The document outlines a circular economy strategy for chemicals focusing on the interface of chemicals, waste, and products, as well as tracking chemicals of concern. It emphasizes the need to reduce harmful chemicals in products, promote non-toxic material cycles, and improve recycling processes while ensuring the efficient trade of secondary raw materials across the EU. Several ongoing initiatives related to chemicals are also referenced, including the non-toxic environment strategy and the REACH evaluation.

1. Circular Economy:
Opportunities and Challenges for
Chemicals Regulation
Bjorn Hansen
Head of Unit: Sustainable Chemicals
European Commission, DG Environment
Helsinki Chemicals Forum 2016, 26-05-2016

2. A (Circular Economy) Strategy for Chemicals
which effectively covers the two main topics:
(1)(1) the chemicals, waste, product interface;
(2)(2) tracking of chemicals of concern.
(other ongoing work on chemicals: 7th
EAP, Non
Toxic Environment Strategy, REACH Evaluation,
refit, implementation, …..)

3. - facilitate substitution of chemicals of concern
- reduce presence of chemicals of concern in products
- promote non-toxic material cycles
- facilitate risk management in the recycling process
- facilitate recycling, limit unnecessary burden for
recyclers and improve the uptake of secondary raw
materials
- facilitate the cross-border circulation of secondary
raw materials to ensure that they can be traded easily
across the EU.