Polymer Analytics Task Force
Why
Polymers are best known as components of plastics; however, many other types of polymers exist as well, with joint estimates ranging from 70,000 to 400,000 polymers currently commercialized in the EU. Despite their extensive use and a significant exposure potential, polymers have been so far exempted from REACH regulation. As part of the European Green Deal and Chemical Strategy for Sustainability, the extension of REACh registration to polymers is being discussed as a revision of REACh. Moreover, the safety assessment of polymers is also relevant in other emerging regulatory frameworks. To conduct a safety assessment of polymers, various data are needed, including analytical characterization and physio-chemical properties. For polymers requiring registration (PRR) in different regions information requirements similar to those for non-polymeric substances are required. However, the data must also cover specific polymer properties and uses. Since the available information on polymers is currently limited and patchy, and standard methods are partly not relevant or reliable, methods need to be tested and/or improved and substantial amounts of new data on polymers will need to be generated.
Standardization and validation are essential to ensure consistency and reliability of data. Lessons learned and revised methods should be openly shared with all stakeholders to promote knowledge exchange, ignite academic interest, and foster a collaborative approach.
How
The aim of the ECETOC Polymer Analytics Task Force is to discuss the relevance and evaluate, develop, and standardize methods for analyzing polymer properties applicable for polymer safety assessment. We are open to all interested analytical geeks, seeking universally applicable, robust & pragmatic, fit-for-purpose solutions.
- Discuss suitable analytical testing approaches, including digital representation and reporting
- Provide recommendation for molecular weight and oligomer content determination and data interpretation
- Provide recommendation for physical-chemical properties determination and data interpretation
- Provide guidance for determining relevant polymer properties needed for polymer safety assessment. For example, provide insight into experimental challenges and data interpretation with partitioning coefficient determination for polymers.
Ensure that polymer properties and methods are:
- Supportive of risk assessment and (eco-)toxicological testing
- Can be applied to to a wide range of polymer classes
- Include description of their applicability and limits
- Meet the needs of SMEs and provide a low entry barrier
Deliverable
- Recommend meaningful polymer properties and testing approaches in line with (eco-) tox and safety assessment requirements
- Propose harmonized methods and contribute to norm and guideline adaptation
- Support method validation by proficiency testing
- Publish white papers / guidance notes / norms for analyzing polymer properties relevant for safety assessment
Timeline
Run time of task force: 3 years