A Guide to the Restriction Process Applying to Diisocyanates Brüssel
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A guide to the restriction process applying to diisocyanates Brüssel . Frankfurt . Stuttgart FSK e.V. Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe Postal address: Stammheimer Straße 35 . D-70435 Stuttgart © und Polyurethane e.V. Tel. +49 711 993 751-0 . www.fsk-vsv.de . [email protected] Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe Status: 04/2017 . und Polyurethane e.V. Exclusion of liability This document is for informational purposes only. All data and information contained in this document are taken from sources FSK considers reliable. In addition, the authors have taken the utmost care to ensure that the facts and opin- ions expressed are appropriate and accurate. However, no guarantee or liability can be assumed for correctness – neither expressly nor implicitly. Moreover all information may be incomplete or summarized. Neither the FSK nor the involved parties or cooperating companies assume any liability for damages resulting from the use of this document or its contents or otherwise in this context. GUIDE Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. Welcome to the FSK guide on REACH processes applying to the treatment and han- DIISOCYANATES and POLYOLS – dling of diisocyanates. This document was created in cooperation with ISOPA/ALIPA and EUROPUR to the Building Blocks of Polyurethane examine possible questions concerning diisocyanates and their safe handling in the PUR value chains of our members. More specifically, this guide elaborates on pro- Polyurethane is a plastic material (a polymer), which wouldn’t exist without cesses and regulatory measures taken under REACH (European Chemicals Regulation) diisocyanates and polyols. Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and Toluene that could potentially impact the manufacture and use of diisocyanates in the future. diisocyanate (TDI) are aromatic diisocyanates. Along with polyols, which are long alcoxyether chains, these chemicals form the building blocks of polyurethane. Effectively polyurethane is derived from the chemical reaction between diisocya- nates and polyols; when mixed together they react and foam. By adding water, acid or the use of physical propellants, foam is produced. For polyurethane to live up to quality expectations and products’ technical specifi- cations, pigments and additives are added in order to ensure the exact formulation of the foam. Varieties in densities are almost endless, the molecule is adapted to provide for different properties, polyurethane foam can be made more rigid or POLYURETHANE – more flexible. For example, carbon dioxide is used as the blowing agent to pro- duce soft foam for a comfortable sofa. All foam blocks are tested for compliance a Product for the with European safety standards. Future In rigid foams, a gas such as pentane is ”trapped“ in the foam’s closed cells, opti- mising its insulation capacity. As an alternative, water can also be used as blowing Polyurethanes are versatile, modern and safe. agent. In addition, the durability, corrosion resistance and weather resistance of They are used in a wide variety of applications polyurethanes makes them suitable for coating all kinds of surfaces. Polyurethane to create all manner of consumer and industrial can also be used to safely bind together quite different materials, such as wood, products that play a crucial role in making rubber, metal, cardboard or glass. our lives more convenient, comfortable and environmentally friendly. Whether in rigid or For example, Polyurethane adhesives enable the use of end-of-use vehicle tyres flexible form or elastomers, binders or coating in children‘s playgrounds, sports tracks or surfaces for sports stadiums after they materials, polyurethane is used in a huge variety are collected and shredded. Polyurethane coatings can protect substrates against of applications. Thanks to its versatility and corrosion and weather influence, by significantly increasing their durability and unique properties, the list of possible applica- saving resources. tions is long and constantly being supplemented by new innovative applications. Polyurethane is a product for the future. It plays a crucial role in our evolving needs, allowing us to do things that a generation ago would have seemed impossible. 1 . © FSK e.V. 2 . © FSK e.V. GUIDE Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. FSK – Specialist Association Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes Successful industries need strong professional organizations as a platform for exchanges and contacts and the representation of interests. The FSK is one of the most important trade associations of its industry in Europe and, with its 50- year tradition, is the largest national association of the polyurethane and foamed plastics processing industry. Who are ISOPA/ALIPA The Specialist Association Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes e.V. (FSK) is an and EUROPUR? association of the plastics processing industry, representing a total volume of approx. 9 billion euros for the polyurethane and foamed plastics industry. The FSK ISOPA is the European trade association for producers of is involved in a network of several associations, such as the ARGE (specialist asso- diisocyanates and polyols – the main building blocks of poly- ciations for chemicals, plastics and textiles). urethanes. ISOPA promotes the highest level of best practice in the distribution and use of diisocyanates and polyols in Members of the FSK from over 10 countries include raw material companies, Europe and ensures that all stakeholders can easily access machine manufacturers, system houses/formulators and above all processing accurate and up-to-date information on these substances. companies from the material sectors polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, ISOPA is based in Brussels, Belgium, and is an affiliated or- rubber foams, melamine resin foam, PVC foam etc. OEMs such as Volkswagen and ganisation of the European Chemical Industry Council, CEFIC. BMW are also members in the FSK. ISOPA’ members include BASF, BorsodChem, Covestro, Dow, Huntsman and Shell Chemicals. ALIPA is the European Aliphatic Isocyanates Producers Association. It was created by the major European producers BASF, Covestro, Evonik and Vencorex in order to encourage the safe and proper use of aliphatic isocyanates. EUROPUR is the European association of flexible polyurethane foam blocks manufacturers. Polyurethane foams make our daily lives safer and more comfortable. They are vital to applications that we take for granted. Mattresses, furniture cushions and car seats are just some examples. As part of the global chemical industry, EUROPUR is committed to Responsible Care®. This notably means that we seek to continuously improve the environ- mental, health and safety knowledge and performance of our technologies, processes and products over their life cycles. 3 . © FSK e.V. 4 . © FSK e.V. GUIDE Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. Evaluation ECHA and Member States will then evaluate the infor- mation submitted by companies, as well as the quality of the registration dossiers and testing proposals, in order to clarify if a given substance constitutes a risk Registration REACH & DIISOCYANATE to human health or the environment. As important building blocks for polyurethane produc- tion diisocyanates are subject to the REACH ordinance. WHAT IS REACH ALL ABOUT? Adopted in 2006, REACH is a European Regulation that Evaluation aims at improving the protection of human health and and the environment from potential risks from chemical substances; whilst ensuring the EU chemicals indus- try’s global competitiveness is maintained. As opposed to previous legislation, REACH places the Authorisation burden of proof on industry. To comply with the Regu- The authorisation procedure aims to assure that the lation, companies must correctly identify and manage risks from Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) uthorisation risks. In turn, chemical producers have to demonstrate are properly controlled, and that these substances are A to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) how the progressively replaced by suitable alternatives. SVHC of substance can be safely used and communicate the risk substances are listed in the so-called ‘Candidate list’. management measures to their users. The list includes Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, Reprotoxic (CMR) substances, Persistent Bio accumulative Toxic In order to deliver on such ambitious objectives, the (PBT) and substances of equivalent concern (endocrine Regulation has put in place a number of processes that disruptors, sensitisers, etc...). the chemical industry and its value chains have imple- mented in recent years. CHemicals Restriction Restriction is the process used to protect human health and the environment from unacceptable risks posed by chemicals. Restrictions may limit or ban the manufac- Registriation ture, placing on the market, or use of a substance. In some specific cases, like for diisocyanates, where the Since 1, June 2007, companies are obliged to collect product is used in a huge range of applications, author- information on the properties and the uses of the sub- ities decide to call for the development of targeted stances they manufacture or import at or above one product stewardship initiatives. This will ensure that tonne per year; including an assessment of their all workers who are exposed to the substances are both hazards and potential risks. informed and trained in order to manage any risks associated with handling the substances. 5 . © FSK e.V. 6 . © FSK e.V. GUIDE Fachverband Schaumkunststoffe und Polyurethane e.V. REACH & DIISOCYANATE