Navigating Chemical Legislation with Fraser Technologies
In an industry where regulations are constantly evolving, staying ahead of chemical legislation can be a complex challenge. At Fraser Technologies, with over five decades of experience, we specialise in guiding our clients through this shifting regulatory landscape. Our approach goes beyond just ensuring compliance – we work in partnership with businesses to future-proof their processes, helping them adapt proactively to legislative changes and ensuring that any change we advise also improves cleaning outcomes for our clients.
As regulations tighten around chemicals, such as the recent announcement of 3M® withdrawing from the Fluorinated chemical market and further the confusion around the future of PFAS, which has no current legislative restrictions, we look back over 55 years of Fraser Tech history and highlight the milestones that we have navigated in partnership with our clients. The legislative timeline highlights the changes we have seen such as Trike, nPB, and HFCs.
In further detail the major milestones over the past five decades effecting our industry have been directed by:
The Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol, finalised in 1987, was a global agreement aimed at protecting the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). ODS were once widely used in products such as refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers, and aerosols.
Phasing Out of CFCs and ODS
The use of certain chloroalkanes as solvents in large-scale applications, like dry cleaning, was phased out due to regulations such as the IPPC Directive on Greenhouse Gases in 1994 and the EU’s Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Directive in 1997.
Kyoto Protocol
In addition, the Kyoto Protocol, adopted on December 11, 1997, in Kyoto, Japan, and enforced from February 16, 2005, further addressed greenhouse gas emissions. The use of HCFCs in new equipment was banned in 2001, and since January 1, 2015, even the use of recycled and reclaimed HCFCs for topping up or servicing existing equipment has been prohibited.
F-Gas Regulation and Paris Agreement
The F-Gas Regulation (EC) 842/2006, adopted on May 17, 2006, and later revised by (EU) 517/2014 in April 2014, aims to reduce and contain emissions through responsible refrigeration practices. Key measures include improved containment of F-gases within their applications.
The Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, was adopted by 196 parties during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris on December 12, 2015, and entered into force on November 4, 2016. This agreement marked another significant global step toward combating climate change.
3M® withdrawing from the Fluorinated chemical market
In recent years, following 3M®’s announcement of their planned exit by 2025, many clients have turned to Fraser Technologies for expert guidance in finding suitable alternatives. A popular choice has been Chemours™ Opteon SF80, a seamless drop-in replacement that not only meets regulatory requirements but also delivers enhanced cleaning performance.
PFAS Current Legislation and what’s next
As of September 2024, there is currently no UK or EU legislation specifically governing the use of PFAS products. However, regulatory changes are possibly on the horizon. In January 2023, five European countries (Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden) submitted a proposal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to restrict and regulate the use of PFAS chemicals.
The proposal is still under review, and its future remains uncertain. Even if it is approved, there is no clear timeline for its implementation. Delays are mounting due to the extensive number of public comments submitted during ECHA’s consultation process. As a result, any final proposal may take considerable time before being submitted, followed by a gradual implementation period.
Given the global reliance on PFAS in critical industries, immediate legislation banning their use is unlikely. Any future regulations would likely be phased in, focusing first on the most harmful substances—particularly those with hydrophobic and polar head groups—and targeting public end-users. Fraser Technologies remains committed to helping clients stay ahead of these regulatory developments.
Looking back on the timeline of regulatory changes, it is worth noting that all of the timelines for new legislation, have taken at least 10 years from proposal to legislation starting to restrict the use of products.
With Fraser Technologies’ unmatched expertise in navigating the ever-evolving legislative landscape, we blend decades of experience with forward-thinking solutions. By drawing from our rich history and staying ahead of future regulations, we are uniquely positioned to guide our clients seamlessly through their compliance journey, ensuring they are always prepared for what’s next.
We recognise that the need for expert guidance has never been greater. Fraser Technologies is here to support you, ensuring your operations remain compliant while positioning your business for long-term success.
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As experts in the field, Fraser Technologies have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our clients’ industries and sectors. Our insights and independent recommendations are based on over 55 years experience, and rigorous analysis of the options available to you.
