NEWS
IN BRIEF
Lyon lab opens Syensqo has opened its new microbiology,( eco-) toxicology and biotechnology labs in Lyon. Covering 550 m 2, this is the company’ s largest microbiology lab and will serve as a reference centre in the field. It will support the development of biodegradable-by-design products, particularly in personal and home care, agrochemicals, adhesives and materials. GLP accreditation is expected in 2H.
Sulfonate partners Under a newly signed partnership, Pilot Chemical will be the exclusive sulfonator and marketing channel for Novvi’ s CalCare AOS brand of biobased alpha olefin sulfonates to the North American household, industrial and institutional, and personal care markets. It will produce these at commercial scale in its Middletown, Ohio, facility. Commercial quantities will be available in 2H.
Nouryon opens oil centre Nouryon has opened its first innovation centre for oilfield applications in Houston, complementing others in Dubai and Sweden. This will focus on R & D for sustainable drilling and completion, production and stimulation processes, and will also host workshops and training sessions. It features testing facilities and capabilities in demulsification, stimulation, corrosion and scale inhibition.
Elementis exits talc Elementis has sold its Talc business to IMI Fabi, an Italian-based global talc manufacturer, in a further move to reposition itself as a pure-play speciality chemicals manufacturer focused on coatings and personal care. The deal gives the sold business an enterprise value of $ 121 million. Net cash proceeds after transaction costs are expected to be around $ 55 million.
Enforcement project will address worker safety
ECHA’ s Enforcement Forum has agreed that the next EU-wide enforcement project( REF-15) will address the safety of workers using chemicals in the workplace. Controls will also cover the use of certain restricted hazardous substances for which special conditions apply for use in the workplace, like diisocyanates, NMP and DMF.
Inspections will take place in 2027, checking safe use information in safety data sheets and that risk management measures recommended in them are being properly implemented. A report is planned for 2028
A new pilot project will also control the requirements of the Prior Informed Consent Regulation. This includes checking that banned chemicals are not exported, and verifying that exports of hazardous chemicals are properly notified and accompanied by appropriate information.
Inspectors will also check that exports have received consent from third parties, when required. Inspections are planned for 2026 and the report will be published in 2027.
CEFIC releases sixth REACH progress report
CEFIC has released its sixth progress report of the voluntary REACH Dossier Improvement Action Plan, a voluntary industry initiative to support the systematic re-evaluation and improvement of dossiers. Key highlights from 2024 include:
• 2,514 full registration dossiers were voluntarily re-evaluated, 949 by lead registrants or individual submitters, 1,565 by co-registrants
• Since 2019, 5,833 full registration dossiers( substances) lead registrants and individual submitters have re-evaluated
• Approximately 73 % of the dossiers re-evaluated in 2024 were or will be updated with new information, including hazard data, improved substance identity and revised risk assessments
• 202 substances included updates involving higher-tier studies under Annexes IX and X, with testing proposals submitted or approved by ECHA
• Despite ongoing pressures, 196 companies covering 1,125 legal entities actively participated in 2024
14 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981