How can EPR impact HazCom and product stewardship?

H2 Compliance tackled this question at an important chemical convention in the USA

4 October 2022

On 21st September, Landbell group company, H2 Compliance had the pleasure of attending and presenting at the annual Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC) Conference in Arlington, Virginia.

A variety of experts in the fields of HazCom and product stewardship came together to discuss and learn about emerging and changing regulations, toxicological developments in characterization and testing, product third-party certifications, material disclosures and labelling, and elements of effective HazCom in safety data sheets and other technical documentation.

Of note, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Health Canada’s presenters both stated they are still targeting a December 2022 publication of their revised HazCom and Hazardous Products Regulation which will require changes to Safety Data Sheets.

John Hayes of H2 Compliance presented about extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation in the EU, specifically the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, as well as developments in the US and Canada.

In addition, John and Beth Bidstrup hosted a forum for Articles under Scrutiny: Meeting the Challenges of SCIP Submissions, during which they discussed the issues facing article and product manufacturers in ensuring they comply with requirements under the EU Substances of Concern in Articles or Products (SCIP) portion of the Waste Framework Directive – and in pursuit of partial or full material disclosures.

Both RoHS and SCIP requirements directly impact professionals working in HazCom and product stewardship, as each are related to the idea of restricting, reducing or eliminating hazardous chemicals in articles and products to aid end-of-life recycling, repurposing, reuse and proper disposal.

The conference was a great success in bringing together so many in the field, and re-establishing face-to-face connections after two years of pandemic.

Developments in EPR, as well as substances of concern in articles and products will continue impacting HazCom and product stewardship efforts as they relate to chemicals, so H2 Compliance was delighted to share this knowledge with those in attendance at the conference.