Making REACH Part of Innovation: Key Messages from Graphene Week 2026
As graphene and other advanced 2D materials move towards industrial applications, regulatory readiness is becoming an essential part of successful innovation. At Graphene Week 2026, a dedicated REACH Workshop brought together regulators, industry representatives and researchers to explore the challenges companies face in navigating REACH requirements and identify ways to support a smoother path from research to commercialisation. The discussions underlined the importance of early preparation, reliable data and collaboration in ensuring that regulatory considerations keep pace with technological development.
As graphene and other 2D materials move closer to wider industrial use, understanding regulatory requirements is becoming increasingly important. This was one of the main messages of the REACH Workshop at Graphene Week 2026, where representatives from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and other stakeholders discussed the challenges of bringing advanced materials to market.
The workshop highlighted one key point: regulatory requirements should be considered from the beginning of the innovation process, not only when a product is ready for the market.
Understanding the challenges faced by companies
A survey of 22 companies showed that many find REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) complex and difficult to navigate. While some companies called for clearer guidance and more practical support, others highlighted the time, costs, and administrative work needed to meet regulatory requirements.
The importance of data and collaboration
The workshop also highlighted several ways to improve regulatory readiness. Better information about the properties of materials, supported by reliable data, is needed to help assess their safety and meet regulatory requirements.
Collaboration is another important part of the solution. Registration consortia and existing networks can help companies share knowledge, work together, and address common challenges. Closer cooperation between industry, researchers, and regulators can also make it easier to understand what information is needed and how to prepare it.
Another important challenge is ensuring that regulatory requirements are considered alongside the practical steps involved in scaling up production and commercialising advanced materials. Integrating these considerations into the innovation process can help companies prepare for the regulatory aspects of bringing new materials to industrial use.
Preparing for the future of advanced materials
Preparing for the next generation of graphene, 2D materials, and other advanced materials requires early attention to regulatory readiness. Collaboration between industry, regulators, and research organisations can help companies better understand these requirements and prepare for future commercialisation.
The workshop highlighted the importance of making regulatory readiness part of the innovation process. By sharing knowledge, improving access to guidance, and working together from an early stage, stakeholders can support innovation while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Speakers and moderator at the REACH Workshop during Graphene Week 2026. From left to right: Stephen Hodge (Cambridge Advanced Materials), Blanca Suárez-Merino (Nanotechnology Industries Association), Radek Bombera (ECHA), and Jörg Radnek (BAM).