PolyOne says increased additive costs may cause rethink

PolyOne says increased additive costs may cause rethink

Plastics converters may be forced to relocate outside Europe as a consequence of Reach, the European Commission’s proposed chemicals legislation. Polymers themselves are currently exempt from the legislation, but many additives will be subject to more stringent registration, evaluation and authorisation – adding a level of cost to the chemicals industry.

Stephen Duckworth, business development manager at US-owned compounder PolyOne, says that raw materials account for more than 60% of his company’s costs. If Reach leads to increased administration costs for chemical companies, he believes raw materials such as flame retardants will become more expensive.