Formica Group REACH Compliance is a further step in sustainability programme

Providing customers with additional assurance that as a company it continues to comply with legislative requirements, Formica Group is delighted to announce its status as gold members of REACHReady.

Regulated and monitored by the European CHemicals Agency (ECHA), based in Finland, REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals) is a regulatory framework which supports European Union objectives to control the European chemicals market, monitoring:

• Amounts of substances being produced;
• Which substances are being produced;
• What substances are being used;

and is important to all manufacturers, importers and downstream users of chemicals so they are prepared and fully aware of impacts. In this legislation Formica Group’s ‘roles’ are classified as:

• Downstream user of chemicals
• End user of chemicals
• Article producer.

Adhering to its obligations under this regulatory framework, Formica Group will also ensure that all of its European sites will be periodically reviewed for REACH compliance. Further downloadable information on Formica Group’s roles and obligations on this subject is available from the new Formica Group European website under the new section The Environment at www.formica.com

The aim of the REACH programme is to monitor how the production and use of chemicals is impacting upon the health and environment of the European Union. Significantly, the REACH regulations also encourage innovation and competitiveness throughout the chemical industry and this is very much in keeping with Formica Group’s vision and values as a company.

Continued commitment to innovation by Formica Group

Formica Group is a REACHReady member which demonstrates both it’s progress and it’s commitment to health and the environment by ensuring its laminate products all meet rigorous standards. Already a global leader in the design of high pressure laminate Formica Group is also leading the way in its sector in terms of its commitment to sustainability initiatives.

Earlier this year, Formica Group announced that all of its European manufacturing sites and distribution centres have achieved the internationally-recognised Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody (COC) certification from leading accreditation body, BM TRADA.

It has also made the significant announcement that products from its ten international manufacturing sites have achieved GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification the premier mark for low-emitting products.

Formica Group undertook a comprehensive study in the form of a product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to benchmark existing processes, help set goals for the future and provide a full carbon footprint for all of its manufacturing facilities. It completed this LCA on key products and their environmental impacts on energy, water, waste and greenhouse gases in all of its ten plants worldwide. The assessment was conducted by an independent, third-party carbon and sustainability consultant in accordance with the international standard ISO 14040 series.

Formica Group Europe will be showcasing a range of its products at events throughout 2012 including EcoBuild in London (March 20-22), and Nordbygg in Stockholm (March 20-23).