News

RPA leads the ADCR Consortium to re-authorisations of Cr(VI) with 12 years review periods

RPA leads the Aerospace and Defence Chromates Reauthorisation (ADCR) Consortium, where the first positive authorisation decisions have recently been adopted in both EU and in the UK. These decisions are welcomed by the 68 ADCR Members.

Criminal offences expanded in the new EU Directive on Environmental Protection

To address the escalating threat of environmental crimes, the European Union enacted Directive (EU) 2024/1203 in March 2024, replacing previous 2008 / 2009 Directives. 

Study assessing the impact of the European Commission’s Diversity and Inclusion policies

RPA B Corp Annual Impact Report

RPA publishes Chromates Restriction Factsheet

RPA and the Global Service Providers Guide 2024

RPA report contributes to Royal Society of Chemistry’s request for a UK Chemicals Agency

Publication of the consultation for Alternative Transitional Registration model (ATRm) for UK REACH.

ECHA to extend scope of Chromium substances restriction proposal

Following the updated mandate from the European Commission, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) will prepare a REACH restriction proposal on Chromium (VI) substances.

RPA Market Access Guide for EHCA’s 12th Recommendation List consultation for five substances

RPA makes available it Market Access Guide for ECHA's 12th Recommendation List, and a public consultation will commence, do not hesitate to contact RPA for our expert advice

ECHA launches Recommendation List consultation for five substances

Today, 8 February 2024, ECHA published its 12th Recommendation List, and a public consultation will commence, do not hesitate to contact RPA for our expert advice

ECHA opens call for evidence on Chromium substances

RPA has gained ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems Certification

RPA Ltd is Now ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Added clarity on the future of PVC and its additives in EU

RPA work at the forefront of EU and UK policy, following updates from regulators across both regions. An area of particular interest recently has been ECHA’s investigation into PVC and its additives

UK alternative REACH registration model

Today, 9 November, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs announced a significant policy direction that promises to reshape the landscape of chemical regulations in Great Britain. In the wake of the UK's departure from the EU, the government has been actively working to maintain high standards of human health and environmental protection through its independent chemical regulatory framework, UK REACH.

Restriction proposal on Chromium substances coming

In a mandate from the EC, dated 27 September 2023, ECHA is asked to prepare an Annex XV restriction dossier on certain chromium (VI) substances

RPA one of the suppliers to OPSS Research Collaboration Network Framework

RPA is one of the winning suppliers in the recently published OPSS Research Collaboration Network Framework

External Specialists Sales Support

At RPA, we are dedicated to evolving our sales procedures and overall customer experience to ensure continued growth and excellence. To achieve this goal, we are seeking to collaborate with an external specialist possessing expertise in enhancing our business’s products, services, and processes.

RPA is now 100% employee owned

We are very pleased to announce - We are now 100% employee owned!!

Evaluation of the Early Transition from EU REACH to UK REACH

RPA has recently completed work with Defra, UK government departments and agencies on an evaluation of the early transition from EU REACH to UK REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals).

RPA becomes recognized research entity of Eurostat

Risk & Policy Analysts (RPA) is delighted to announce its new status as a recognized research entity by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Embracing Employee Ownership for a thriving culture

Being employee-owned supports the strong sense of unity and purpose already existing within our organisation.

RPA Ltd – Officially Certified as a B Corporation

We are excited to announce that Risk & Policy Analysts (RPA) has achieved the status of being a Certified B Corporation in May 2023.

RPA supports ECHA by assessing EU accession countries preparedness for EU chemicals news

In 2021 RPA and RPA Europe were contracted by ECHA to assess the regulatory preparedness of five EU accession countries, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Turkey to implement the EU's chemicals laws

RPA and RPA Europe’s new report on the Product Lifecycles, Waste Recycling and the Circular Economy for Nanomaterials

This report covers ten main topics including Waste streams containing nanomaterials and Behaviour and fate of nanomaterials in waste processes.

RPA’s joint report with RPA Europe on Chemical Recycling of Polymeric Materials from Waste in the Circular Economy published!

The purpose of the study was to investigate the current state of knowledge regarding the chemical recycling of polymeric materials (such as plastics and rubber) from waste.

Evaluation of the Covid-19 Rapid Response Grant Programme

Key points considered within the study included the grant’s impact on retention of jobs, creation of new employment, increased profits, links with local communities, and increased awareness of locally caught seafood. The Fishmongers’ Company has published the report highlights in their article ‘Making a difference when the world changed – how our Covid-19 Rapid Response Grants landed in the seafood community’ with links to the final report and executive summary developed by RPA.

Sky Ocean Rescue and WWF – UK’s Value of Restored UK Seas report now

Sky Ocean Rescue and WWF-UK held a launch event for the Value of Restored UK Seas report on the 14th of January 2021, based upon a report delivered to the clients by RPA.

RPA has achieved Cyber Essentials PLUS Certification

Cyber Essentials is a Government-backed scheme that helps to protect organisations against a range of cyber attacks. By having passed it, and achieving the PLUS level of certification, RPA is pleased to note that our systems are highly sdecure versus any potential threat of cyber attack, and can assure clients that our work continues to be conducted with the utmost protection. 

We’ve moved office!

We’ve got a big announcement here at RPA.

RPA’s Peer-Reviewed Study on Japanese Knotweed has now been published!

Invasive knotweeds are some of the most pernicious invasive plants across the world, with Japanese knotweed being the most common and problematic knotweed within the UK, having been introduced in the mid-1900s as an ornamental plant.

Awareness of property flood resilience survey

Risk & Policy Analysts and RAB Consultants are carrying out a study for the Environment Agency on resilience to flooding. The study includes a survey to collect the views and opinions of anyone working or living in Hertfordshire, Dorset and North Lincolnshire.

Aerospace & Defence Chromates Reauthorisation Consortium article published

Chemical Watch published an article on the Aerospace & Defence Chromates Reauthorisation Consortium (on 8 August).

RPA’s Covid-19 CO2 Emissions Savings

Covid-19 has affected all of humanity in unprecedented ways. The global pandemic has driven a global economic crisis that has resulted in mass unemployment and a looming global food shortage, with devastating famines expected in Africa. The virus has hit the most vulnerable the hardest. Refugees, the homeless and those living in slums cannot self-isolate while the elderly and other high-risk groups may have to shield themselves for many months to come. Many health systems are at breaking point and over 238,000 people (as of 3rd May 2020) have lost their lives.

RPA’s study on the selection of risk management options for the Nickel Institute has now been published

Building on its positive experiences gained in relation to the EU RMOA process, the Nickel Institute contracted RPA to undertake an assessment to explore how a select (albeit non-exhaustive) number of non-EU jurisdictions with fully developed and multifaceted chemicals management systems assess whether risk management measures are required, and if so, which options are most appropriate.

RPA Coronavirus Business Statement

RPA have published their business continuity statement regarding Covid-19.

RPA report for DIGITALEUROPE on the Common Charger now published

RPA is pleased to announce that its study for DIGITALEUROPE on the Common Mobile Phone Charger has now been published.

Royal Society of Chemistry’s report ‘A Chemicals Strategy for a Sustainable Chemicals Revolution’ published

RPA is pleased to announce that the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) have published their report based upon work conducted by Meg Postle of RPA and RPA Associate Anthony Footitt.

RPA to undertake a scoping study on international approaches to Japanese knotweed in the context of property sales

RPA, Dr Daniel Jones from Advanced Invasives and Russell Hewitson, an Associate Professor at Northumbria Law School, have been commissioned by Defra to undertake a scoping study on international approaches to Japanese knotweed in the context of property sales.

Aerospace and Defence Chromates Reauthorisation (ADCR) Consortium announces second webinar series

Two webinars will be held in early November and will focus on the ADCR, and its activities.

ECHA Proposes 18 Substances for Authorisation

ECHA has published its ninth recommendation to the European Commission prioritising 18 SVHCs to be added to the REACH Authorisation list (Annex XIV).

ADCR Inaugural Meeting

The launch meeting of the newly formed Aerospace and Defence Chromates Re-authorisation (ADCR) Consortium was held in Brussels on the 20 September to mark the start of the work towards new and repeat Authorisation applications, the first time on a sectoral basis.

RPA’s report for the European Union Observatory on Nanomaterials has been published!

A study commissioned by the EU nanomaterials observatory has found that the current EU regulatory framework for characterising and identifying “next generation” nanomaterials is able to address the majority of them and that no significant changes will be needed in the near future.

RPA takes part in the big butterfly count

In the height of the summer heatwave, RPA employees ventured out to survey the abundant butterfly populations in the in the RPA grounds. 

AUG Aerospace and Defence Chromates Reauthorisation (ADCR) Consortium announce webinars dates

As part of its outreach efforts, the Aerospace and Defence Chromates Reauthorisation (ADCR) Consortium will be delivering webinars on 3 September and 11 September where the scope of the re-Authorisation work will be discussed, the key principles will be explained and the next steps will be laid out.

RPA published in Chemical Watch

As a follow up from RPA’s presentation to the Chemical Watch Biocides Symposium 2019 in Rome.

REACH Authorisation: Favourable opinions and long review period recommended for SPOLANA S.R.O.

ECHA’s Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) have recently published their final ‘combined’ opinion on the use of trichloroethylene (TCE) as an extraction solvent in the manufacture of caprolactam (a polymer precursor).

RPA celebrates Employee Ownership Day 2019!

Risk & Policy Analysts Ltd (RPA) celebrates UK Employee Ownership Day – 28th June 2019

RPA is hiring!

RPA is hiring for a significant number of new roles

RPA named to Norfolk and Suffolk’s 2019 ‘Future50’!

RPA has been inducted into the 2019 Class of the Future50 programme

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce statement on RPA’s transition to employee ownership

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce have published an article on RPA's employee ownership trust.

High hopes for Norfolk firm after sale to its employees

Loddon-based Risk & Policy Analysts (RPA) has used existing cash reserves to purchase the business from owners Pete Floyd and Meg Postle.

RPA Employee Ownership Trust Press Release

RPA’s report on public procurement published

The Remedies Directives set minimum national review standards to ensure that rapid and effective means of redress are available in all EU countries when an economic operator that has an interest in a public procurement procedure believes that it has been run without proper application of the EU Public Procurement Directives.

New study on chemicals

The research will consist of baseline data collection and analysis relating to the operations of chemicals businesses before EU Exit (to be completed by the end of March 2019), and follow-up data collection and analysis at various stages post EU Exit.

RPA contribute to EFSA study

EFSA have recently concluded their study into the risk for animal and human health related to the presence of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in feed and food.

RPA’s report on Detergents (Regulation (EC) No 648/2004) now published!

We are very pleased to announce that the European Commission has now published our report.

RPA appointed to NHS Shared Business Services Framework for Multidisciplinary Consultancy Services

RPA is delighted to be one of the consultancies selected by the UK's NHS to be a part of the National Health Services' Shared Business Services Framework for Multidisciplinary Consultancy Services until 2022.

Consultation on Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and PFHxS-related substances

Risk & Policy Analysts (RPA), together with Arche Consulting have been contracted by the Norwegian Environment Agency to collect information on Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and PFHxS-related substances for a proposed REACH restriction and also for the upcoming Stockholm Convention process, for adding PFHxS and PFHxS related substances to the Stockholm Convention for Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Meg Postle presents on “The Economic Benefits of the Use of Manganese Slags” at the IMnI (International Manganese Institute) 2018 Conference

Meg Postle, one of our founding directors with over thirty years' experience in economics-based consultancy, spoke at the June 2018 gathering of the IMnI in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

HFO refrigerants study published

The latest amendment to the Montreal Protocol took place in Kigali, Rwanda in 2016 and introduced a phase-down schedule for HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons). 

RPA to review flood risk benefits assessment for a local authority

RPA has been commissioned by a local authority to carry out a review of a flood risk benefits assessment for a potential development site.

Continued Authorisation success for RPA chromate clients

Following on from six favourable European Commission summary decisions for RPA’s Sodium Dichromate Authorisation Consortium (SDAC) clients, published on 14 June 2017.

RPA’s guidance for biodiversity duty reporting has been published

Scotland has a wealth of wildlife and natural environments that provide a multitude of benefits to the Scottish people on a daily basis. 

Deadline extended on our Occupational Exposure Limits questionnaires

A consortium comprising RPA Risk & Policy Analysts (United Kingdom), FoBiG Forschungs- und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe (Germany), COWI (Denmark), and EPRD Office for Economic Policy and Regional Development (Poland) has been contracted by the European Commission (DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion) to carry out a study to support a possible amendment of Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work.

Non-toxic environment study published

The study supports the Commission with its development of the strategy by providing a comprehensive overview of the state of play.

RPA to carry out study on the use of Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs)

RPA has been awarded a contract by the Norwegian Environment Agency to carry out a study bringing together knowledge relating to the use of Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs).

More REACH Authorisation Success for RPA clients

On 14 June 2017, the European Commission published summary decisions on Applications for Authorisation submitted by Electroquimica De Harnani S.A., Kemira Chemicals Oy, Solvay Portugal – Produtos Quimicos S.A., Ercros S.A. and CAFFARO BRESCIA S.r.l.

We are hiring!

RPA report the basis of stakeholder consultation on MCCPs in electrical and electronic equipment

RPA has supported the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI) by preparing a two-phase impact assessment which looked into the implications of a restriction on the use of medium-chained chlorinated paraffins (MCCP) in electrical and electronic equipment under Article 6(1) of the RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU).

REACH Authorisation Success for Rimex Metals as Annex XIV updated

On 24 May 2017, the European Commission published their summary decision on Rimex Metals (UK) Ltd’s Application for the Authorisation of chromium trioxide as an oxidising and hardening agent in the manufacture of coloured stainless steel. 

REACH Authorisation List updated

An update to Annex XIV of REACH (the Authorisation list) has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Only 9 days left to pre-register low tonnage substances

The final registration deadline for existing chemicals manufactured or imported in the EU/EEA from 1 to 100 tonnes a year is on 31 May 2018.

OECD releases report on the Economic Features of Chemical Leasing

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published a report prepared by RPA on the economic features of the Chemical Leasing model.

ECHA seminar focuses on key REACH Authorisation issues

On 18-19 April 2017, RPA Technical Director Linda-Jean Cockcroft attended ECHA’s Helsinki based Seminar on Applications for Authorisation.  As well as addressing application strategy and evaluation, the seminar included a Q&A session on the main issues brought by the participants.

Environmental Audit Committee Report

The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has published its report into the Future of Chemicals Regulation following the planned exit of the UK from the EU.  RPA's Meg Postle was specialist adviser to the Committee.

Imminent decision on the formal amendment of Annex XIV of REACH

On 8 December 2016, the EU REACH Committee voted in favour of a draft act proposing the addition of 12 substances to the REACH Authorisation list.

Findings from RPA’S study on human biomonitoring data is published by EFSA

Risk & Policy Analysts Ltd (RPA), together with IEH Consulting Limited (IEH) and Health & Safety Laboratory (HSL), were contracted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to review available information on human biomonitoring (HBM) studies of pesticides (or metabolites) in occupational settings, in the EU/US, and collect data from HBM studies and surveillance programmes.

Regulatory fitness of the chemicals legislation framework study is published

As part of the REFIT programme, the European Commission launched a fitness check on chemicals legislation (excluding REACH). 

Vacancies – we are hiring!

We are seeking to employ up to 5 individuals (with a right to work in the UK) who have the desire and ability to assist in such work across our client base.

RPA article published in the Journal of Neurotoxicology

In 2013/14, Risk & Policy Analysts Ltd undertook the first global study on the socio-economic value of Manganese (Mn).

REACH Authorisation: Positive Opinions for Dow and EDCAC members

ECHA’s Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) have recently published their final ‘combined’ opinion on the industrial use of 1,2-Dichloroethane (EDC) as a sulphonation swelling agent of polystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymer beads in the production of strong acid cation exchange resins.

Meg Postle appointed as Specialist Advisor

We are pleased to announce that Meg Postle, RPA Director.

Proud to announce we are now a Bramble Hub partner!

RPA is proud to announce that we are now a Bramble Hub partner with access to Crown Commercial Service Frameworks.

Open Public Consultation for the Fitness check of REACH

The European Commission (DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs and DG Environment) has launched the Open Public Consultation for the Fitness check of REACH.

Linda-Jean Cockcroft to speak at the 2017 Chemical Watch Global Business Summit

RPA is pleased to announce that Linda-Jean Cockcroft, Technical Director of Business, Industry & Growth, will be speaking at the 2017 Chemical Watch Global Business Summit in Amsterdam.

Open consultation on the Consumer Rights Directive

Risk & Policy Analysts Ltd (RPA), together with CSES and EPRD, has been contracted by the European Commission (DG Justice) to support the evaluation of the Consumer Rights Directive (Directive 2011/83/EU).

RPA to present at the London Flood and Land Remediation Expos

RPA’s Technical Director Teresa Fenn and Senior Consultant Elizabeth Daly will be presenting at the Flood and Land Remediation Expos in London on 12th and 13th October 2016. 

One month left to participate in the regulatory fitness of chemicals legislation consultation

The open public consultation on the regulatory fitness of chemicals legislation (excluding REACH) will close on 27th May 2016.  

RPA awarded another Coal Authority mine water benefits assessment

RPA has been commissioned by the Coal Authority to assess the benefits of the Strafford mine water treatment scheme near Dodworth in South Yorkshire.

Second phase consultation for a Proposal for RoHS Restriction of the Use of MCCP in EEE launched today

RPA launches the second phase of the public consultation supporting the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI) in its preparation of a RoHS Annex II dossier for the restriction of use of MCCP in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).

Environment Agency publishes report on the costs and impacts of the winter 2013-14 floods

The total economic damages for England and Wales from the winter 2013 to 2014 floods are estimated at between £1,000 million and £1,500 million, with a best estimate of £1,300 million. The largest proportion of flood damages were to residential properties, which experienced 25% of the total damages.

RPA to evaluate biodiversity duty reporting in Scotland

Scotland has a wealth of wildlife and natural environments which provide a multitude of benefits to the Scottish people on a daily basis.

Assistance for implementation of several chemicals legislations

RPA has been selected as one of three framework contractors for the European Commission (DG Environment) to provide scientific and technical assistance for the implementation of several chemicals legislations.

Sustainable Industrial Policy and Construction framework contract

RPA has been selected as a framework contractor for the European Commission (DG GROW)

Results of our project on the winter floods

We are pleased to announce that our abstract “The costs and impacts of the winter 2013/14 floods in England and Wales” has been accepted for the advance programme for the Flood & Coast 2016 event at Telford International Centre from 23-25 February 2015.

Consultation for a Proposal for RoHS Restriction of the Use of MCCP in EEE launched today

RPA launches the first phase of the public consultation supporting the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI) in its preparation of a RoHS Annex II dossier for the restriction of use of MCCP in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).

RPA shares REACH Authorisation experiences in prominent periodical

A guest article formulated by RPA and their Authorisation associates, FoBiG, features in this month’s volume of Nachrichten aus der Chemie, the magazine of the German Chemical Society (GDCh).  Nachrichten aus der Chemie has the highest sold circulation of any journal for chemistry in Germany, reaching GDCh’s 30,000 members and approximately 50,000 other readers.

Threshold for SVHCs applies to components in articles

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has just published the ruling on the 0.1% threshold for notifying SVHCs in articles applies to each of the articles incorporated as a component of a complex product rather than to the article as a whole.

Teresa Fenn to speak on coastal change

The coast of today will not be the coast of the future.  This is the topic of a conference organised by CIWEM in Cambridge on the 6th October 2015.

New project on the fitness of chemicals legislation

The Commission recently conducted a review of the REACH Regulation and one of its findings was that SMEs find REACH burdensome and difficult to implement.

Welcome to new staff members!

We have five new members of staff joining our team.

REACH Authorisation:ECHA committees recommend 12 year review period for Grupa Azoty S.A.

ECHA’s Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) have recently published their final ‘combined’ opinion on the industrial use of trichloroethylene as a process chemical in caprolactam purification.

Manganese alloy slag in cement production offers potential for CO2 savings

Cement plays a vital role in meeting society's needs for housing and infrastructure. 

Linda-Jean Cockcroft joins RPA

Linda-Jean has joined RPA as Technical Director - Business, Industry & Growth and will be working on REACH, other chemicals legislation and more broadly to support RPA’s work in the fields of impact assessment and policy analysis for the European Commission and national authorities.

European Commission publishes RPA’s report on SME resource efficiency

The aim of this study was to provide evidence to inform discussions on a potential investment plan for SMEs, within the context of the EU Agenda for Green Growth and Jobs, and the European Semester 2015 exercise. 

RPA celebrating 25 years

RPA is celebrating 25 years

Environment Agency and Defra commission RPA to undertake a cost evaluation of the 2013-2014 UK winter floods.

RPA has been commissioned by the Environment Agency and Defra to lead a study to establish the range of impacts and calculate the financial and economic damages resulting from the flooding in England and Wales during the winter of 2013-2014.  Work is already underway and is expected for completion by spring 2015.

RPA’s work on the LEED toolkit has been published!

RPA, in conjunction with Natural England, undertook a study to determine the opportunities and threats to the local economy as a result of its environmental dependencies.

EU Commission launches major REACH impacts study

A study that aims to evaluate the impact of REACH on the operational conditions and structure of chemical and downstream industries has been launched by the European Commission's industry directorate, DG Growth.

Defra published RPA’s reports on IDBs

These reports were commissioned to establish methods and tools to enable Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) to identify the range of beneficiaries of their work, and to quantify the benefits they provide.

Implementing the EU strategy on EDCs

The European Commission's Directorate General for the Environment (DGEnv) has awarded the Framework Contract on the implementation of the EU strategy on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which was agreed at the 7th environmental action programme.

Denmark launches substitution programme for SMEs

RPA is working on the economics component, developing guidance on business models for the circular economy.

Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (the CPR)

The Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 (the CPR) was published in April 2011 and repealed the Construction Products Directive (the CPD).

DG ENTR publishes mobile phone charger harmonisation report

The EU Bookshop has published RPA's study for the European Commission's Directorate General for Enterprise and Industry on the impact of the MoU on harmonisation of chargers for mobile telephones and to assess possible future options.

Marine Management Organisation publish marine planning guidance report

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has published a guidance report to support the implementation of marine planning policies for socio-economics, tourism and seascape (Fugro, Amalgam Landscape, Risk & Policy Analysts).

Nanomaterials on the EU Market

The EC's Directorate General for Enterprise and Industry has commissioned RPA and BiPRO GmbH to undertake a study to support the Commission on the preparation of an impact assessment to identify and develop the most adequate way to increase transparency and ensure regulatory oversight for nanomaterials.

Environment Agency re-commissions RPA consultancy on major Economics Framework

Risk & Policy Analysts (RPA) have again been awarded a place on the Environment Agency’s National Framework Agreement for Applied Environmental Economics. In 2009, RPA were also successful contractors on the previous EA Environmental Economics Framework, which this new commission succeeds.