Environment Challenging beyond passivity: The REACH Regulatory Philosophy and Related Technologies (circa 2007)

Environment Challenging beyond passivity: The REACH Regulatory Philosophy and Related Technologies (circa 2007)

The REACH regulation introduced by the EU around 2007 embodied a new philosophy of chemicals management. The integration of Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction was a major shift in the way companies handling chemical substances were required to submit safety data and take responsibility. What is important here is not only the "technology for regulatory compliance," but also the ideology of trying to spread throughout society a "system for actively collecting and managing information and anticipating risks.

In response to this regulation, related technologies have developed in a wide range of areas. First, chemical substance database management systems became mandatory. Companies needed to organize the safety of thousands of raw materials and intermediates, and "REACH-compliant modules" were developed in the form of integration into ERP and LIMS. This has created a system to track substance information throughout the supply chain and to respond immediately to import/export regulations.

Technological innovation in the development of alternative substances was also promoted. In particular, companies quickly introduced green chemistry for chemicals that could be designated as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), such as phthalate esters, flame retardants, and heavy metal pigments. This led to the introduction of VOC-reduced paints, non-halogenated flame retardants, and plant-derived plasticizers to the market, which also led to product differentiation.

In addition, advances were made in technologies for toxicity prediction and risk assessment. In silico methods, QSAR models, and cell-based high-throughput screening, which replaced animal testing, attracted much attention; REACH encouraged the use of these new technologies due to simplified data submission and animal welfare considerations, resulting in the modernization of toxicology.

Given the ideological background of the time, it can be said that REACH did not require industry to "passively comply with regulations," but rather to "actively shape the future with science and technology. The researcher's words, "We should learn as we move, not wait for perfect understanding," truly reflected the spirit of the times.

Thus, REACH became more than just a legal binding force; it became an ideological framework that triggered technological innovation in many areas, including data management, alternative technologies, and risk assessment, and served as an opportunity to restructure the environment and industry.