ICCA Launches Plastics Additives Database to Enhance Transparency and Safety in the Plastic Industry

On 25 November 2024, the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) launched the first version of its Plastics Additives Database, aiming to enhance transparency and provide essential health and safety information about chemicals used in plastics. This unique database consolidates verified industry data on thousands of plastic additives, including their functions, chemical properties and regulatory status. It supports governments, regulators and stakeholders in making informed decisions about plastic additives, in line with the Global Framework on Chemicals' goal of increasing transparency, promoting sustainable plastics management and sound chemicals management. The initiative underscores ICCA’s commitment to science-based regulation and collaboration in promoting chemical risk management and circular economy principles. 

ICCA’s Plastic Additives Database 

The Plastic Additives Database is a unique resource offering verified industry data on plastic additives, including their commercial uses, chemical properties, functions, hazard classifications, and regulatory status. By consolidating scattered information from multiple sources into one platform, the database provides a comprehensive, user-friendly tool for regulators and stakeholders. This facilitates informed decision-making on plastic additives by making essential safety and regulatory information easily accessible, supporting efforts to align plastics production with sustainability goals. 

Enhancing the Global Plastics Industry 

Plastics are essential to the global economy, supporting industries from food preservation to healthcare and technology. While innovations rely heavily on plastics, there are growing concerns about the safety of chemical additives. The ICCA’s Plastic Additives Database addresses this challenge by providing transparent, industry-verified information. This tool helps build public confidence, supports regulatory compliance with international safety standards and ensures responsible management of additives used in plastics. 

Ongoing Expansion and Future Updates 

The Plastics Additives Database is the first phase of an ongoing initiative to improve chemical profiles with verified data on plastic additives. Future updates will include additional chemicals and details, such as links to publicly available risk assessments, further enhancing its usefulness for regulators and stakeholders in managing chemical safety.