Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

DEFINITION:  EU legislation which aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals. In principle, REACH applies to all chemical substances; not only those used in industrial processes, but also in people’s day-to-day lives – for example, in cleaning products and paints, as well as in articles such as clothes, furniture and electrical appliances. Therefore, the regulation has an impact on most manufacturing firms across the UK.

Related items

Business guide to Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR)

Almost a year since it was introduced, this business guide to Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR), provides energy and sustainability professionals with everything they need to know about the legislation and how to comply.

The disclosure digest - Five steps to align sustainability with investor needs

This report is based on a session of discussions and co- creation hosted in association with edie’s 2020 Sustainability Leaders Forum. The half-day event took place on 3 February in London and saw sustainability managers from a wide range of businesses take part in collaborative roundtables. During the discussions, sustainability managers outlined key challenges and discussed the exciting new opportunities in the areas that mattered the most.

edie Explains: Net-zero carbon business

What is 'net-zero' in the context of business emissions? Which organisations are most suited to adopting net-zero carbon strategies? And, what is the impact of the coronavirus on the net-zero movement?

Chanel sets 1.5C science-based targets, pledges 100% renewable energy

Luxury fashion and fragrance giant Chanel has committed to halve its carbon emissions by 2030, under a new 1.5C-aligned set of sustainability targets.
The city has cut its carbon emissions by 18% since 2012

Liverpool City Council unveils biogas-powered refuse trucks

Liverpool City Council has commissioned a fleet of refuse collection trucks to operate within the city that will be powered by low-carbon biogas.

A female revolution: First stop, climate change

For International Women's Day 2020, AB Sugar's Head of Advocacy, Katharine Teague, discusses how women leaders are emerging to devise strategies that are helping to combat climate change.
CLG Europe is calling for clarity and direction on a plethora of low-carbon innovations

Corporate leaders want decarbonisation as central focus for Europe's Industrial Strategy

Business giants including Unilever, Interface, and Coca-Cola have called for the new European Industrial Strategy to focus heavily on decarbonisation in a way that sets out clear strategies for investment into low-carbon solutions and provides price incentives for new goods and services.
Solar panel installation, Tetra Pak site. Image: Tetra Pak

Tetra Pak targets net-zero value chain by 2050

Packaging firm Tetra Pak has today (11 June) committed to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations by 2030, with a longer-term target to achieve a net-zero emissions value chain by 2050.
Khan's damning letter has been sent to the Secretaries for Housing and BEIS, as well as the London Minister and 10 Downing Street. Image: City Hall 

Government's plans for low-carbon homes are 'a step backwards' on climate, London Mayor warns

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged Ministers to improve plans for decarbonising the UK's built environment sector, claiming that the capital and other cities are already going further and faster in the face of the climate emergency.
Lloyds is one of six firms to have signed all three of the commitments

Lloyds Banking Group commits to net-zero fleets and 100% renewable electricity

Lloyds Banking Group has today (6 February) joined all three of The Climate Group's business sustainability initiatives, committing to source 100% renewable electricity, reach net-zero fleets and improve energy productivity.
Town halls such as Birmingham (pictured) will be taking drastic action as they accelerate their journeys to net-zero with the climate emergency. 

edie's guides to net-zero carbon continues with the public sector

The fifth report in the series of edie guides on net-zero carbon has launched with a focus on the public sector.

Best Practice in 2020: edie's Sustainable Business Manifesto

This Sustainable Business Manifesto, co-created by edie’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2019 and members of our Sustainability Leaders Club, lists eight principles that will push corporations to ramp up their efforts across all aspects of sustainable development in 2020, and beyond while creating value for their shareholders.
Images: UNClimateChange Flickr

America's Pledge and Europe's Green Deal: What happened on days 8 & 9 of COP25?

COP25 - the UN's annual two-week-long climate summit - has entered its second week in Madrid. Here, edie rounds up all the key news and views from the last few days of the event.

edie's guides to net-zero carbon continues with construction sector

The fourth report in the series of edie guides on net-zero carbon has launched with a focus on the construction sector.
Heat currently accounts for 15% of the UK's annual greenhouse gas emissions

ENA calls for mandatory hydrogen boilers as CBI outlines new sustainability vision

Replacing existing gas boilers with hydrogen-ready devices should be mandatory when they reach the end of their life, the Energy Networks Association (ENA) has urged in its general election manifesto.
The plant-based Rebel Whopper contains 408 calories, while the beef version comes in at 460. Image: Burger King 

Burger King rolls out meat-free Whopper as Mars debuts vegan chocolate

Burger King has begun offering a meat-free version of its Whopper across 25 European markets, in the same week that Mars has unveiled vegan Galaxy-brand chocolate.

edie's guides to net-zero carbon continues with manufacturing sector

The second report in the series of edie guides on net-zero carbon has launched with a focus on the manufacturing sector.
A new report by Vivid Economics estimates that up to £20bn a year could be required for the UK to reach its net-zero target for 2050

Billions wanted: Report sets net-zero price as Siemens aims for £100bn green project pipeline

Technology firm Siemens has signed an agreement with a coalition of 94 local authority political leaders across the UK to help unlock green investment towards clean energy projects, as a new report warns that up to £20bn may be required annually to deliver the UK's net-zero commitment.