Navigating REACH & RoHS Compliance in the Adhesives Industry

In today's global marketplace, compliance with international chemical safety regulations is not just a best practice—it's a prerequisite for market access. Among the most influential of these are the European Union's REACH and RoHS directives. While originating in the EU, their principles have become de facto global benchmarks that are adopted or emulated by countries and multinational corporations worldwide. For any manufacturer, especially those in the packaging, electronics, or consumer goods sectors, ensuring that every component in their supply chain, including adhesives, is compliant is a non-negotiable aspect of modern business. Failure to do so can result in legal penalties, product recalls, and restricted market access.

REACH, which stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, is a comprehensive regulation that governs the production and use of chemical substances. Its primary aim is to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals. It places the burden of proof on companies to demonstrate that the chemicals they use are safe. This involves identifying and managing the risks associated with these substances. Adhesives, being complex chemical formulations, fall squarely under the purview of REACH. Suppliers must be able to provide documentation and safety data sheets (SDS) that confirm their products do not contain substances on the 'Substances of Very High Concern' (SVHC) list above the specified thresholds.

RoHS, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances, is more specific and originated in the electronics industry, but its principles have been widely adopted in many other sectors. It restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. The list of restricted substances includes lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and certain flame retardants and phthalates. While an adhesive in a cardboard box may seem far removed from an electronic circuit board, these regulations often apply to the final packaged consumer product as a whole. Therefore, global brands will require every supplier in their chain, including their packaging and adhesive providers, to certify RoHS compliance to ensure the final product can be legally sold worldwide without issue.

Partnering with a globally-minded and proactive adhesive supplier like Kubron Chemicals provides essential peace of mind in this complex regulatory landscape. We don't just react to regulations; we proactively monitor our entire raw material supply chain and the evolving global regulatory landscape. We meticulously design our formulations, especially those intended for food packaging, medical devices, and consumer goods, to be fully compliant with REACH, RoHS, and other international standards like the FDA's food contact notifications. This diligence, backed by documentation and third-party testing, protects your brand, ensures uninterrupted market access for your products, and demonstrates a shared commitment to product safety, environmental responsibility, and corporate stewardship.