A robust, science-based legislative framework is essential to enable the industry to supply safe and high-performing cleaning products and disinfectants that serve the needs of Europe’s citizens and industries. In addition to regulations based on sound science, we rely on a coherent enforcement of the Single Market principles, and an even playing field which fosters innovation, growth of the industry and sustainable progress. 

Regulation needs to be based on Sound Science

We are currently in the midst of the most significant shift in chemicals policy in almost 20 years, with revision of some of the key pieces of legislation impacting our sector. A.I.S.E. and its members are committed to supporting the successful implementation of the Green Deal and share the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) goal of protecting human health and the environment, and the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) ambition to create a carbon neutral Europe by 2050.

This industry’s extensive experience of voluntary initiatives and their positive impact on the safety and sustainability of our manufacturing processes, our products, and their applications is also a distinguishing feature of our product stewardship work. 

A.I.S.E. also has an important role in guiding the industry in the correct interpretation of EU legislation as well as ensuring that all supply chain actors have the necessary information to comply with their legal requirements. 

Active involvement in current legislative revision

Chemicals legislation in the EU is among the strictest in the world with regard to human and environmental protection. Much of the essential chemical legislation that regulates our sector is currently being overhauled as a part of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS).  This includes the revision of the Detergent Regulation, Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals (CLP) and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH); the Urban Waste Water Treatment (UWWT) Directive, Packaging & Packaging Waste (PPWD) Regulation, Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD); as well as new proposals on Green Claims and Ecodesign for Sustainable Products (ESPR). 

A.I.S.E.’s input to this revision process is essential to future proof the legislation, ensure it safeguards the principles of the EU, while prioritising human health and the environment and the competitiveness of the industry. 

Committed to the EU Green Deal

A.I.S.E. and its members are committed to supporting the successful implementation of the European Green Deal. We share the goals of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability in protecting human health and the environment (and support the Circular Economy Action Plan with its goal of a carbon neutral Europe by 2050.) We are also ready to embrace the opportunities presented by the new Industrial Strategy and Zero Pollution Action Plan.

A.I.S.E.’s input to the legislative review is informed by the expertise within the A.I.S.E. network, together with collaboration with our value chain partners such as other downstream users via the Downstream Users Coordination Group (DUCC), or industry wide platforms on horizontal issues such as packaging.

In summary, a sound Chemical Strategy for Sustainability which allows for a ‘green recovery’ will require:

• A strategy that fosters innovation to allow the sector to continue providing solutions for society, be it on aspects of health and hygiene or on sustainability;
• A proportionate, coherent and science-based regulatory framework based on risk, which is implemented and enforced in a harmonised way across the EU;
• A faster and more agile assessment and approval process for biocidal products to ensure rapid availability of important products on the market during public health crises;
• Clear and consistent communication about the classification of a product and leveraging the digital agenda for information about hazards and safe use.