• REACH:

REACH, acronym for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals is a European Union regulation in force since 2007.

The objective of the REACH regulation is to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals.  It also promotes alternative methods for the hazard assessment of substances in order to reduce the number of tests on animals.

REACH applies to all chemical substances; not only those used in industrial processes but also in our day-to-day lives, for example in cleaning products, clothes as well as in articles such as interior, car, wall and floor coverings, decorations. and much more…

A.P.A. S.p.A. considers the safety of its products, people’s health and respect for the environment of primary importance. For this reason, it shares and pursues the objectives set by the European REACH Regulation and ensures that it never uses dangerous “SVHC” substances.

When designing new products, A.P.A. S.p.A carefully evaluates the raw materials used. Thanks to the continuous investments in Research and Development, A.P.A. S.p.A. offers its customers products that are safe for humans and the environment.

In-depth analysis:

The REACH regulation provides those dangerous substances of particular concern, in terms of health and environment, can be included in a regulatory process that can also conclude with the banning of the substances themselves.
Substances considered to be of concern (SVHC) are included in a list called “Candidate List”. For the use of these substances in quantities greater than 0.1% w / w. there is a need to provide sufficient information to customers regarding safe use and, in the event that these substances are used for the production of articles, notify ECHA (SCIP notification).
The investigations conducted on SVHC substances can lead to inclusion in Annex XIV, or the list of substances for which authorization by the European Chemicals Agency – ECHA is required.
If the risks associated with the use of a substance are unacceptable for human health or the environment, it is included in Annex XVII and it is no longer possible to market or use it within the European territory.

• ROHS:

The abbreviation RoHS is the acronym for “Restriction of Hazardous Substances” – and is a European Community Directive adopted in 2011.

It defines restrictions on the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment manufactured or imported within the European Union.

The main use conceived for APA products is that of materials for the creation of decorations, advertising graphics, wrapping, interior design and clothing.

Recognising therefore the non-applicability in the strict sense of the RoHS Directive, A.P.A. S.p.A. ensures that the substances identified by this regulation are not used in the production process.

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In-depth analysis:

In 2011, the “RoHS 2” directive was issued. This directive replaced the original directive and allowed the updating of chemicals subject to limitation or exemption.
The Directive provides that the following substances are not used in the production of electrical and electronic equipment:

• Lead
• Mercury
• Cadmium
• Hexavalent chromium (Chromium VI)
• Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)
• Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE).
• Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (0.1%)
• Benzi butyl phthalate (BBP) (0.1%)
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (0.1%)
• Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) (0.1%)