Apparently invisible. Chemistry in ceramics.
Apr 13, 2026 · 28 min · 10 segments
Chemical product labelling plays a key role in ensuring safety and regulatory compliance across the entire industrial value chain. In this episode, we explore the European regulatory framework…
Let's start by saying something I would say obvious, that is, discussing chemical products labelling means stepping into an obviously complex regulatory framework, developed over time to meet a dual goal.
One, protecting human health and the environment, while also, two, regulating how products are placed on the market.
At a global level, the GHS, that is Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, provides a common foundation.
However, it has not been adopted uniformly, because each country has implemented only parts of it.
and the European Union has built its own integrated approach through that CLP regulation, that is classification, labelling and packaging, which now serves as the benchmark for classification and labelling across the EU markets.
Alongside CLP, that we said is the classification, labelling and packaging, two other key pillars operate in Europe.
The first is the REICH registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals governing the registration and assessment of substances.
And then we have also the BPR biocidal products regulations, specifically addressing biocides.
REACH emerged from a growing awareness that for decades, thousands of substances were used without a full understanding of their effects.
Well-known cases such as asbestos, for example, showed that the most serious impacts can arise decades later.
And the same applies to many industrial chemicals, whose risks only became clear over time.
Today, of course, the approach has fundamentally changed, because substances must be studied before they can be marketed.
REACH requires extensive chemicals, toxicological and environmental data, forming the scientific backbone for all subsequent regulations.
CLP translates this information into clear, standardized labels, while the BPR applies when substances are used for biocidal purposes.
It's also worth noting, in this respect, that this system has an indirect protective effect.
It means that compliance with non-EU regulations is not sufficient to assess the European market.
This creates, we could say, a technical barrier to entry that safeguards both the market and high safety levels.
This approach is particularly evident for biocides that are products designed to control harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or insects.
The key reference is the regulation number 528, enforced since 2013, so only 13 years ago, replacing earlier legislation with a more harmonized and strengthened framework.
No chemical substance or biocidal product can be placed on the market without prior evaluation and approval.
Let's start by saying something I would say obvious, that is, discussing chemical products labelling means stepping into an obviously complex regulatory framework, developed over time to meet a dual goal.
One, protecting human health and the environment, while also, two, regulating how products are placed on the market.
At a global level, the GHS, that is Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, provides a common foundation.
However, it has not been adopted uniformly, because each country has implemented only parts of it.
and the European Union has built its own integrated approach through that CLP regulation, that is classification, labelling and packaging, which now serves as the benchmark for classification and labelling across the EU markets.
Alongside CLP, that we said is the classification, labelling and packaging, two other key pillars operate in Europe.
The first is the REICH registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals governing the registration and assessment of substances.
And then we have also the BPR biocidal products regulations, specifically addressing biocides.
REACH emerged from a growing awareness that for decades, thousands of substances were used without a full understanding of their effects.
Well-known cases such as asbestos, for example, showed that the most serious impacts can arise decades later.
And the same applies to many industrial chemicals, whose risks only became clear over time.
Today, of course, the approach has fundamentally changed, because substances must be studied before they can be marketed.
REACH requires extensive chemicals, toxicological and environmental data, forming the scientific backbone for all subsequent regulations.
CLP translates this information into clear, standardized labels, while the BPR applies when substances are used for biocidal purposes.
It's also worth noting, in this respect, that this system has an indirect protective effect.
It means that compliance with non-EU regulations is not sufficient to assess the European market.
This creates, we could say, a technical barrier to entry that safeguards both the market and high safety levels.
This approach is particularly evident for biocides that are products designed to control harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or insects.
The key reference is the regulation number 528, enforced since 2013, so only 13 years ago, replacing earlier legislation with a more harmonized and strengthened framework.
No chemical substance or biocidal product can be placed on the market without prior evaluation and approval.
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