REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals) is the most extensive chemicals legislation ever to be implemented and will affect manufacturers, importers and downstream users of chemicals.   

Today (4 September 2009)  the TESS ‘toolbox’, was launched specifically to help manufacturers, especially SMEs, in meeting the demands of REACH and Low Carbon manufacturing. The Toolbox is the result of the 3 year TESS programme of cooperation between  5 trade associations, 6 SMEs and 4 research organisations.

TESS Project leader Dave Boland said that “the web-based Toolbox (at www.reach-serv.com is a free to user service and that the site is already experiencing a substantial number of hits from industry since a test version on the software went online earlier in the year”

The Toolbox incorporates a stepwise approach in which the specific issues of  SME chemical manufacturers are given priority. The Toolbox contains a full range of “modules” to match the keyEuropean Chemicals Agency (ECHA) activities and to meet the timeline that European manufacturers have to comply with.

The Toolbox can also help with the transition to low carbon manufacturing by systematically presenting possible solutions for future sustainability built around alternative manufacturing routes and incorporating bio feeds where practically possible. Dave Boland said “this aspect of the software is unique, and I anticipate the build-up of interest to be fast”.

Contact Name: Fiona Ferguson