August 16, 2007

Michigan companies that do business in Europe are encouraged to learn more about the European Union's new Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) program. This new chemical management system went into effect on June 1, 2007 and has important implications for Michigan companies exporting to European Member States.

The Department of Environmental Quality and the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production are assisting Michigan companies to implement the REACH program by presenting Turning REACH into an Opportunity at the Lansing Community College West Campus on September 27.

The new REACH system puts more responsibility on companies to collect data on most chemicals on the market, assess the risk of these chemicals, and define safe use down the supply chain. It also requires companies to justify continued use of chemicals of very high concern.

Attendees to this one-day training will learn from one of the REACH authors and other experts about what they need to know to comply with REACH, stay competitive, and advance more sustainable chemicals management in their firm. This training session will help Michigan companies prepare for REACH and turn it from a challenge into an opportunity. Attendees will receive a database of tools and resources to help them make informed decisions about chemical alternatives. 

Complete conference agenda and registration information is available on the Web at www.chemicalspolicy.org/news.shtml.  The registration fee is $100 and includes continental breakfast, lunch, and conference materials. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. For registration information, contact Yve Torrie, Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, at 978-934-3121.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised August 16, 2007 by Pat Watson