The European Union’s new Drinking Water Directive (DWD) brings fresh challenges for industry alongside real benefits for people and the environment.
Among other things, it introduces a positive list (EU-PL) of chemicals approved for use in plastics and other materials in contact with drinking water. The list holds 2,042 substances, each with an expiry date — around 600 expire on 31 December 2028. To keep a substance listed, a dossier covering toxicology, migration into drinking water, and risk assessment must be submitted one year ahead, preceded by a Declaration of Intent. In short, the clock is already running.
After months of planning and discussions with key stakeholders across the value chain, Kiwa is launching a consortium to address the global need to keep substances on the EU-PL. The main benefits: lower costs by sharing existing data and new studies among members, and stronger advocacy with ECHA through the weight of a large membership, as well as access to the unique expertise available. The core of the consortium is unique: A confidential way for all partners in the value chain to cooperate without disclosing business secrets.
Kiwa, as the leading certification body for materials in contact with drinking water, has access to many substance and material producers and has built a strong team with technical, financial, and consortium experience. Interest from industry has been high, and Kiwa will also work with relevant trade associations and other stakeholders.
Linmark Consulting, together with GNG, is pleased to support Kiwa — alongside other cost-effective, quality external resources — in the migration studies, risk assessments and dossier creation needed to meet the requirements.
Kiwa and partners GNG, Linmark Consulting, and colleagues will be at the Drinking Water Symposium in Brussels on 17 June.
You’re welcome to contact me at martin.richards@linmarkconsulting.com or Kiwa directly. We’re happy to arrange a video call with you or the wider group, whatever suits.