate No. CA15361

| logistics |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

| logistics |

TRANSPORT COMPANY OVERCOMES THE CHALLENGES POSED BY BREXIT Without the transport and logistics element of our industry, we’d have no trade. So how has Brexit affected the business at ground level? Here, David Dodd, Regional Director (UK & Ireland) for Suttons International, answers Chemical Industry Journal’s questions.

| logistics |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

WHAT SORT OF IMPACT HAS BREXIT HAD ON YOUR BUSINESS OPERATION, TRANSPORTING GOODS TO AND FROM EUROPE? Brexit has had a huge impact on Suttons International. Between our Euro Short Sea, Contract and Fleet Management teams, we ship around 13,000 tank containers to and from the UK and Mainland Europe per annum. The Brexit transition has had a significant effect on the people involved more than anything. Working on the transition with the backdrop of a global pandemic has been really challenging and we’ve seen a tremendous resilience within our employees at this time, notwithstanding the fact that our teams have been pushed to their absolute limits, both physically and mentally. There has been a lot of frustrations around the administrative side of the Brexit transition including new processes, bureaucracy and understanding new requirements. It is safe to say that many customers, suppliers and customs brokers were not ready for the upheaval.

IS IT TAKING LONGER FOR LORRIES TO CLEAR KENT AND GET ON A FERRY? The majority of the products we ship are in single product tank containers which lift off at intermodal ferry ports, such as Purfleet, Tilbury, Hull, Killingholme, Middlesbrough and Liverpool. This means that we have been able to avoid having trucks stuck in queues in Kent. Despite this, we have still seen queues of up to six hours just to wait to have a container lifted off one of the tank trailers/chassis.

HAS THERE BEEN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE BUREAUCRACY INVOLVED? At Suttons we have seen a significant increase in paperwork and administration. To manage this, we have been keeping electronic documents, as well as moving to EDI with our larger vendors to help speed up the transfer of information. There is no denying that the booking processes are much more complicated which has added some delays, frustration and stress on freight forwarders. We took on an additional member of staff in December and have since increased headcount by a further two individuals. This has enabled us to manage the workload and cope with the additional levels of bureaucracy and administration that we now have to deal with.

HAVE COSTS INCREASED AS A RESULT OF ALL/ANY OF THE ABOVE? Despite costs to businesses increasing, which cannot be disregarded, we must not overlook the cost that Brexit has placed on society. Leaving the EU during a global pandemic and a national lockdown has posed unprecedented challenges on so many people. There are individuals working on the Brexit transition while home schooling their children and managing the unwavering amount of personal stresses the current climate is putting us under. Costs have increased as a result of Brexit, particularly in customs paperwork. For an Export document, an important clearance in the destination country, as well as a T1 if the goods are transiting another EU country, this can be anything from £90 to £160 to raise the additional paperwork. If permits or licences are required for controlled goods, there are also additional costs for raising those documents and seeking approval. To manage this increased workload many businesses have had to increase overheads by employing more staff, and the cost of this will be passed down and ultimately passed on to consumers.

HOW DID SUTTONS’ TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS DIVISION PREPARE FOR BREXIT? Suttons International set up a Brexit taskforce. This brought together key individuals from each department including:

David Dodd, Regional Director (UK & Ireland) for Suttons International Operations, Commercial, Business Support, Procurement, Resources, Safety and Training. We had weekly meetings to put plans in place to ensure that we were as prepared as possible for the transition. It is also worth noting that each department had smaller, daily meetings that were held over Skype. The technology really helped us to be able to feel together despite being physically far away from each other. However, there is nothing that can replace that genuine feeling of togetherness as a team when you are not able to be together, especially for such a crucial project.

HAS SUTTONS SEEN SIGNS THAT CUSTOMERS ARE PLANNING TO AVOID HAVING TO CROSS THE BORDER, PERHAPS BY SETTING UP PROCESSING UNITS IN EUROPE INSTEAD? We have seen customers setting up legal entities in Europe, to help them process transactions differently. Incoterms were something that the EU and UK trades did not have to worry about so much. Now these terms have huge implications for customs clearance. Having a legal entity to process VAT payments and deferrals is a vital part of trading between the UK and EU now. We have also seen some of our customers moving towards UK, UK and EU, and EU businesses to avoid the hassle of shipping outside of the free trading block.

CAN YOU TELL ME A BIT MORE ABOUT SUTTONS’ SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT, PARTICULARLY IN RELATION TO CHEMICALS? We have a dedicated Procurement team who have considerable buying power. They are constantly looking for the best routes, prices and service for Suttons International. It is important to recognise that while price is important, we also look to develop long term supplier relationships. We want sustainable partnerships that are based upon trust and a mutual sense of striving for continuous improvement. This involves safety and quality and we seek partnerships that align with our business objectives and core values. www.suttonsgroup.com/uk

INTRODUCING THE WORLD’S FIRST ANTI-STATIC REPAIR SYSTEM 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. 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. McGrath 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.

APPLICATIONS Conductorliner is the ultimate underground infrastructure repair system, best serving those sectors that have a daily need to mitigate explosion risk. It is not only key to preventing the infiltration and/or exfiltration of chemicals or noxious substances, but also contains a special substance to make it the first 100% dissipative infrastructure repair system in the world.

SECTORS

LINING

Chemical, Nuclear or any organization with potentially explosive atmospheres needing to mitigate the risk of spark, explosion and chain reaction.

The Conductorliner Infinity System relates to longer stretches of pipe repair, from 1m up to 500m.

PATCHING The Conductorliner patching system can be used in any length and diameter of pipe to effect a repair of up to 5m in length.

BEFORE

AFTER

SPRAYING The Conductorliner Spray system is a high-build, spray applied dissipative coating, with excellent chemical and abrasion resistance, ideal for rehabilitation of chambers, tanks, bunds and sumps etc.

Please get in touch to arrange a visit from one of our sales team or to request a brochure. You can either email us at info@conductorliner.com or telephone +44 (0) 330 111 0007. Kindly ask for Tom or Lydia McGrath. McGrath Enviromental Services Limited, Woodside Farm, Wakefield Road, Grange Moor, Wakefield WF4 4DS www.conductorliner.com

| hydrogen gas |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

OXFORD TEAM DRAWS HYDROGEN FROM PLASTIC WASTE The ever-increasing production and use of plastics over the last half century has created a huge environmental problem for the world. Currently, most of the 4.9 billion tonnes of plastics ever produced will end up in landfills or the natural environment, and this number is expected to increase to around 12 billion tonnes by 2050. In collaboration with colleagues at universities and institutions in the UK, China and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, researchers in the Edwards/ Xiao group at Oxford’s Department of Chemistry have developed a method of converting plastic waste into hydrogen gas which can be used as a clean fuel and high-value solid carbon. This was achieved with a new type of catalysis developed by the group which uses microwaves to activate catalyst particles to effectively ‘strip’ hydrogen from polymers. The findings, published in Nature Catalysis, detail how the researchers mixed mechanically-pulverised plastic particles with a microwave-susceptor catalyst of iron oxide and aluminium oxide. The mixture was subjected to microwave treatment and yielded a large volume of hydrogen gas and a residue of carbonaceous materials, the bulk of which were identified as carbon nanotubes. This opens up an entirely new area of research in terms of selectivity and offers a potential route to the use of plastic waste Armageddon This rapid one-step process for converting plastic to hydrogen and solid carbon significantly simplifies the usual processes of dealing with plastic waste and demonstrates that over 97% of hydrogen in plastic can be extracted in a very short time, in a low-cost method with no CO2 burden.

The new method represents an attractive potential solution for the problem of plastic waste; instead of polluting our land and oceans, plastics could be used as a valuable feedstock for producing clean hydrogen fuel and value-added carbon products. Prof. Peter Edwards said: “This is not good applied science, but rather good science, applied. It opens up an entirely new area of catalysis in terms of selectivity and offers a potential route to the challenge of the plastic waste Armageddon, particularly in developing countries as one route to the hydrogen economy – effectively enabling them to leap-frog the sole use of fossil fuels. “Perhaps above all else - it is absolutely critical for a fundamental understanding of the chemistry, physics and electronic engineering of the mesoscale regime in catalysis that underpins any important applied advance in our quest for sustainable energy advances.” The idea for this very ‘applied science’ advance has its origins in a deeply ‘pure science’ project – the deep understanding of the science of the Size-Induced Metal to Insulator Transition (SIMIT), a topic that the Edwards group has studied for many years. The idea is that if one fragments a piece of highlyconducting metal into smaller and smaller pieces, is there a stage (i.e. a critical size of particle), at which it stops behaving as a metal? The researchers observed that when a metal enters the so-called Mesoscopic regime traversing the SIMIT, the conductivity within a particle decreases by some 10 orders-of-magnitude, whilst at the same time the microwave absorption increases by some 10 orders-ofmagnitude. This means that small “metallic” particles below the SIMIT behave as “super microwave absorbers” – providing a highly effective route to heating catalyst particles, creating a system of tiny “hot spots” when exposed to microwave electromagnetic radiation.

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

| hydrogen gas |

“This is not good applied science, but rather good science, applied. It opens up an entirely new area of catalysis in terms of selectivity and offers a potential route to the challenge of the plastic waste Armageddon, particularly in developing countries as one route to the hydrogen economy – effectively enabling them to leapfrog the sole use of fossil fuels.” Prof. Peter Edwards, Oxford’s Department of Chemistry

| toxic-free environment |

| CHEMICAL INDUSTRY JOURNAL |

Rising to the challenge of creating a future-proofed sustainable, toxic-free chemicals industry The question as to if we should imagine such a future has (hopefully) been answered with a resounding “we have no choice”, leaving us with the question “how”? The EU has outlined its answer in its newly published Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability Towards a Toxic-Free Environment which links into its Green Deal, Horizon Europe and the public-private partnership Circular Bio-based Europe. And the UK should be able to play a vital role. But what exactly are these initiatives? R&D was the ‘easy’ part when compared to bringing industrial players on-board; generating the political will; securing the finance; re-formulating regulations/ polices; accepting risk; changing end-user practices; handling legacy assets; shaping consumer perceptions; and, finally, building and operating commercial plants. Nonetheless, industry, governments, end-users, innovators and citizens globally are stepping-up to ensure this is the decade we’ll realise industrial-scale change in the chemicals we manufacture, use and then dispose of.

By Dr Sarah Hickingbottom

Bio-based Chemicals Business Consultant and Advocate Chemicals are indispensable to our daily lives, but contribute significantly to toxins, pollution, waste and emissions. Yet today, after decades of outstanding R&D and millions in investment, science has delivered previously unimaginable solutions to our climate, biodiversity and resource challenges. Industrial biotechnology and bio-based innovation means (for example) household waste can become organic base chemicals, industrial waste gases act as fertilizer feedstocks and waste cellulosic biomass is converted into novel, toxicfree industrial solvents. Plus, digitalisation, AI and IOT are revolutionising manufacturing alongside 3D printing, electrification and renewables – i.e. the technical barriers to achieving a sustainable, toxicfree chemicals industry using feedstocks that are renewable, bio-based and/or waste-derived where viable are being stripped away.

It’s a multi-layered, complex topic with a number of initiatives and from a sustainable, circular bioeconomy perspective, it’s useful to set the scene as to what exactly is (a) a bio-based chemical? Or biotechnology? Or (b) circular chemicals industry? Or (c) the initiative being called ‘Circular Bio-based Europe’ (CBE)? The simple answers being (a) bio-based chemicals are derived from non-petro feedstocks, such as crops, woody biomass and, preferentially, their waste-streams along the value-chain. In contrast, biotechnology is the use of biological processes with raw materials that may be bio- or petro-based. The bioeconomy encompasses both industrial biotechnology (IB) and bio-based chemicals and materials. (b) A circular chemicals industry is one where waste is exploited as feedstock – upcycling old molecules into new while eliminating pollutions and minimising resource consumption.

But if such innovations are never nurtured beyond pilot scale then we cannot truly call them ‘solutions’, but rather they are merely interesting ideas published in dusty journals. We cannot afford the gathering of any more dust, no matter how difficult scaling-up might be. Indeed, in some regards, we can argue the

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| toxic-free environment |

To turn to question (c) – what is the EU initiative Circular Bio-based Europe? CBE is the successor to the Bio-Based Industries (BBI) and both are the European Union’s public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives with private industry. The private arm of these two PPPs is represented by the Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC). BIC members come from chemicals industry, SMEs and cluster organisations as well as universities as associate members. The €3.7 billion BBI was part of Horizon 2020 whose goal is to accelerate, as a financial instrument with minimal red tape, globally competitive science and industrial leadership to tackle societal challenges. Underpinned by chemicals and materials, between 2014-2020 the BBI funded in excess of 120 projects. These include over a dozen flagship, first-of-their-kind-in-Europe biorefineries at commercial scale and each with high replicability potential. As of January 2021, Horizon 2020 has been replaced by Horizon Europe and will run to December 31st 2027 with the public-private partnership CBE leading on the circular bioeconomy. The goals are being stretched further to drive innovation and its application in the wider economy. Notably, the UK is now confirmed in principle as an Associate of Horizon Europe, including CBE (whilst, at the time this article goes to press, we are awaiting parliamentary scrutiny there is not expected to be hiccups). Though, UK innovators will not have access to financial instruments through the European Innovation Council. The 2019 Green Deal is the EU’s strategy to transition to a clean, circular economy that restores biodiversity and cuts pollution. Its emphasis is on upstream agricultural, forestry and biodiversity as well as transport and related chemicals. This brings us to the EU’s new Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability Towards a Toxic-Free Environment (October 2020) which is a key component of the Green Deal and is its boldest for 20 years. However, there is scope for the EU to go further to accelerate

“Although we may need the EU to be even bolder with their ambition for chemicals, this strategy is welcome and much needed. The UK’s longawaited, new chemicals strategy is on hold – when it restarts, and as we now sit outside of the EU, perhaps it may go even further than the EU’s ambitions?”

industrial chemicals change and a number of organisations are asking for exactly this – for the development of a Green Deal targeted towards chemicals, its value-chains and the circular bioeconomy’s role in delivering a sustainable, toxicfree industry for the future. Although we may need the EU to be even bolder with their ambition for chemicals, this strategy is welcome and much needed. The UK’s long-awaited, new chemicals strategy is on hold – when it restarts, and as we now sit outside of the EU, perhaps it may go even further than the EU’s ambitions? As we shape the frameworks that will shape our futures, we need in place not only innovationdriven financial instruments, such as CBE, but also the actual enforcement of the principle ‘the polluter pays’. Horizon Europe and CBE can be seen as ‘carrots’ while banning toxins, introducing carbon taxes or the removal of petro-subsidies would be ‘sticks’. Regulations and policy play fundamental roles to both remove barriers and pave the path forwards. Acceleration of commercialisation is key. For example, Europe could embrace a USstyle preferred public procurement policy for sustainable, circular and bioeconomy products to pull demand and give guarantees that if we manufacture, the markets will purchase. And companies across industries and geographies need to re-imagine their accounting practices – their profit and loss balance sheets – to account for natural resources and impact on climate. This is the goal of Green Finance which is reimaging accounting, financing and investment to influence, as shareholders, company aspirations and strategy via ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) mechanisms and beyond. In recent weeks the much-anticipated Dasgupta Review on the Economics of Biodiversity, commissioned by the UK Government, has been published and which outlines the argument for a shift in economics to account for natural resources and climate. Finally, returning to the essential world of chemicals, there is another piece of the jigsaw which must not be forgotten, that of the need to secure the circular, sustainable bio-based feedstocks of the future. It is all too easy to see these feedstocks as sources of power, fuel or heat. But as renewables mature and electrification replaces the combustion engine, we must ringfence valuable biomass for the manufacture of the chemicals and materials which cannot be stripped out of circular value-chains. We’re in a crossover time-period where transport and power are easier (and encouraged) waste-stream end-uses. With the support of policy makers, the chemicals industry needs to stake a claim today otherwise feedstock supply and economics may slow down commercialisation needlessly. You can contact Dr Hickingbottom at: linkedin.com/in/sarah-k-hickingbottom

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INEOS buys BP’s global Aromatics & Acetyls business INEOS, one of the world’s largest manufacturing companies, has today completed the purchase of the global Aromatics and Acetyls businesses from BP for a consideration of $5 billion. INEOS is already one of the world’s leading petrochemical companies and this acquisition will extend both the portfolio and the geographic reach of the business. The businesses will be known as INEOS Acetyls and INEOS Aromatics. INEOS Aromatics is a global leader in PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid) and PX (Paraxylene) technology with six sites and supplies the global polyester business which includes polyester fibre, film and PET packaging. INEOS Acetyls produces acetic acid and a range of derivatives from its nine sites, supplying a wide range of downstream industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, paints, adhesives and packaging. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of INEOS, said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to complete the acquisition, which is a logical development of our existing petrochemicals business extending our interest in acetyls and adding a world leading aromatics business supporting the global polyester industry.”

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REACH EXPERT WEIGHS UP THE COST OF COMPLIANCE By Helen Compson Editor

Yes, there’s no doubt about it, this is a particularly interesting time to be in regulatory affairs, says one (very busy) expert in environmental regulatory compliance. The EU’s chemical strategy for sustainability on one side, implementation of EU REACH in different regions of the world on the other side, companies are facing several challenges. For many years now, Dr Yaprak Küçükvar has been supporting non-EU companies navigating the minefield of exporting to the EU. While the majority of non-EU countries have been steadily moving towards harmony with EU REACH and EU Cosmetics Regulations, meaning an ever-increasing number of businesses in the world today are used to operating within the REACH framework, what we actually have at present is a global patchwork of national regulations that do contain variations. They might be minor differences, but they can be enough to have a finance director of a SME considering whether the additional hoops are worth jumping through. And now the UK has rolled its own hoop out into the field, of course. Dr Küçükvar, Director of the Istanbul office of REACH Global Services, said: “Most countries are trying to harmonise their own regulations with the EU - with the exception of the USA - but each one has slight differences in the manner or approach to implementation. “In terms of UK REACH, which I’m working on through one of our partners there, non-UK companies that have already complied with EU REACH requirements are now preparing to comply with UK REACH, and to do that they have options to assess depending on the volume of business. A non-UK company can appoint a UK Only Representative to act on their behalf or UK importers may undertake obligation to register their substances. “This is clearly more regulatory work and more cost to pay for the right to use the EU REACH data and submit registration dossier to the UK HSE. Companies may prefer to act through their subsidiary offices in the UK.”

The decision on whether it was still worth exporting to the UK was down to each individual company concerned, and the picture was coloured as much by indirect exports as direct exports. “A company might sell ingredients to, say, Germany, where they are mixed and formulated and then sold on to the UK,” she said, “so those chemicals need to be somehow registered by an actor in the supply chain to comply with UK regulations too. “Many SMEs are trying to analyse their options and the cost of compliance, working out the value of their direct and indirect exports to the UK and weighing up whether it is worth the additional cost.” The big question was whether it was worth exporting to the ‘one’, when exporting to the EU gave businesses access to 26 countries in one fell swoop. But, she said: “The UK is still a good export partner and an important market for many countries; each company has various supply chains to analyse and they will take a decision based on their export volumes and the cost of compliance.” A founding manager of REACH Global Services Group, which has its head office in Brussels, Dr Küçükvar has over 15 years’ experience of regulatory compliance under her belt, focused specifically on chemicals and the related management policies in both the EU and Turkey. She set off down that particular track while studying for her PhD in chemistry at the University of Newcastle, in northern England. During the wide-ranging course that also covered physical and environmental chemistry, she discovered a passion for environmental sciences. After graduation, she duly joined a pharmaceutical company in Istanbul, working in due diligence teams to expand the product line and preparing the regulatory compliance dossiers for various products. Then in 2007, when the EU published its first REACH framework which inevitably also effected non-EU companies Istanbul Mineral and Metals Exporters’ Association decided to establish a Turkish REACH helpdesk. Dr Küçükvar, helped initiate REACH Helpdesk activities to create awareness for manufacturers, contributing with her REACH knowledge and interest in chemicals sectors. “One of the most important projects I worked on for the association was the launch of an Only Representative company (OR) in Europe to help non-EU companies comply with REACH legislation,” she said.

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Dr yaprak Küçükvar Director of the Istanbul office of REACH Global Services

“The UK is still a good export partner and an important market for many countries; each company has various supply chains to analyse and they will take a decision based on their export volumes and the cost of compliance.” “I focused on the regulatory obligations of an OR and services that non-EU companies require to comply with EU REACH , the office was opened in Brussels, and that was the start of REACH Global Services Group.” She has managed the sister office in Istanbul from the beginning and represents the headquarter office in Brussels. Although they focus predominantly on REACH, they do also work on chemical regulations compliance around the globe. “At the minute, the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation is implementing EU REACH regulation,” she said. “There are a lot of similarities between the two; EU REACH and Turkish REACH abbreviated as KKDIK but while companies had a 10 year time frame to complete the registrations in the EU, Turkey has given companies 3 years to submit the registrations regardless of the volume or classification. All substances will be KKDIK registered by the end of 2023 in the Turkish market. Part and parcel of her job is keeping a close eye on what can be very fluid national and international markets. Indeed, nurturing a good understanding of the law – many laws – is as important as understanding the chemistry, she said with a wry smile. Dr Küçükvar is also responsible for her

company’s operations in Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan. Globally, RGS Group works with more than 1000 manufacturers located in over 50 countries, overcoming critical supply chain obstacles and smoothing the way to compliance. And as we said at the beginning, she does feel this is a pivotal time to be working in regulatory compliance, because every day, somewhere in the world, something changes. It keeps her on her toes. “We work across all chemical sectors, from metals to speciality chemicals to paint to additives, so yes, I am always analysing,” she said. “The world is always changing and chemicals are important to all of our lives, as are the effects of air pollution and global warming and the care we need to take in how we use chemicals, so I think we will be having many discussions around the subject of compliance for many years to come. “Our area of expertise generally in the field has grown a lot over the past 20 years, but it will grow hugely again in the next 20, so I am grateful to be in this business – I love being in this business – at such an interesting time.”

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A Snapshot of KKDIK SUBSTANCE INFORMATION EXCHANGE FORUMS (mbdf) in Turkey Companies who pre-registered substances for KKDIK Compliance in Turkey, are living a reflection of the year 2009 - first quarter after the REACH pre-registration deadline of 2008 was over. The initial MBDF communications are not yet as intense as the first quarter of 2009 experienced in the EU but there are still solid approaches from some dedicated Lead registrant candidates who are mostly data holders. EU REACH allowed companies to register in a 10 years-time period while KKDIK gives 3 years for all companies to register after the pre-registration deadline of 31st December 2020. Therefore, it is anticipated that the communications will speed up considerably in the next coming months. Although MBDF communications have slowly been started even before January 2021 by some pre-registrant companies, the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation (MoEU) took control of the predicted future disagreements within the MBDF by scheduling introduction of additional functions and integration of new modules to the online Chemicals Registration System (KKS). The MoEU will activate “Lead Company Declaration” function under KKS on 1st March 2021. This function will be simultaneously accompanied by integration of a voting module that will allow companies to vote for the lead company of their choice, if there is more than one candidate to avoid any possible conflicts. Although it is not mandatory to vote for the Lead Registrant, the MoEU may request MBDF participants to vote using the module under KKS or refer to the results of the voting, if deemed necessary. One Leading company will be assigned for each reference substance. The MoEU also emphasizes the importance of communication with all the KKDIK MBDF participants before any company declares its decision as a Lead company under KKS with the new functionality that will be active on 1st March. (Ref: MoEU announcement made on 15th February 2021 on the Ministry’s official website) If there is a conflict while choosing the Lead for a substance within the MBDF, it is advised to get in contact with the MoEU. In such a case, MBDF participants will be informed and directed to voting module to make their decisions and determine the lead registrant.

COMPANY SIZE MATTERS Meanwhile, company size has always been an issue in EU REACH registrations especially as wrong company size declarations were inspected by European Chemicals Agency. This let to payment of incorrect registration fees which is usually the registration fee specified for the smaller company size. Eventually, administrative charges and additional payments to balance out the accurate registration fee were requested by ECHA.

Pre-registration deadline is over 31.12.2020

Communicate with all participants of the MBDF

If agreement reached on one Lead Registrant

Declare Lead Company status under KKS (Decleration function available from 01.03.2021)

If more than one candidate volunteers to be the Lead registrant

MoEU directs companies to MBDF Voting Module if conflicts arise not obligatory, beneficial for MBDF

companies to benefit from the reduced fees for SMEs are also summarised and clarified by the MoEU via the latest announcement on the Ministry website. While the necessity of establishing a consortium in Turkey is still not clear for some substances or substance groups, it is crystal-clear that the data sets for KKDIK registrations already exists in the control of EU consortia. This applies to substances that are already registered to ECHA under EU REACH. Many consortia members in the EU are happy to share the right to use the data to comply with regulations in the other regions. The use of data for UK-REACH compliance has been one of the discussions in several EU consortia while Turkey is certainly one of the regions under discussion. Hopefully, this will decrease the amount of time spent and cost to get the dossiers ready for submission without the need for extra testing. RGS Group based in Brussels, Belgium with offices in Istanbul, Turkey is representing global companies located in over 50 countries as a local Only representative through its Turkish presence. As a leading company, RGS also transfers 13 years of regulatory experience predominantly in EU REACH experience to its operations in Turkey. Do not hesitate to contact RGS, if you need more details on our services. We can assess your compliance status and build tailor-made solutions for your company. Dr.Yaprak Yüzak Küçükvar REACH Global Services Group Director, Global Regulatory Affairs & Product Stewardship www.reach-gs.eu

In order to prevent any misunderstandings, fee calculator functionality has also been integrated into KKS. The fees to be paid according to company size, tonnage band and registration type can be calculated and a specified fee appears at the registration dossier submission stage. The conditions and documents required for Turkish companies and local Only Representatives appointed by non-Turkish

EUROPEAN UNION • TURKEY • JAPAN • CHINA • KOREA • TAIWAN RGS S.A. - Belgium Head Office + 32 (2) 234 77 77

RGS A.Ş. - Turkey Subsidiary + 90 (212) 454 09 93

info@reach-gs.eu

www.reach-gs.eu

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MANUFACTURERS ENCOURAGED TO ACT NOW WITH NEW ON-DEMAND VIDEOS ON EU TRADE RULES New on-demand videos are available for manufacturers in a drive to encourage them to act now and follow the new rules agreed as part of the UK’s free trade agreement with the EU. The videos, being rolled out by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), are designed to help businesses take advantage of the deal, which maintains zero tariffs and zero quotas on trade in goods between the UK and EU. Business sectors, including manufacturers will find videos on 14 priority topics including: Importing and Exporting Placing and selling goods on the market Trade agreements Operating Online Data Tariffs Those manufacturers yet to take action are being urged not to delay any longer. County Durham-based, Thomas Swan and Co Ltd started preparing early and is encouraging businesses to take action. The business is a performance and speciality chemical manufacturer, making products for many household disinfectants or rubber processing additives that go into tyres. Owner and CEO, Harry Swan said: “Businesses can’t assume everything will be done for them and must act now to ensure they have the correct licenses to operate. About 30% of our goods are sold into the EU. We started planning early and were granted Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status by HMRC which helped us to export from 1 January 2021 by smoothing customs procedures and avoiding any surprises. “We also set up a dedicated internal resource to focus on regulations, check what actions we needed to take under UK REACH and EU REACH to continue to manufacture and place chemicals on the GB, NI and EU markets. We have also ensured that our employees have the correct visa requirements. “I would recommend other manufacturers use gov.uk and the new on-demand videos which have clear guidance to

“Businesses can’t assume everything will be done for them and must act now to ensure they have the correct licenses to operate.” Harry Swan, Owner and CEO

TOP THINGS TO DO NOW The UK has agreed a deal with the EU. Rules for doing business with Europe have changed, and we all need to make changes to keep business moving. While the deal with the EU means zero tariffs and zero quotas, businesses still need to adapt to changes to trade and customs procedures, and changes to travel. Businesses should use the Brexit checker tool at gov.uk/transition for a personalised list of actions.

TAKE ACTION NOW TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS MOVING GOV.UK/TRANSITION

support business and help them begin to take advantage of the new trading arrangements.” The company employs 176 people and has sales offices in Shanghai, China and Newark, USA. Earlier this week, Business Minister Paul Scully set out a checklist of key actions all business may need to take relating to exporting goods, professional qualifications, hiring staff, business travel, intellectual property, and accounting and reporting. Business that registered for previous webinars will receive an email encouraging them to visit the new updated website. The best place for businesses to get support is gov.uk/transition Speak with your lawyer and accountant for more information, or answer questions using the checker tool to generate information tailored to your business, and to sign up for email updates.

Find your digital voice! Engaging your brand with audiences that matter.

www.be-everywhere.co.uk E: info@be-everywhere.co.uk T: 0191 580 5990

palladium catalysts nickel foam

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surface functionalized nanoparticles

organometallics

1.00794

Hydrogen

zeolites 11

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2 1

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6.941

2 8 1

22.98976928

24.305

Sodium

Magnesium 2 8 8 1

osmium

MOFs ZnS

40.078

2 8 18 8 1

85.4678

(223)

2 8 18 18 8 2

Francium

(226)

2 8 18 9 2

Ac (227)

Radium

2 8 18 10 2

91.224

2 8 18 18 9 2

138.90547

2 8 18 32 10 2

104

Rf (267)

2 8 18 19 9 2

140.116

Th 232.03806

2 8 18 32 32 10 2

2 8 18 21 8 2

140.90765

Thorium

Pa 231.03588

2 8 18 32 20 9 2

Protactinium

transparent ceramics EuFOD

spintronics

105

Db (268)

optical glass

2 8 18 13 1

2 8 18 32 11 2

2 8 18 32 12 2

183.84

2 8 18 32 32 11 2

106

Sg (271)

(98.0)

2 8 15 2

2 8 16 2

2 8 18 32 13 2

107

Bh (272)

Seaborgium

2 8 18 15 1

2 8 18 1

190.23

108

Hs (270)

Bohrium

2 8 18 16 1

102.9055

2 8 18 32 14 2

Mt (276)

Hassium

2 8 18 23 8 2

(145)

Np (237)

Neptunium

150.36

Promethium 2 8 18 32 21 9 2

2 8 18 24 8 2

2 8 18 32 15 2

151.964

Samarium

2 8 18 32 22 9 2

2 8 18 32 24 8 2

2 8 18 32 32 15 2

110

Ds (281)

2 8 18 25 9 2

2 8 18 32 32 17 1

2 8 18 27 8 2

111

Rg (280)

(244)

(243)

200.59

2 8 18 32 32 18 1

Roentgenium

(247)

Americium

Curium

(247)

Berkelium

112

Cn (285)

Ge 72.64

204.3833

113

Nh (284)

Copernicium

2 8 18 18 4

207.2

114

Fl (289)

Nihonium

2 8 18 28 8 2

2 8 18 29 8 2

Mc (288)

Flerovium

164.93032

Er 167.259

Holmium 2 8 18 32 28 8 2

(251)

(252)

100

(257)

Fermium

2 8 18 31 8 2

101

Md (258)

laser crystals

2 8 18 32 32 18 5

116

102

No (259)

Mendelevium

Lv (293)

2 8 18 32 8 2

2 8 18 32 32 8 2

103

2 8 18 32 18 6

pharmacoanalysis

(262)

2 8 18 32 18 7

2 8 18 32 32 18 6

117

(294)

Lawrencium

calcium wires

process synthesis

2 8 18 32 18 8

(222)

Radon 2 8 18 32 32 18 7

118

Og (294)

Oganesson

2 8 18 32 32 18 8

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2 8 18 18 7

Astatine

174.9668

Iodine

Lutetium

Nobelium

39.948

Argon 2 8 18 7

126.90447

Livermorium

Ytterbium 2 8 18 32 31 8 2

(209)

173.054

Thulium

2 8 18 32 30 8 2

2 8 18 18 6

Polonium

Moscovium

168.93421

Erbium 2 8 18 32 29 8 2

Einsteinium

2 8 18 30 8 2

79.904

127.6

2 8 18 32 18 5

Neon

Bromine

Tellurium

208.9804

115

ITO

20.1797

2 8 7

35.453

2 8

nano ribbons

Chlorine 2 8 18 6

78.96

Bismuth 2 8 18 32 32 18 4

32.065

121.76

2 8 18 32 18 4

2 8 6

Selenium 2 8 18 18 5

Fluorine

Sulfur 34

2 7

18.9984032

Antimony

Lead 2 8 18 32 32 18 3

2 8 18 5

74.9216

Tin

2 8 18 32 18 3

Arsenic

118.71

Thallium 2 8 18 32 32 18 2

Germanium 2 8 18 18 3

2 8 5

30.973762

15.9994

Phosphorus 2 8 18 4

Oxygen

silver nanoparticles

Californium

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28.0855

114.818

2 8 18 32 18 2

2 8 4

2 6

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14.0067

Indium

Mercury

Dysprosium 2 8 18 32 27 8 2

2 8 18 18 2

Pu Am Cm Bk Cf Es Fm enantioselective catalysts Plutonium

2 5

Nitrogen

Silicon 2 8 18 3

69.723

112.411

162.5

Terbium

Cadmium 2 8 18 32 18 1

Gallium

Gold

158.92535

2 8 18 32 25 9 2

196.966569

Darmstadtium

Gadolinium 2 8 18 32 25 8 2

2 8 18 32 17 1

Zinc

Silver

195.084

157.25

Europium

2 8 18 18 1

2 8 3

26.9815386

2 8 18 2

65.38

107.8682

Platinum

Meitnerium

2 8 18 25 8 2

106.42

192.217

109

2 8 18 18

Palladium

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12.0107

Carbon

Aluminum

Copper

Iridium 2 8 18 32 32 14 2

63.546

Nickel

Rhodium

Osmium 2 8 18 32 32 13 2

58.6934

Cobalt

101.07

Rhenium 2 8 18 32 32 12 2

58.933195

Ruthenium

186.207

Tungsten

144.242

Iron

Technetium

Nd Pm Sm

Uranium

55.845

2 8 18 13 2

2 4

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95.96

2 8 18 22 8 2

238.02891

54.938045

Manganese

Molybdenum

Neodymium 92

2 8 14 2

sputtering targets tungsten carbide

2 8 18 12 1

Dubnium

2 8 13 2

rare earth metals

mesoporous silica MBE

51.9961

180.9488

Praseodymium 2 8 18 32 18 10 2

Chromium

Tantalum

Rutherfordium

Cerium 90

quantum dots

2 8 13 1

ultralight aerospace alloys

92.90638

178.48

2 8 18 32 18 9 2

2 8 11 2

Niobium

epitaxial crystal growth drug discovery

Hafnium

Actinium

50.9415

Vanadium

Zirconium

Lanthanum 2 8 18 32 18 8 2

47.867

Yttrium

Barium 2 8 18 32 18 8 1

2 8 10 2

Titanium

88.90585

137.327

Cesium

2 8 18 8 2

87.62

132.9054

Scandium

Strontium 2 8 18 18 8 1

44.955912

Calcium

Rubidium 55

2 8 9 2

isotopes

39.0983

Potassium

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He Helium

2 3

Boron

2 8 2

2 8 8 2

4.002602

10.811

Beryllium

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bioactive compounds

9.012182

Lithium

2 2

gold nanoparticles

III-IV semiconductors

screening chemicals

buckyballs

janus particles

glassy carbon alternative energy

diamond micropowder

Now Invent!

metallocenes BINAP

conjugated nanostructure

Chemical Industry Journal 21

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toxic-free environment

big interview

hydrogen gas

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