Working toward a safer future for polyurethane products
Polyurethane adhesives are used for windshield bonding by manufacturers and aftermarket replacement technicians.
REACH compliance by DuPont
Polyurethane (PU) adhesives and sealants are innovative solutions that are made by reacting diisocyanates and polyols. They are found in many products, including packaging, automobiles, furniture, construction materials, and more.
On 4 August 2020, a new restriction on diisocyanates was adopted by European authorities under REACH, establishing training requirements prior to the use of PU products containing more than 0.1% of monomeric diisocyanates. Training is required prior to use of these products to avoid respiratory and skin sensitization.
REACH is a regulation of the European Union and is intended to improve protection of human health and the environment from risks that can be posed by chemicals while enhancing the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry.
Requirements
By 24 August 2023, all users of PU products must be trained and certified in how to safely handle products containing diisocyanates.
- Anybody working with products containing > 0.1% diisocyanate will need to be trained
- Trained users can continue using the products
- By 24 February 2022, these products must carry a statement on the label that clarifies the training requirement
DuPont™ BETASEAL™ was the first adhesive used for windshield applications and we continue to advance this PU technology.
Current activities and next steps
Our business has carefully aligned with REACH requirements. We currently offer a broad portfolio of PU products which meet current REACH requirements and we continue to develop new solutions. Customers can contact their DuPont representative for specific product information.
Training materials will be made available to all users of our PU products by February 2022 to enable training and certification to be complete by the 24 August 2023 deadline.
We are committed to making certain that all DuPont products manufactured in or imported into the European Union area are fully compliant with the EU’s REACH legislation. We are working closely with our suppliers and customers to maintain compliance with the regulations.
For our customers
- As an end-user of PU adhesives or sealants with a diisocyanate concentration of more than 0.1%, you must ensure that your staff is trained and certified by 24 August 2023 so they can safely handle products containing diisocyanates.
- This will apply to all professional and industrial PU customers. The relevant PU products for which training is required can be identified via the sentence on the label: “As from 24 August 2023 adequate training is required before industrial or professional use.”
- You must maintain records of the certification to prove in case of an inspection that your staff has been trained. The training shall be renewed at least every five years.
