EFCC position on the European positive list under the Drinking Water Directive
Today EFCC submitted its position in reply to the public consultation on the delegated act that supplements the Drinking Water Directive and that lays down the procedure for amending the European positive list of starting substances, compositions or constituents to be used in the manufacture of materials or products intended to be in contact with drinking water. EFCC is concerned that the increased data collection and analytical requirements planned to be required for the positive listing will put a significant burden of the manufactures and downstream users. In addition to this, EFCC considers that neither the DWD nor this implementing act provide sufficient protection for the shared data and confidential business information and as such is not protecting the intellectual property of the European economic operators. As downstream user formulators we fear that the number of applicants for the positive listing will be very limited resulting in a lack of substances available for drinking water materials after 2025. This would lead to a significant reduction of construction products available for drinking water installations which could put the distribution of the drinking water to European consumers via the pipe systems at risk.
EFCC position on the data handling aspects of the revised Construction Products Regulation (CPR)
EFCC supports the key objectives of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) revision, and in particular the ones aimed at addressing the shortcomings of the current rules, enhancing the sustainability of construction products and contributing to the objectives of the green and digital transition of the European economy. However, EFCC members have been concerned about the planned introduction of a significant number of additional data sharing requirements. Members consider many of the additional data sharing requirements as not improving the accessibility of relevant digital product information for citizens and authorities, whilst adding a very significant administrative burden on the construction chemicals industry.
Cross industry request for a phased implementation of the Mixture Allocation Factor (MAF)
EFCC members have expressed many times their concern about the planned introduction of the Mixture Allocation Factor (MAF). Now, in June 2023, we reiterate this concern together with all DUCC member associations and SMEunited. We voice again that even a proposed MAF of 5 will have substantial impacts on the entire chemicals value chain, with serious knock-on effects on EU competitiveness and sustainability-driven innovations and only with very limited contribution to the safer use of chemicals and in most cases no benefits to end-users and society. If the MAF is introduced regardless of the concerns, we ask for its phased, stepwise, implementation and starting with substances with the greatest potential to contribute to unintentional co-exposure.
Environmental labelling for packaging in Italy
In Italy a specific label has to be applied on all packaging placed on the Italian market, to facilitate collection, reuse, recovery and recycling as of 1 January 2023. The label provides information on the composition of the packaging and on its proper disposal. You can read more about how it relates to the European labeling requirements, find some examples and information on guidance on the link below.
EFCC reaction to the EC (WSP) report (April 2023) on the Essential Use Concept
EFCC together with other ASMoR members presents its first reaction to the WSP report supporting the European Commission in developing an Essential Use Concept published in April 2023. The study and more specifically Appendix C do not fully reflect established facts nor contributions made by ASMoR and its members during the consultation. We would like to highlight the following: uses of most hazardous chemicals can be safe and, by discarding the possibility of ‘safe uses’ from the impact assessment, WSP is not giving the full picture of the consequences we object to extending the scope of the Essential Use Concept to industrial uses; contrary to what WSP states in the study, the EU’s chemicals strategy for sustainability (CSS) proposed it application to consumer uses and to a certain extent to professional uses ‘safe use’ has not been defined so far and we are willing to contribute to defining it.
Eurostat monthly data for production in construction (September 2022_November 2022)
Eurostat indicators show that these three months of last year have all shown increases in production in construction compared to the same months of 2021.
The importance of sustainability in the construction chemicals industry
Interview with Eric Dehasque, President of the European Federation for Construction Chemicals (EFCC) One of the main reasons for the revision of the European Construction Products Regulation was to better address sustainability challenges: improve the sustainability performance of construction products and enable the construction ecosystem's contribution to meeting climate and sustainability goals. Considering sustainability is not new to the European construction chemicals industry, EFCC members have been committed for many years to delivering sustainable, safe and resource efficient solutions. Below Mr Dehasque talks about his experience on how sustainability is perceived in the construction chemicals sector.
Eurostat monthly data for production in construction (July and August 2022)
In August 2022 compared with July 2022, seasonally adjusted production in the construction sector decreased by 0.6% in the euro area and by 0.4% in the EU, according to first estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In July 2022, production in construction increased by 0.3% in the euro area and by 0.2% in the EU.