The EU REACH regulations on water-based inks

Date: Nov 17 2024 From: Star Color

The REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) is the core regulation for chemical management in the European Union (EU), which took effect in 2007. It aims to protect human health and the environment from the potential risks of chemical substances. As the regulatory framework for all chemical substances in the EU market, REACH applies not only to chemical manufacturers but also to producers and importers of products such as inks, coatings, adhesives, and therefore, water-based ink manufacturers must also comply with the requirements of the REACH Regulation. Below is a detailed analysis of the relevant provisions of REACH concerning water-based inks and their impacts.

I. Core Requirements of the REACH Regulation

The REACH Regulation primarily involves the following four aspects:

Registration: All chemical substances produced or imported in quantities exceeding 1 tonne per year must be registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Evaluation: The data on registered materials are assessed to ensure their safe use.
Authorisation: Certain substances of very high concern (SVHC) require authorization for their use.
Restriction: Production, use, or placing on the market of certain harmful substances is restricted.

II. Specific Impacts of the REACH Regulation on Water-Based Inks

Requirements for Registration of Chemical Substances

Water-based inks typically contain various chemical components, including resins, pigments, additives, etc. According to the REACH Regulation, if the annual production or import volume of these components exceeds 1 tonne, the manufacturer or importer must register them with the ECHA and submit comprehensive technical information, including chemical composition, physicochemical properties, toxicological, and ecotoxicological data.
Exceptions: If certain substances in water-based inks are considered natural and have not undergone chemical modification, they may be exempt from registration; however, most chemical additives used in industrial inks usually require registration.
Control of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)

REACH implements strict regulation on SVHCs. These substances include carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxicants (CMR), and substances that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT).
Water-based ink manufacturers must ensure that their products do not contain substances listed on the SVHC list. If SVHCs are present and their concentration exceeds 0.1%, downstream users must be notified and a report must be submitted to the ECHA. Additionally, the use of these substances requires prior authorization.
As the SVHC list is regularly updated, water-based ink manufacturers need to continuously monitor changes to the list to ensure product compliance.
Restrictions on Certain Substances

REACH restricts the use of certain harmful chemical substances. For example, certain heavy metals (such as lead, cadmium, and mercury) and certain organic solvents are strictly limited due to their health and environmental hazards. Water-based inks must ensure that their compositions do not contain these restricted substances, especially in applications such as food packaging and printing for children's toys.
The volatile organic compound (VOC) content in water-based inks needs to comply with relevant EU environmental standards to reduce air pollution and environmental impact. Although the VOC content of water-based inks is usually lower than that of solvent-based inks, manufacturers still need to be aware of potential VOC sources in their formulations.
Provision of Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

According to the REACH Regulation, water-based ink manufacturers must provide customers with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to ensure user safety during product use. The SDS must include information on composition, hazard statements, protective measures for use, emergency procedures for spills, and waste management.
The SDS needs to comply with the requirements of the CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) Regulation, including correct classification, labelling, and warning signs to ensure the safety of the product during transportation, storage, and use.
The EU REACH regulations on water-based inks

III. Challenges and Opportunities for the Water-Based Ink Industry Under the REACH Regulation

Challenges for Regulatory Compliance

Technical and Cost Pressures: To ensure compliance with the REACH Regulation, water-based ink manufacturers need to conduct extensive chemical testing and data collection, which may increase operational costs. Furthermore, adjustments to product compositions may affect ink performance and quality.
Dynamically Updated Regulatory Requirements: The SVHC list under the REACH Regulation is regularly updated, and manufacturers need to continuously track changes in the regulation and promptly adjust formulations to maintain compliance.
Market Opportunities

Market Advantage for Environmentally Friendly Products: As consumer demand for environmentally friendly products increases, water-based inks that comply with the REACH Regulation are more competitive in the market, especially in the EU.
Sustainable Development: By optimizing product formulations and using bio-based raw materials, water-based ink manufacturers can enhance their brand's environmental image and obtain green certifications such as the EU Ecolabel.
The REACH Regulation poses strict compliance requirements for the water-based ink industry but also creates market opportunities for environmentally friendly products. By complying with the REACH Regulation, water-based ink manufacturers can not only ensure the legality of their products in the EU market but also enhance their environmental competitiveness. Driven by the regulation, the water-based ink industry is expected to develop in a greener, safer, and more sustainable direction in the future.