Chemical reaction

In common with other sectors, the adhesives industry is coming under increasing pressure to become more environmentally friendly.

The introduction this month of the EU's

(REACH) regulation aims to improve the protection of our health and the environment through the better and earlier identification of the properties of chemical substances.

Under REACH, manufacturers are required to register the properties of substances used in adhesives on a central database. The regulation also calls for the progressive substitution of the most dangerous chemicals when suitable alternatives have been identified.

'The purpose of the regulation is to protect both the end users and workers,' explained Bernard Ghyoot, secretary-general of

, the Association of European Adhesives Manufacturers. 'The industry has been taking the initiative itself as well as responding to legislation. We have been reducing the use of solvent-based adhesives with water-based versions and reactive curing systems.'

The new legislation will be a big burden on the industry, and implementation will cost millions of pounds. In September, FEICA will be holding a conference in Brussels, where representatives from the European Parliament and the European Commission will speak on the impact of REACH.