CEFIC analysis confirms Deutsche Bauchemie’s concerns about the economic consequences of the EU chemicals strategy
The EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) aims to significantly tighten European chemicals and product legislation. This also affects the construction chemicals sector, whose products are central to achieving the climate goals of the European Green Deal. On 2 December 2021, the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) published the results of a comprehensive study on the economic impact of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. More than 100 companies contributed to the study. The first part of the independent CEFIC study shows that about 12000 substances could be affected by the application of the “generic approach to risk management” and the amendment of the CLP Regulation. This would represent about 28% of the chemical industry‘s turnover. Dr Martin Brudermüller, CEFIC President points out that this will also affect supply chains such as manufacturers of construction products.
The results of the CEFIC study confirm the substantive assessment of Deutsche Bauchemie. In this context, Deutsche Bauchemie demands: Professional and DIY uses must continue to be treated in a differentiated manner. In the course of the revision of the EU Chemicals Regulation REACH, there is a threat that products used by trained professionals in the commercial sector will be treated in the same way as DIY products for private end users. If products for professional processors – by extending the “generic approach to risk management” – were to be subjected to the same prohibitions and restrictions across the board, the range of professional products would be massively restricted. This would be a clear step backwards at a time when renovations of the building stock should actually be put on the run. There would also be a danger that highly qualified craftsmen and master craftsmen would no longer be able to adequately differentiate themselves with their range of services from activities carried out by unskilled workers.
