REACH: Restricted Substances in Furniture - M1 Upholstery

John Hubbard

John Hubbard, Technical Consultant, FIRA International (the service provider to the Furniture Industry Research Association).

John provides advice and guidance on the rapidly evolving legislation surrounding the safe use of chemicals in the industry and in furniture products used by consumers. As a Chartered Chemist John has been following the development of the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation (& Restriction) of Chemicals) legislation since its publication in 2006.

With over 30 years’ experience in research, testing, standards, legislation and materials. John will be offering training and support to customers on chemical issues that will impact the furniture industry going forward including REACH, Biocidal Products Regulation, General Product safety and changes to the requirements for flame retardants as well as considerations for indoor air quality including VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and formaldehyde emissions.

John has been heavily involved in the development standards and has sat on committees dealing with textiles, leathers and chemicals in products. He is currently President of the Society of Leather Technologists and Chemists (SLTC). He has travelled around the world providing training and has worked on development projects in Vietnam and Africa to address issues with technical barriers to trade around the issues of materials and chemicals testing

With this in depth background John is well placed to support the FIRA International’s customers as they seek to ensure compliance along the supply chain with the increasing demands of their customers not only for safe products but also for a respect for the environment with responsible use of chemicals in all stages of the manufacturing process.