Specialist advice on how to reduce the use and generation of hazardous substances is now available to East Midlands manufacturers of a wide range of chemical products including paints, plastics, adhesives and pharmaceuticals.
The new advice is published by Envirowise as a practical guide called ‘Resource Efficiency through Green Chemistry’ and is available to download now at www.envirowise.gov.uk/GG679. The guide will also be useful to those businesses which regularly use chemicals as part of their day-to-day operations such as printers, textile producers and electroplaters.
Envirowise Regional Manager for the East Midlands, Catherine Walegh, explains:
“Chemical manufacturers and suppliers will find the guide particularly helpful with REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) Regulations coming into force from June 2007. (1)
“The compliance costs associated with REACH registration are likely to prompt these manufacturers to consider substituting hazardous substances in their products with replacement materials. The principles of green chemistry could form an excellent foundation for this process.
“There can also be significant commercial benefits for chemical users who consider the practical applications of green chemistry, including savings associated with reduced waste disposal costs. In fact, increasing pressure from larger retailers for lower impact goods will soon drive all stages of the supply chain to consider where positive changes can be made.”
Envirowise recommends businesses take the following approach:
1) Make a detailed assessment of the chemicals you currently use or manufacture.
2) Develop an action plan by reviewing the 12 principles of green chemistry
3) Brainstorm innovative ideas and opportunities that could lead to the production of products with lower environmental impacts
4) Consider making the integration of green chemistry a business priority
5) Regularly review progress to ensure that the processes being implemented continue to lead to environmental improvements
More detail on each of these steps is available in ‘Resource Efficiency through Green Chemistry’ which can be accessed at www.envirowise.gov.uk/GG679 or by calling Envirowise on 0800 585 794.
(1) REACH will introduce a single, consistent system for registering new and existing chemicals – replacing several different regimes across Europe. It aims to improve protection of human health and the environment and will act as a driver towards the implementation of Green Chemistry and associated processes such as material substitution. More information on the regulations is available at www.hse.gov.uk/chemicals/reach.htm
Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Trimedia Harrison Cowley.
Media Contacts: Louise Harris or Rod Dennis on 0117 929 2311.
Notes to Editors
About Envirowise
Envirowise is a Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at the heart of UK business practice.
Since 1994 Envirowise has helped UK businesses save over £1Bn by enabling them to significantly reduce their environmental footprints.
Envirowise offers businesses of all sizes and sectors a wide range of free, independent and practical advice designed to genuinely improve their processes, profitability and competitiveness. Services include:
- The Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794
- An encyclopaedic website (www.envirowise.gov.uk) of valuable and relevant information
- On-site visits* conducted by a nationwide team of expert advisors
- Over 200 events each year, from Product Design Workshops to major exhibitions
* Please note that different services are available in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – please contact our Advice Line on 0800 585 794 for more information on whether you are eligible for a site visit.