Environmental Legislation - Introduction

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EU REACH Regulation is one of the most globally recognised key instruments on chemical policy. REACH is undoubtedly concerned with environmental protection, as well as human health. Substances classified very toxic to the environment (>100 tonnes per annum to market) were subject to the first wave of registration, alongside high volume substances and those classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction.


However, substantial European Union legislation is specifically focused on environmental protection, addressing a number of key environmental issues:


  • Air quality
  • Ozone depletion
  • Soil contamination
  • Sustainable energy use
  • Waste
  • Water Pollution

There are many causes of pollution and environmental damage outside of industrial activities, such as consumer waste and emissions from vehicles. However, the chemical industry has contributed to environmental issues in a number of key areas including pollution, energy use and waste production. 


Consequently, several key pieces of environmental legislation impact the chemical industry.


Click here for a brief overview of environmental legislation impacting the chemical industry.