Insights from the Helsinki Chemicals Forum 2024

Last week, Oliver Warwick and Emma Jack attended Helsinki Chemicals Forum (HCF) in Finland. The annual conference gathered industry leaders, scientists, regulators and policymakers to address regulatory frameworks, global collaboration strategies and technological innovations.

 The key takeaways from this event included:

• ECHA’s Legal Process: Gaining perspective on the intricacies of ECHA’s (The European Chemicals Agency) legal process under the EU’s revised set of chemical regulations, our team gained a deeper understanding of regulatory and compliance standards.

• Global Framework on Chemicals: Exploring the implications of this framework in terms of safer management practices across global supply chains and fostering collaboration is key.

• Networking Opportunities: Engaging with peers from diverse conferences including HCF, ChemBio Finland, and Pulp & Beyond. Oliver and Emma were able to seize valuable networking insights, discussing policy issues, current roadblocks and the anticipation of the forthcoming guidance on polymers.

• Innovation and Sustainability in Chemicals Management: The HCF highlighted key global changes in chemical legislations  (US, Canada, Australia, Japan), strategizing substitution planning, challenges of transitional ‘blueprints’ and the rise of economic instruments as a pivotal tool, which Vitis Regulatory has actively been involved in.

As Vitis Regulatory reflects on the insights gained and connections made at the Helsinki Chemicals Forum, we are strengthened in our commitment to advancing sustainability within the chemicals industry, pursuing a safer and more sustainable future for all.