The UK government has begun a consultation period with chemical suppliers, downstream users and other stakeholders on a planned alternative transitional registration model (ATRm) for the implementation of UK REACH. This follows many months of analysis by ministries and agencies and will run to 11 July, one week after a General Election that appears certain to see a change of government.
According to the latest annual report by brand valuation consultancy, Brand Finance, BASF is still the most valuable chemicals brand with a brand value of $9.2 billion 11% up on 2023, and a brand strength rating (BSR) of AAA-. It ranked fourth in the brand strength index with score of 80.7 of 100. This is the tenth consecutive year that BASF has topped the chemicals segment.
Together for Sustainability (TfS) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development's Partnership for Carbon Transparency (WBCSD PACT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form a collaboration aimed at advancing sustainable practices within global supply chains. This follows several months of work to strengthen their relationship.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalised a ban on most uses of methylene chloride (MCL) via a ‘final action’ under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Consumer use will be phased out within a year, and most industrial and commercial uses within two.
Dr Ilham Kadri, CEO of Syensqo, has succeeded BASF’s Dr. Martin Brudermueller as president of CEFIC. In accepting the position, she described this as “a pivotal moment for Europe and Europeans, industry at large and the European chemical industry itself. “I therefore very much look forward to supporting the next generation of European politicians and the new European Commission leadership. If I can relate one message already right now – go vote in June! It is crucial,” Kadri added.
At its Responsible Care & Sustainability Conference on 7 May, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) released a new report, entitled ‘Sustainability Starts with Chemistry’, in order, it said “to highlight the crucial role the chemical industry plays in advancing sustainability progress around the globe”.
Swiss fine chemicals company CABB sustained a leak of acetyl chloride from a production building at its Pratteln site near Basel (pictured) on 26 April. The reasons and the amount involved have not yet been established and are currently being investigated, the company said.
