Once delegates have collected their name tags they can help themselves to refreshments and interact with our sponsors and other attendees.
We will kick off the event at 9:15, covering all the important announcements for the day.
This presentation highlights key updates in EU chemical legislation, reflecting the evolving regulatory landscape aimed at enhancing health and environmental protection. It focuses on major policy updates and legislative initiatives currently shaping the future of chemical management in the EU.
Key Topics Covered:
● REACH Revision – The REACH regulation is undergoing revision, though the proposal has been delayed. Focus areas include simplification, improved data requirements, and stronger enforcement.
● PFAS Restrictions – A broad proposal is in development to restrict PFAS due to their persistence and risks. Final decisions are expected after detailed stakeholder consultation.
● Microplastics Regulation – New EU rules target intentionally added microplastics in products, aiming to reduce environmental release and pollution.
● CLP Regulation Update – The Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation is being updated to include new hazard classes and improve hazard communication.
● F-Gases and Other Substances – Measures are being introduced to phase down harmful substances like F-gases, Chromium VI, and certain siloxanes.
● Essential Use Concept – A framework is being developed to allow hazardous chemical use only when necessary for health, safety, or critical societal functions.
Marko Susnik, senior advisor at Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO)
This presentation addresses the challenges and actions needed to shift regulatory frameworks toward fully integrating Non-Animal Methods (NAMs) in chemical and consumer product safety assessments. Despite legal requirements, the principle of animal testing as a “last resort” is inconsistently upheld, and many regulations still default to outdated animal-based models.
Key Topics Covered:
● Persistent regulatory gaps and slow adoption of NAMs due to outdated assumptions.
● Animal Free Safety Assessment Collaboration (AFSA)’s global strategy, led by Humane World for Animals, targets 8 key markets to establish a precedent and promote NAM enforcement.
● Development of science-based guidance to support regulatory use of validated non-animal tools.
● Integration of Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) to support long-term regulatory change.
● Capacity building through the AFSA Master Class, designed to upskill regulators and stakeholders.
● A vision for consistent, ethical, and scientifically advanced animal-free safety assessments.
Jay Ingram, director, chemicals at Humane World for Animals
● Regulatory Variability: Differences in GHS adoption and enforcement across countries and regions.
● Classification Conflicts: Discrepancies in substance classifications between jurisdictions.
● Labeling & SDS Requirements: Inconsistent or evolving requirements for labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
● Language and Localization Barriers: Ensuring accurate translations and culturally appropriate hazard communication.
● Supply Chain Complexity: Difficulty maintaining compliance across global supply and distribution networks.
● Digital Solutions: Leveraging software and automation for GHS classification and SDS authoring.
EPY
This presentation provides an overview of major regulatory developments across the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on South Korea, China, and Japan. It highlights current compliance challenges, evolving chemical registration frameworks, and emerging regional trends relevant to global supply chains.
Key Topics Covered:
South Korean Regulatory Updates:
● Progress of 100–1,000 tonnage band registrations
● Challenges in registration processes and data requirements
● Recent updates to K-BPR and SDS compliance under KOSHA
China Chemical Regulations:
● Key hurdles in MEE Order 12 (China REACH) implementation
● QR code labeling and compliance across different provinces
● Updates on China's GHS alignment and carbon certification efforts
Developments in Japan:
● Overview of Japan’s chemical control laws and key compliance obligations
● New trends in chemical regulation, labeling, and risk management
● Introduction to CIRS Japan services and local support for regulatory navigation
Kyonga Park, general manager at CIRS Japan
● Global Chemical Registration & Notification
● Hazard Classification & Labelling (GHS)
● Supply Chain Communication & Documentation
● Import/Export Controls for Hazardous Chemicals
● Sustainable and “Green” Chemistry Compliance
● Chemical Control under ESG & Supply Chain Due Diligence Laws
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● Environmental Stewardship: Reducing Ecological Footprint
● Social Responsibility: Putting People First
● Governance & Accountability: Embedding ESG in Strategy: Disclose transparently: Align reporting with leading frameworks (GRI, TCFD, SASB)
● Innovation & Collaboration: Accelerating Sustainable Transformation
● Measuring Impact: Data-Driven Sustainability: Conduct lifecycle assessments (LCAs)
Dr Geoff Mackey, UK country manager at Plastics Europe
In an increasingly complex global regulatory environment, chemical companies face mounting pressure to remain compliant, competitive, and sustainable. This presentation explores how businesses can proactively manage regulatory risks, align with emerging global requirements, and maintain product safety standards across diverse markets.
Key Topics Covered:
● Global Regulatory Trends – Overview of major developments in the EU, Asia-Pacific, and North America, with growing emphasis on sustainability, transparency, and supply chain accountability.
● Strategic Compliance Planning – Guidance on building flexible, future-ready strategies to navigate shifting regulations and ensure global data harmonization.
● Market Access and Risk Management – Approaches for maintaining market access through smart registration strategies while mitigating risks tied to restricted substances and product changes.
● Product Safety and Global Supply Chains – Ensuring product safety compliance throughout the supply chain using lifecycle management and digital tools for tracking substances of concern.
● Future Outlook – Preparing for upcoming demands such as ESG reporting, essential use criteria, and “safe and sustainable by design” expectations.
CIRS Europe
● Regulatory Fragmentation (e.g., EU vs. US vs. China).
● Supply Chain Complexity (third-party compliance)
● Enforcement and Penalties
● Technology and Data Management
● Audit and Monitoring: audits in remote or high-risk regions
● Reputation and ESG Pressure
● Forging strategic global partnerships to drive innovation, technology transfer, and competitiveness in the chemical industry
● Utilizing international trade frameworks to open new markets and strengthen export opportunities for domestic chemical producers
● Championing sustainable and responsible chemical manufacturing through joint research initiatives and green technology collaborations
● Creating platforms for harmonizing international regulatory standards, safety, and compliance best practices
● Facilitating cross-border investments and joint ventures to accelerate growth and market penetration for chemical enterprises
● Building a globally skilled workforce through targeted international training programs and professional exchange networks
Alastair Gardner, Head of Trade & Investment (Chemical) DBT UK
The global chemical sector stands at a defining crossroads. Pressured by climate goals, geopolitical uncertainty, and disruptive technologies, the industry must evolve faster and smarter. This high-level panel brings together trailblazers from across the value chain to explore how resilience, sustainability, and breakthrough innovation can power the next era of chemical transformation.
Far beyond just recovery, this session will spotlight how companies are embedding agility, digital tools, and green chemistry into the DNA of their operations—reshaping the sector for long-term success.
Discussions:
Resilience Beyond Crisis: Operating in an Unstable World
● How are chemical companies reinventing supply chains to withstand global shocks?
● Is “just-in-case” the new normal? What does strategic inventory and localization look like now?
● How is AI being used to build predictive, adaptive manufacturing systems?
Innovation as a Strategic Imperative
● Where are the most exciting breakthroughs emerging—biopolymers, low-carbon fuels, digital chemistry?
● How do large players and startups collaborate effectively in a historically conservative industry?
● Are innovation cycles accelerating fast enough to meet market and planetary demands?
Net-Zero, Circularity & Compliance: From Pressure to Performance
● How are companies aligning innovation with evolving global regulations (e.g., EU Green Deal, REACH, China’s “dual carbon” goals)?
● What are the barriers to scaling circular chemistry and carbon capture in real operations?
● Is sustainability a true growth driver or just a compliance cost?
This panel focuses on the challenges and solutions for securing the chemical supply chain amid global disruptions and tightening regulations. Experts will discuss how companies can manage risks from geopolitical shifts, environmental factors, and evolving compliance requirements. The role of digital technologies in enhancing supply chain visibility and resilience will also be explored. Panelists will share strategies on supplier diversification, regulatory readiness, and integrating ESG principles to build stronger, more adaptable supply chains. Attendees will gain insights to navigate complexity and safeguard operations in an uncertain world.
Discussions:
Resilience & Risk Management
● How do you assess and mitigate risks in chemical supply chains?
● Lessons learned from recent supply disruptions (COVID, Ukraine, Red Sea, etc.)
Regulatory Compliance & International Standards
● How do companies stay compliant with REACH, TSCA, GHS, and others?
● What challenges do SMEs face in meeting compliance?
Transparency & Digitalization
● Are digital tools (e.g. ERP, blockchain, AI) being used effectively?
● How do you manage traceability in multi-tiered supply chains?
Sustainability & ESG
● How are ESG goals affecting sourcing and supplier selection?
● How can companies balance compliance, cost, and sustainability?