In June 8-9 more than 130 delegates gathered to Helsinki Chemicals Forum from all over the world. Additionally, over 60 participated in the virtual Forum on regulatory topics selected by the international Programme Committee. As before, the Helsinki Chemicals Forum engaged authorities, industry leaders, NGOs, academics, media, and other interested parties in discussions and networking opportunities while sharing activities with the ChemBio Finland and PulPaper international exhibitions taking place alongside the conference. The Helsinki Chemical Forum (HCF) report documents the keynote speeches and discussions in the five debates hosted by UNEP, EU Commission, CEFIC, ECHA and OECD.

“The HCF Conclusion Report intends to be a balanced and accessible reflection of two days of debate. As is the case with the previous reports, it offers a reference point for policy makers, companies, academics, and other stakeholders interested in chemical safety”, says Geert Dancet, Secretary General of HCF.

Five topical themes were discussed in the Forum

The Forum had three topics linked to the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability while offering views from outside Europe as well: first, looking at why we need to speed up regulatory decisions and actions on the most harmful chemicals and what tools will become available in the EU to do so; second, an exchange of views on how to define and promote safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) substances that can replace chemicals of concern; third, exploring how the risk management of chemicals can be effectively integrated into circularity and climate policy objectives.  

Panel four focused on the advancements in, and barriers to, accelerating animal toxicity testing internationally with a particular focus on new approach methods. The final debate of the event focused on the global development of a science-policy interface and how this will function and contribute towards a global framework for sound chemicals and waste management.

The report, prepared by independent intelligence and insight provider Chemical Watch, intends to be a balanced and accessible reflection of two days of debate.  

Continued access to the recordings

Recordings of the HCF 2022 can be seen on reduced price of 100 euro (plus 10% VAT) until mid-September. Registration includes recordings of the Green Economy Business Summit, that was held on 8 June with access to all HCF visitors.

Next conferences

The next HCF conference in Helsinki will be organised 10 - 11 April, 2024, at the same time with ChemBio Finland, the event for the chemistry and biotechnology professionals in the Nordic Countries and Baltic regions. In 2023, there will again be an Asian HCF conference organised with an Asian partner.

The Helsinki Chemicals Forum 2022 Conclusion Report on the HCF website >>

The non-profit Helsinki Chemicals Forum is organised by the Chemicals Forum Association in co-operation with its many Finnish and international partners that form part of the HCF Advisory Board.

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More information | Helsinki Chemicals Forum:

Geert Dancet, Secretary General, tel.: +32 468 300787, geert.dancet@gmail.com

Anu-Eveliina Mattila, Communications Manager, tel.: +358 50 555 6183, anu-eveliina.mattila@messukeskus.com.