Glutaral added to REACH recommendation list
The European Chemicals agency (ECHA) has added Glutaral to its most recent REACH authorisation recommendation list.
Glutaraldehyde is a tanning agent used in the production of wet white type leathers and its inclusion on the list will mean companies are required to apply for authorisation to continue using it.
Glutaraldehyde was entered on the Candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC) in 2021. At that time, industry representative body Leather UK put out a statement saying that "While the inclusion of glutaraldehyde on the candidate list is not expected to be a major issue for the leather sector, it does increase the risk that glutaraldehyde could be included on the REACH authorisation list, which would mean far more onerous obligations and the expectation that its use would ultimately be discontinued."
In the ECHA proposal, the volume range in scope of authorisation is between 1,000 and 10,000 tonnes per year.
According to ECHA, the European Commission decides which substances are included in the authorisation list and what conditions apply for each substance. If a substance is included on the list, it can only be placed on the EEA market or used after a given date, if an authorisation is granted for a specific use. Authorisation processes aim to enhance substitution of substances of very high concern when technically and economically viable alternatives are available. Until this is achieved, the goal is to ensure proper control of risks for human health and the environment.
