REACH and the need of assessments

Centexbel offers a set of tests to detect the presence of Substances of Very High Concern [SVHC], as defined by REACH legislation. This quick analysis enables manufacturers, textile finishers, importers, retailers and brands to meet the REACH SVHC obligations.

Twice a year, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) extends the candidate list for authorisation for (chemical) substances of very high concern. Each company has to report to its professional customers the presence of one of these substances in a concentration exceeding 0,1 weight percentage in its products. 

Also companies importing goods from outside Europe that will be sold on the internal market are submitted these rules.

The actual list of SVHC includes a number of substances used in textiles and plastics:

  • flame retardants: Decabromodiphenylether (Deca-BDE) Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD)
  • PVC Softening agents: Benzyl butyl phthalate, Bis (2-ethyl(hexyl)phthalate) (DEHP), Dibutyl phthalate 
  • dyestuffs: Cobalt dichloride

The Centexbel REACH test package is developed to evaluate both preparations and products, detecting all substances of very high concern in a qualitative way.

The REACH test package includes

  • thermal extraction at 120°C to detect the presence of organic compounds  
  • X-Ray Fluorescence measurement (XRF) to determine the contents of heavy metals (Co, As,…), and/or halogens (Cl, Br,…)
  • ICP-MS to determine the boron content
  • LC-MS: additional test to detect the remaining substances of very high concern
Orbis full installation

Orbis XRF analyzer

X-ray fluorescence is used to identify elements from sodium to  uranium. Mapping techniques visualize and provide an estimation of the concentration. 

The Orbis XRF analyzer, equipped with a polycapillar lens,  measures spots from 30 µm to 2 mm. 

GC - Gas chromatography

Gas chromatography (GC)

Gas chromatography (GC) is a common type of chromatography used in analytical chemistry to separate and analyse compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition.

Proefstukken

Verstuur uw proefstukken naar:

Centexbel - Chemisch lab
Technologiepark 70
9052 Gent-Zwijnaarde
Belgium
+32 9 220 41 51
gent@centexbel.be