We are mainly affected by REACH as downstream users of chemicals and we therefore liaise closely with our suppliers of chemicals to ensure that they fulfil their obligation (towards REACH in particular) with regard to assurances that the chemicals we introduce in our products do not contain any “substances of high concern” in concentrations above the permitted level of 0.1%. Our centralised sourcing organisation provides us with an efficient way to accomplish this task.

Additionally, our kraft mills are themselves producers of chemicals (liquors, tall oil, tall oil soap, turpentine).

Early in 2009, SKG joined the different specific consortia which deal with the substances we need to register. Within these consortia our representatives participate actively in the preparation of the chemical safety assessment of these substances.

The due date of registration for some substances and some of our operations will be November 2010 and we are satisfied that we will be fully compliant.

SKG has appointed a REACH Implementation Specialist to ensure timely REACH compliance by all our EU operations. Duties include the careful assessment of the impact of the legislation on our business and our product portfolio.

The SKG REACH specialist’s main task is also to make available for our customers complete and updated information on the position of our products with regard to this regulation and is the contact person to respond to any further request.