Illinois-based M. Holland Company has obtained REACH compliance for its proprietary Mtegrity line of materials.
REACH, which stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
is a regulation of the European Union, which was adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals. To comply with the regulation, companies must identify and manage the risks linked to the substances they manufacture and market in the EU. They have to demonstrate to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) how the substance can be safely used and communicate the risk management measures to any users. The regulatory requirement became deprioritised during the onset of pandemic-related supply chain issues, but it is now back in full effect and upheld by regular audits.
Companies established outside the EU are not bound by the obligations of REACH, and are allowed to export their products into the customs territory of the EU, as the responsibility for fulfilling the regulatory requirements lies with the importers in the European Union, or with the non-EU manufacturer’s sole representative in the European Union.
For M. Holland, as a strategic business partner for European OEMs and plastics manufacturers, taking on this responsibility itself means that its customers can now feel confident about using these materials, secure in the knowledge that they are REACH compliant.
“Europe continues to expand its sustainable initiatives in the plastics industry, leading the way for other regions,” said Jen Riley-Brady, vice president, international for M. Holland Company. “The European market is a key focus area for M. Holland’s business growth, and this certification was a top priority for us, even through pandemic lockdowns.”
Mtegrity is one of M. Holland’s proprietary resins, and its LLDPE, LDPE and HDPE grades each carry REACH certification. These grades are used in applications for packaging, healthcare, automotive, and consumer goods, among other verticals.