Germany's Masterbatch Association, a member organisation within the National Association for Mineral Pigments and Colours Industry (VdMi, Frankfurt; www.masterbatchverband.de), is growing increasingly concerned of the potential effects on masterbatch producers following the conclusion of the EU's regulatory initiative REACH latest registration period. An outcome of the recent activities has been that some colorants and additives have been reclassified on the basis of new analysis data, which means some substances, in some cases, may now only be used with dosage restrictions or only for certain applications. This could have far-reaching implications on speciality producers or smaller companies.

If a substance is classified as an SVHC substance (substance of very high concern), it could potentially be completely removed from the market and thus no longer available for usage. This, according to the association, could have damaging effects on substances with very small production volumes. The VdMi expects the situation to only get worse through May 2018, when the third and final phase of REACH registration is in full swing. During the final round, all substances with an annual production of 1-10 t must be registered by producers or importers. Failing to register the substance could lead to it disappearing from the market.

At the heart of the matter creating growing discontent from the association, which draws most of its support from mid-sized companies, is the transferring of theory into reality. In other words, as newer analysis data is submitted by suppliers and sub-suppliers regarding conventional raw materials, the time for the masterbatch industry to react to the latest information is very tight. According to the VdMi, there is hardly any room for reformulating masterbatches and until the industry can find an appropriate solution, it may be forced to temporarily remove a product from the market. This has apparently happened in the recent past.

The association points to the latest amendment to the directive on toys which provides new specifications for raw materials, where what was once eight restricted toxic elements, has now been increased to 19, making it difficult for the relevant industries to respond effectively and timely.

They ultimately fear we will soon be living in a world with less colour and diversity.