In October 2020, the European Commission adopted its Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS). The CSS is part of the EU’s zero pollution ambition – a key commitment of the European Green Deal. The EU’s chemicals strategy aims to better protect citizens and the environment, and boost innovation for safe and sustainable chemicals.

The significance of this strategy is underscored by the fact that 84% of Europeans are worried about the impact of chemicals present in everyday products on their health, and 90% are worried about their impact on the environment. Compounding these concerns, global chemical production is expected to double by 2030, increasing the already widespread usage of chemicals, including in consumer products.

To work towards the objectives of the EU's chemicals strategy, a reform of REACH was also announced. With respect to risk management, the Commission proposed to ban the most harmful chemicals - namely chemical substances meeting specific hazards criteria - in consumer products, allowing those chemicals only where their use is considered essential. This is referred to as the Essential Use Concept (EUC).

Relisten to this EURACTIV Virtual Conference to learn more about the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) and the definition and application of the Essential Use Concept (EUC). Has the CSS been successful in its ambitions so far, particularly concerning the European Green Deal? What impact could the EUC have on innovation, better regulation and wider policy goals?