Hungarian Webinar Spotlights Best Practices in Chemical Safety
On 16th September 2025, the Hungarian KÖVET Association for Sustainable Economies hosted a professional webinar entitled International and Domestic Best Practices in Chemical Management. The event was organized within the framework of the LIFE Fit for REACH 2 project, which KÖVET joined in 2024. The initiative aims to promote more conscious use of chemicals, the substitution of hazardous substances, and the advancement of sustainable practices in business operations.
The webinar opened with a presentation by Katalin Herner, Executive Director of KÖVET, who outlined the project framework, the Association’s role, and the results achieved to date. Following this, Tamás Kovács, REACH and PIC Officer at NNGYK’s Department of Chemical Safety and Competent Authorities, introduced EU and national regulations on chemicals. He highlighted the authority’s Chemical Safety Newsletter as well as the REACH/CLP/Biocides Helpdesks, which provide valuable guidance for companies.
International case studies followed. Two partner companies shared how, with expert support through the project, they had already achieved measurable results: reducing waste and costs, minimizing risks to worker health, and identifying safer chemical alternatives.
Piret Lille, Environmental Engineer at Scanfil, presented the efforts of the Estonian electronics manufacturer. Over the years, Scanfil has evolved from a Finnish sheet metal producer into a global manufacturing and system supply partner. Through the project, the company has introduced an electronic chemical management system (iChemistry), implemented safety improvements in its electroplating department, and tested robotic soldering equipment to reduce worker exposure to toxic gases. Solvents in the electronics department were successfully substituted, and nitro solvent equipment was replaced with a closed system. However, certain challenges remained, such as the unsuccessful replacement of surface treatment chemicals due to reduced efficiency.
Dr. Zane Grigale-Sorocina, Chemical Engineer at Kinetics Nail Systems, a Latvian manufacturer of nail polish and hand care products, highlighted their progress in chemical safety. Their key objective was to eliminate substances harmful to human health and the environment. With the support of international experts, they successfully phased out three raw materials—HPMA, TPO, and TMPTA—and developed a multi-year substitution plan. The mandatory removal of TPO as of 1st September created significant industry-wide discussions, including in Hungary.
The program then turned to Hungarian best practices. Two KÖVET member companies shared solutions applicable across multiple sectors, aligning with the Fit for REACH project’s objectives:
Ferenc Márton (NUXON) presented chemical-free technologies for industrial degreasing, air treatment in offices and public buildings, and applications in animal husbandry—offering effective alternatives that reduce chemical exposure.
Amadea Nagy (O3 Zone Kft.), the official Hungarian partner of Tersano Inc., introduced a stabilized ozone water solution for chemical-free cleaning. This technology can reduce chemical use by 80–90%, leaves no corrosion or residues, complies with WELL, LEED, GreenSeal, and TÜV certifications, and produces no waste as the solution is generated on-site.
Participants received valuable insights along with a copy of the Chemical Risk Management Handbook for Mixing Manufacturers, prepared by project partners.
The LIFE Fit for REACH 2 project remains open for new participants, and applications from companies are warmly welcomed.