ECHA Highlights Environmental Risks of Aromatic Brominated Flame Retardants

On 18 December 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published its report on Aromatic Brominated Flame Retardants (ABFRs), identifying significant environmental risks associated with certain non-polymeric additives. These substances, which are characterized by persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity, are released into the environment throughout their life cycle, with waste management being a critical stage of concern.

Background on ABFRs

ABFRs are a broad category of flame retardants in which bromine atoms are covalently bonded to an aromatic ring. They are additives used to enhance the fire resistance of polymeric materials. They are classified as:

• Additive ABFRs: Mixed into polymers without forming bonds. Non-polymeric additives leach out more easily than their polymeric counterparts.

• Reactive ABFRs: Chemically bound to polymers, making them less susceptible to environmental release.

Key Findings on ABFRs

ECHA's report, commissioned by the European Commission, investigated 60 ABFRs potentially present on the EU market. Key findings include:

• Environmental Impact: Non-polymeric ABFR additives pose the greatest risks due to their tendency to leach. Five substances were identified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB), while 37 are likely to be PBT, including 17 non-polymeric additives.

• Uses and Releases: ABFRs are widely used in electronics, construction, and textiles. Waste stages, especially shredding or landfilling, are the main contributors to environmental releases.

• Alternatives: Viable alternatives include organophosphate flame retardants and polymeric ABFRs. However, some alternatives, such as organophosphates, may have similar hazardous properties.

• Waste Management: Inefficient recycling systems exacerbate the release of ABFRs. ECHA recommends eliminating problematic additives early in the value chain.

• Group Approach for Regulation: Some non-polymeric ABFRs detected in high environmental concentrations remain unregistered under REACH. ECHA proposes a group approach for regulatory action to address these gaps.

Implications for Future Regulation

ECHA's findings will assist the European Commission in deciding whether to request a restriction proposal for ABFRs and may influence future regulatory action under the EU's Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. A restriction on flame retardants is already included in the Commission's Restrictions Roadmap.

Next Steps

The report highlights the need for sustainable waste management and early intervention to reduce the environmental impact of flame retardants. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the report to understand its implications for the industry.

For more details, the full ECHA investigation report is available here.