The Importance of Ingredient Transparency

In today's world, ingredient transparency is more crucial than ever. The lack of transparency in hazard and ingredient disclosure prevents end users from making informed decisions and creates a significant barrier in risk and chemical management. While we recognize that confidential business information is important to organizations, disclosing hazardous chemicals should not be considered confidential. End users should pressure suppliers to do the right thing and endorse businesses that prioritize transparency.

Why Commit to Full Chemical Transparency?

Committing to full chemical transparency across supply chains encourages organizations to behave trustworthy and compliantly. When companies are transparent about the chemicals they use, they build trust with consumers and stakeholders, who can then make informed choices about their products.

The Evolving Nature of Ingredient Hazards

Ingredient hazards can evolve over time, and it is not uncommon for chemicals to undergo regulatory changes. As new studies are continuously published, chemical databases are regularly updated with new and revised information. Keeping up with the volume and complexity of these updates can be a laborious, uphill battle.

For example, Bis(a,a-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide (CAS# 80-43-3) has recently been added to the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC). This list identifies chemicals considered highly concerning due to their hazardous properties, such as carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, toxicity to reproduction, or environmentally persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) characteristics. It aims to alert stakeholders about chemicals that may pose significant risks to human health or the environment and to encourage the substitution of these substances with safer alternatives where possible.

Bis(a,a-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide (CAS# 80-43-3) has been added to the list because of its classification as a reproductive toxin (Article 57c). This chemical can be found in products made from plastics (e.g., food packaging and storage, toys, mobile phones), wood (e.g., floors, furniture, toys), stone, plaster, cement, glass, or ceramic (e.g., dishes, pots/pans, food storage containers, construction, and isolation materials). In Australia and Europe, this ingredient is also classified as H360D (May damage the unborn child).

The Role of Chemical Management Software

A chemical management software tool like ChemAlert can help your organization stay on top of ingredient updates, but only if we know that the products contain these ingredients. Full accessibility to the ingredient profiles allows our scientific team to perform critical reviews on your products and advise you of any changes. Our data is frequently maintained and reviewed, giving you the most accurate and updated information on chemicals your organization uses. This will consequently allow you to take proactive steps in making informed decisions that align with your organization’s values and priorities.

Conclusion

Ingredient transparency is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral imperative. Companies can build trust, ensure compliance, and protect public health and the environment by committing to full transparency. Embracing transparency and utilizing advanced tools like ChemAlert can help organizations stay ahead of regulatory changes and make informed, responsible choices.