Les polymères sont omniprésents dans de nombreux secteurs industriels : emballage, automobile, médical, électronique, BTP ou encore biens de consommation. Pourtant, de nombreuses entreprises ne disposent pas d’une connaissance complète de la composition chimique de leurs matériaux.
Dans un contexte réglementaire de plus en plus exigeant, notamment avec le règlement REACH, cette méconnaissance peut représenter un risque important. Êtes-vous certain que vos polymères ne contiennent aucune substance réglementée ou susceptible de le devenir ?
REACH and polymers: what obligations for manufacturers?
The REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) aims to ensure better protection of human health and the environment against the risks associated with chemical substances.
While polymers currently benefit from a special regime and are not subject to a systematic registration requirement, the monomers, additives, fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers or impurities they contain may be covered by REACH.
In addition, European regulatory developments are gradually strengthening the requirements for traceability and characterization of polymer materials. Manufacturers, importers and users must be able to demonstrate the compliance of their products and anticipate future restrictions.
The risks of incomplete knowledge of your materials
The formulation of a polymer is often complex. Beyond the main matrix, it may include:
- plasticizers ;
- flame retardants ;
- antioxidants ;
- UV stabilizers ;
- mineral fillers ;
- colorants ;
- synthesis residues or impurities.
Some of these compounds may be present at low concentrations but still pose a major regulatory issue, especially when they are listed as substances of very high concern (SVHC).
Insufficient knowledge of the composition can lead to:
- supplier audit difficulties ;
- regulatory non-compliance risks ;
- export blocks ;
- product recalls ;
- loss of trust from customers and contracting authorities.
How can you identify the substances present in a polymer?
Identifying the constituents of a polymer often requires a multi-technique analytical approach. Depending on the nature of the material and the objectives of the study, several methods can be used:
Les techniques de chromatographie couplées à la spectrométrie de masse permettent d'identifier et de quantifier de nombreux composés organiques présents dans les formulations polymères.
analysis can be directed toward the detection of specific substances subject to restrictions or declaration requirements under REACH, RoHS or other sector-specific regulations.
Anticipating regulatory changes
The lists of regulated substances change regularly. A formulation that is compliant today may become problematic tomorrow.
Having in-depth knowledge of the composition of your materials makes it possible to:
- anticipate regulatory changes ;
- secure your supply chains ;
- respond quickly to customer requests ;
- limit industrial and commercial risks.
A proactive characterization approach is therefore a real lever for risk control and competitiveness.
FILAB supports manufacturers in the characterization of their polymers
An independent laboratory based in Dijon, FILAB supports manufacturers in the identification, characterization and analysis of polymer materials.
Thanks to the expertise of its engineers and a state-of-the-art analytical platform, FILAB carries out tailor-made studies to:
- identify the composition of polymers ;
- characterize additives and substances present ;
- search for regulated substances ;
- support REACH compliance efforts ;
- investigate contamination issues or material failure.
Would you like to verify the compliance of your materials or better understand their composition? FILAB experts support you in your polymer analysis and characterization projects.