Programme

Please note timings are in Central European Summer Time (CEST). To view the event start time in your local time, please click here  

Join us in person or virtually

  1. Coffee and registration

  2. Welcome and introduction

    Andrew Turley Andrew Turley
    Science Editor, Chemical Watch
  3. Session 1: PFAS – regulatory updates from Europe
  4. Latest European Commission update on the co-ordination of the different PFAS restriction proposals

    • Commission proposal on PFHxA restriction 
    • Finalised RAC and SEAC opinion on restriction of all PFAS in firefighting foams 
    • Most important discussion topics on broad PFASs restriction 
    Martijn Beekman Martijn Beekman
    Policy Officer, DG Grow, European Commission
  5. ECHA updates on current processes for PFAS restriction proposals under REACH

    • Overview of ECHA’s work on PFAS restrictions under REACH 
    • Restriction proposal on PFAS in firefighting foams: conclusions from the scientific assessment by ECHA’s committees 
    • Universal PFAS restriction proposal: the work ahead 

    Virtual presentation 

    Mercedes Marquez-Camacho Mercedes Marquez-Camacho
    Team Leader in Restrictions Opinion Making, ECHA
  6. The universal PFAS (UPFAS) restriction after the consultation period

    • The UPFAS restriction proposal so far – what has been done? 
    • Opinion-making phase 
    • Next steps: processing comments from the consultation and recommendations 
    Peter Juhl Nielsen Peter Juhl Nielsen
    Scientific Officer, Environmental Protection Agency, Denmark
  7. Further important European updates from an NGO perspective

    • Scene setting
    • EU PFAS restrictions
    • UK PFAS updates
    Julie Schneider Julie Schneider
    Chemicals Campaigner, CHEM Trust
  8. Q&A

  9. Refreshment break

  10. Session 2: Legal and enforcement developments
  11. Are emergency interim proceedings suitable legal tools for PFAS victims?

    • Context of the worst PFAS contamination in France
    • Polluter pays principle and precautionary principle
    • Emergency interim proceedings: a suitable legal tool for PFAS victims?
    Louise Tschanz Louise Tschanz
    Environmental Lawyer, Kaizen Avocat (Law Firm)
  12. Compliance and enforcement implications of PFAS restrictions

    • Challenges for enforcing authorities tasked with checking compliance
    • How enforcing authorities might target their inspections
    • How businesses could demonstrate compliance with the restriction
    Richard Bishop Richard Bishop
    Operations Director, TSG Consulting
  13. Q&A

  14. Lunch and networking

  15. Chemical Watch platform demonstration

  16. Session 3: Different sector responses to the changing regulatory landscape
  17. Challenges and successes dealing with UPFAS restriction in the mechanical and plant engineering industries

    • PFASs determination of affected areas
    • Impact on the mechanical and plant engineering sectors 
    • Application example 
    • Analysis of draft regulation and VDMA position 
    Alena Knauz Alena Knauz
    Substance Policy Advisor, German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association (VDMA eV)
  18. Challenges and successes phasing out PFASs from the electronics sector

  19. Challenges and successes phasing out PFASs from the paper and board sector

    • PFASs in sector-specific legislation: food contact materials (FCMs) 
    • Focus on specific measures for the paper and board sector 
    • Why and how to measure PFASs? 
    • Case study examples 
    • Supporting innovation to phase out PFASs: the project with Qwarzo 
    Cristina Lugli Cristina Lugli
    Regulatory Affairs Manager, FCMs and Sustainability, Ecol studio SPA
  20. Q&A

  21. Refreshment break

  22. Session 4: Developing solutions to the most urgent challenges
  23. Supply chain engagement: Substance identification and preparedness for substitution

    • Review of approaches for mapping substance uses  
    • Case studies about engagement with stakeholders in complex supply chains 
    • Aspects to be considered when preparing for substitution 
    Felipe Balestero de Assis Felipe Balestero de Assis
    Managing Consultant, Market Manager for the REACH Authorisation & Restriction Practice, Ramboll Deutschland GmbH
  24. Alternatives assessment, chemical risk assessment to avoid regrettable substitution, emerging alternatives for different sectors

    • Recent experiences working with a range of different stakeholders – regulators, industry, NGOs and international organisations   
    • Key challenges and barriers to achieving implementation of a PFAS restriction, and a phase out of their uses in practice
      • alternatives assessment 
      • supply chain mapping 
      • regrettable substitution  
    Ian Keyte Ian Keyte
    Principal Consultant, WSP
  25. Q&A and panel discussion: Given the scale of the new restrictions and timelines, how can we avoid more regrettable substitution?

    • Communication with the supply chain
    • Lifecycle of PFAS
    • Recycling and degradation products of different recycling methods

    Additional panellists:

    Peter Juhl Nielsen Peter Juhl Nielsen
    Scientific Officer, Environmental Protection Agency, Denmark
    Julie Schneider Julie Schneider
    Chemicals Campaigner, CHEM Trust
    Cristina Lugli Cristina Lugli
    Regulatory Affairs Manager, FCMs and Sustainability, Ecol studio SPA
  26. End of conference