News

The Stockholm Convention’s POPs Review Committee advanced the assessment of several brominated substances at POPRC.22.
DBDPE and TBPH were found to meet the Convention’s Annex D screening criteria and will now move to Annex E risk-profile development. In parallel, tetra- to octa-brominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) progressed to Annex F, where risk-management options will be assessed.
None of these decisions represents a global ban at this stage. However, the outcomes highlight the increasing regulatory scrutiny of brominated substances and reinforce the need to evaluate flame-retardant alternatives across hazard, exposure, lifecycle and end-of-life considerations.

HEFESTOS is taking another step forward in fostering collaboration across the flame-retardant value chain. The webinar will showcase how the Hub is supporting safer and more sustainable BFR substitution through knowledge exchange and cooperation. This activity represents the collaboration emerging within the HEFESTOS Industrial Cooperation Group (HICG), bringing together AIMPLAS, pinfa and Clariant to promote knowledge exchange and industry engagement around BFR substitution. 

10 September | 14:00–14:45 CEST | Online  Interested in joining the discussion? Registration is open through pinfa.

Chemicals banned in the 1970s still widely detected across Europe, new study finds
A systematic review of 181 studies shows that legacy PBDEs remain widespread across European environmental and waste systems, with BDE-209 particularly prevalent in sediments and sludge. The findings highlight a key circular-economy challenge: safer substitution must be accompanied by effective management of legacy BFRs to prevent their recirculation through recycled materials.

US state attorneys general have submitted comments on the EPA’s draft risk evaluation of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), calling for broader consideration of uses and exposure pathways.
The EPA’s current assessment identifies potential risks for workers and the environment under certain conditions, while no unreasonable risk has been identified for consumers or the general population.
As the evaluation remains ongoing, the case highlights how scientific evidence and exposure scenarios can influence future regulatory decisions on brominated flame retardants.

The European Food Safety Authority has published an updated scientific opinion on 27 emerging and novel brominated flame retardants found in food, replacing its previous assessment from 2012.
EFSA concluded that estimated dietary exposure to BEH-TEBP, EH-TBB and DBDPE does not raise a health concern for the non-cancer effects assessed. However, insufficient occurrence, exposure and toxicity data prevented robust risk characterisation for most of the remaining substances. The assessment also identified genotoxicity or carcinogenicity concerns for several compounds.

Help shape the future of BFR substitution. Our new survey is now available to HEFESTOS members and will help identify the key barriers, priorities and opportunities for safer flame-retardant solutions.

Not a member yet? Join the HEFESTOS Hub and take part in future surveys and technical activities.

On 26 June, the first meeting of the HEFESTOS Industrial Cooperation Group (HICG) will take place online, bringing together the organisations already engaged in the Hub to start working jointly on the substitution of Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs). 
This first session marks the beginning of collaborative work within the Hub, but there is still time to get involved.

Further details will be shared soon with all HEFESTOS partners and interested organisations.

A recent environmental report highlights how delays in implementing EU chemical restrictions may have contributed to tens of thousands of tonnes of hazardous substances continuing to enter the environment, raising concerns about regulatory inertia, REACH implementation and the transition toward safer chemical alternatives.
Thousands of Tonnes of Hazardous Chemicals Continue Entering the Environment Amid EU Delays

The European regulatory landscape for flame retardants is evolving rapidly, particularly for brominated chemistries used in engineering plastics, electronics, construction and automotive applications. These articles provide an overview of current restrictions, ongoing REACH developments, emerging risk assessments and the growing shift toward halogen-free alternatives.
ECHA begins work on restriction dossier for brominated flame retardants and organophosphorus flame retardants risk analysis
Flame Retardants in Plastics — EU REACH Compliance 2026

AIMPLAS has been selected by the European Commission to lead the new HEFESTOS Hub, a European-funded initiative designed to support the transition away from Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) towards safer and more sustainable alternatives.
Future EU-level Substitution Centre focused on brominated flame retardants
European Commission Selects Aimplas to Lead Flame Retardant Hub
HEFESTOS advances safer flame retardants
AIMPLAS coordena novo hub