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TÜV SÜD Supports REACH Registration for Pyrolysis Oils

Phil Black - PII Editor 2 hours ago

29 2 minutes read

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Expert guidance helps manufacturers navigate REACH compliance for pyrolysis oils in the circular economy

The use of pyrolysis oils produced from plastic waste and end-of-life tyres is becoming increasingly important in supporting the circular economy and reducing dependence on virgin fossil resources. As manufacturers across Europe continue to adopt more sustainable production methods, these recycled feedstocks are playing a vital role in helping industry lower resource consumption and reduce waste.

However, organisations producing, importing or placing pyrolysis oils on the market must also comply with strict European chemicals legislation. TÜV SÜD is helping businesses understand and fulfil their obligations under the EU's REACH Regulation, ensuring they can confidently bring these valuable recycled materials to market.

Pyrolysis oils are liquid products created through the thermal conversion of plastic waste and end-of-life tyres. This innovative process enables materials that would otherwise be incinerated or sent to landfill to be recovered and reintroduced into the manufacturing cycle.

Alongside their use as an alternative fuel, pyrolysis oils can also be blended with fossil-based feedstocks to manufacture a broad range of chemical products, including raw materials used in plastics production.

As the circular economy continues to gain momentum across Europe, the use of recycled chemical feedstocks such as pyrolysis oils is expected to increase significantly. While this presents major environmental and commercial opportunities, it also brings important regulatory responsibilities.

When recycled materials are placed on the European market or undergo further processing, they become subject to European Union chemicals legislation. The exact legal obligations depend on the type of recycling process used and the characteristics of the resulting substance.

“Depending on the type of processing – simple shredding or thermochemical treatment – different regulatory obligations may arise for the companies involved,” says Dr. Bratislav Djordjevic of TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH. “With regard to REACH registration, pyrolysis oils in particular are especially challenging due to their composition.”

Unlike conventional chemical substances, pyrolysis oils are highly complex mixtures whose composition can vary depending on the input materials and processing conditions. This variability makes substance identification particularly demanding and creates additional challenges when preparing a REACH registration dossier.

According to Dr. Djordjevic, experience gained through supporting manufacturers and importers has demonstrated that the REACH registration process for pyrolysis oils is extremely difficult to manage without specialist expertise.

The primary challenges include the chemical variability and complexity of pyrolysis oils, the extensive work required for accurate substance identification, the sophisticated testing strategies needed to satisfy regulatory requirements and the implementation of the comprehensive information obligations associated with a REACH registration.

As a result, many organisations seek expert technical and regulatory support to ensure compliance while avoiding unnecessary delays and costs.

TÜV SÜD has extensive expertise in European chemicals legislation and supports manufacturers and importers throughout every stage of the compliance process. Its specialists help organisations determine which obligations apply under the REACH Regulation, the CLP Regulation and other relevant chemicals legislation before providing practical guidance on achieving compliance.

By combining technical knowledge with regulatory expertise, TÜV SÜD helps businesses successfully navigate increasingly complex chemicals legislation while supporting the wider transition towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient circular economy.

For more information about TÜV SÜD's REACH compliance services and regulatory support for manufacturers and importers, visit www.tuvsud.com/en/reach.