Pre-Conference Workshop: REACHTuesday, 16 September 2025

• Comprehensive overview of the 2025 REACH revision

• Critical changes that will reshape the regulatory landscape

• How the REACH revision affects the EU's position in the global chemical market

• Overview of the upcoming REACH revision for polymers

• Transition from exemption to registration for certain polymers

• Understanding Polymers Requiring Registration (PRR)

• New Registration Framework

Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) is an exposure-led approach to safety assessment that uses New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). Application of NGRA has been largely restricted to assessments of consumer use of cosmetics and is not currently widely implemented under EU REACH. This presentation shares Unilever’s experience of applying read-across and exposure-based adaptations to ensure that animal testing is only conducted as a “last resort”.

• New restrictions on hazardous substances, with a focus on PFAS

• Exploring the introduction of the essential use concept into REACH

• Alignment with the EU's Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability

• Opportunities for developing safer alternatives and sustainable practices

• Potential for competitive advantage in a changing market

For years, polymers have been exempt from the registration requirements under the EU REACH Regulation. However, a major regulatory review, currently at an advanced stage of discussion and expected by the end of 2025, could radically change this scenario. The new regulatory framework is expected to introduce notification requirements and, for certain categories, also registration requirements for polymers, with significant impacts for manufacturers, importers and downstream users.

This presentation will provide an overview of the expected changes. Through practical examples and case studies, participants will acquire useful tools to anticipate regulatory developments, mitigate the risks of non-compliance and seize opportunities for innovation in an evolving regulatory environment.