Chemicals & Plastics Industry

REACH remains the core EU framework for chemicals registration, evaluation and restriction, while the revised CLP Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2024/2865, strengthens classification and labelling requirements and introduces further provisions including digital-labelling options and new hazard classes. The REACH restriction on intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles is being phased in across different uses, with specific transition periods for cosmetics, detergents and other applications. ESPR also prioritises chemicals, detergents, paints and lubricants in the 2025-2030 work programme, meaning product-specific ecodesign and information requirements may progressively develop. For packaging-related plastics, PPWR creates additional requirements around recyclability, recycled content and packaging design.

Operational priorities include feedstock transition, energy and process-emission reduction, recycled-content quality, circular material loops, solvent and hazardous-substance management, pellet loss prevention, and transparent mass-balance or chain-of-custody approaches where relevant. LCA is essential for comparing mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, virgin production and alternative feedstocks because energy demand and recovery efficiencies can materially change conclusions.

Metsims can support chemical and plastics companies with LCA, PCF, EPD where applicable, recycling-process assessment, material substitution studies, circularity analysis and corporate carbon inventories. Scenario modelling can compare virgin, recycled, bio-based and alternative feedstocks while making trade-offs visible across climate and other environmental indicators.

For regulatory readiness, Metsims can map the sustainability-data implications of PPWR and ESPR alongside product portfolios and customer requirements, while supplier engagement and Scope 3 programmes can improve traceability upstream. Decarbonisation roadmaps can integrate process-energy changes, renewable electricity, feedstock transitions and technology investments into one measurable pathway. This supports R&D, compliance, investment decisions and credible customer communication with a common evidence base.

Industrial understanding and multidisciplinary depth. Select an advisor to open their dedicated Metsims profile.