ICCA releases Plastic Additives Database

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) has released the first version of its Plastics Additives Database, which allows governments, regulators and relevant stakeholders to search and find important health and safety information about the chemicals used in plastics.

Acknowledging that people have questions about chemical additives and their safety, and that chemical manufacturers must comply with rigorous safety standards set by national and international government bodies, the Arlington, Virginia-based ICCA says its database can help enhance transparency, confidence and support the sound management of additives used in plastic.

According to the organization, the database is the only resource on plastic additives with industry-verified data about an additive’s commercial use. Also, it consolidates “scattered” data on thousands of additives into one place. Information includes an additive’s function, use, chemical identity, physical and chemical properties, hazard classifications and regulatory determinations and registrations by governments around the world. The aim of the database is to compile these details into one user-friendly source that regulators can use to quickly access the insights they need to help in form their regulatory decisions on additives.

The ICCA says its work on the database aligns with the second strategic objective of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC), which calls for comprehensive information to be generated and made available to enable informed decisions and actions by governments and regulators.

“ICCA is committed to being a strong partner with government regulators and the global community,” says ICCA Council Secretary Chris Jahn, who also serves as president and CEO of the American Chemistry Council. “This commitment drove us to develop a comprehensive database and to donate 1 million euros to support the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund.

"We believe in science-based regulation to safeguard public health and the environment, and we are following through on our promises. Our industry will continue to share its expertise with stakeholders in the chemicals management community.”

To contribute authoritative substance information, the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) supplied its CAS Registry Numbers to ICCA’s database.

“CAS supports the work of both regulators and the regulated community by providing trustworthy scientific information to support sound, science-based decision making,” CAS President Manuel Guzman says.