UCT Chemical Network
The Chemical Network aims to facilitate sharing knowledge and resources for the sound management of chemicals and waste to foster a toxic-free future.
The Division of Environmental Health (DEH) launched the University of Cape Town's (UCT) Chemical Network in 2020, building on the success of the Pesticide Network. Funded by the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI), it aims to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and resources for the sound management of chemicals and waste to foster a toxic-free future. The network provides a platform where stakeholders engage and discuss key and emerging issues related to the sound management of chemicals and waste. The focus is particularly on capacity-building with regulators, academics, NGOs and others in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
This network aims to establish a platform where stakeholders engage and discuss key issues affecting sound chemicals and waste management in their countries in the hopes of building the capacity of LMICs on chemicals and waste management practices.
The Chemical Network hosts online discussions throughout the year that engage network members from all sectors and regions worldwide on topics around chemicals, and waste management. It also produces a newsletter to provide access to the latest research, policy initiatives, resources, and training opportunities particularly relevant for LMICs.
These non-partisan discussions, presented by subject matter experts, offer a platform for knowledge and experience exchange to take place between stakeholders from every country and sector present. In addition to these discussions, a newsletter is sent out before each discussion. The Chemical Network newsletter includes an editorial outlining the topic of the upcoming discussion and also has a curated selection of the latest news, research, guidelines, and opportunities related to chemicals and waste.
After each discussion, a summary is produced to encompass what was discussed and key takeaway points.
Topics previously covered include: understanding stakeholders’ responsibility for Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Plastics, the Africa Group Proposal for the development of an International Code of Conduct, and concepts in the informed substitution and alternative assessment of chemicals.
To join the Chemical Network, click here.
Past issues resources
- 14 November 2024: Finding Sustainable Approaches to Communicating Chemical Risks
- Newsletter
- Digest (coming soon)
- PowerPoint presentation
- Recording
- 21 August 2024: Chemicals and Climate Change
- 13 June 2024: Mercury in Skin-Lightening Products
- 28 March 2024: Chemicals in Plastics
- 08 February 2024: Domestic Financing of Chemicals and Waste Management
Closed
- 06 November 2023: Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Plastics – Who’s responsibility are they anyway?
- Newsletter
- Digest: EN
- PowerPoint presentation
- Recording
- 15 September 2023: The Africa Group Proposed the development of an International Code of Conduct on Chemicals and Waste Management.
- 08 August 2023: The Global Transition to Mercury Free Lighting.
- Newsletter
- Digest: EN
- PowerPoint presentation
- Recording
- 27 June 2023: Accelerating Innovation to drive the Informed Substitution of Chemicals of Concern.
- 18 April 2023: Discussing the elements and process of developing an International Code of Conduct on Chemicals and Waste Management.
- Digest: EN | FR
- PowerPoint presentation
- Recording
- 07 March 2023: Issues Related to Domestic/National Financing Chemicals and Waste Management.
- Newsletter
- Digest: EN | FR
- PowerPoint presentation
- Recording
Closed
- 6 December 2022: Chemicals Risk Management: Utilising chemicals control and risk reduction tools.
- Newsletter
- Digest: EN | FR
- PowerPoint presentation
- Recording
- 18 October 2022: Risk communication, a tool to achieve sound management of chemicals.
- Newsletter
- Digest: EN | FR
- PowerPoint presentation
- Recording
- 23 August 2022: Chemicals and Climate Change.
- Newsletter
- Digest: EN | FR
- PowerPoint presentation
- Recording
- 18 June 2022: E-waste and circular economy – the underestimated challenge and potential.
- 05 April 2022: Transfer of information in connection with import of chemicals and its implications on classification and labelling of chemicals.
- Newsletter
- Digest: EN | FR
- PowerPoint presentation
- Recording
- 15 February 2022: Safe handling of mercury as hazardous substance and wastes since Minamata convention entered in force.
- Newsletter
- Digest: FR | EN
- PowerPoint presentation
- Recording
Closed
- 5 October 2021: Chemicals registration and monitoring
- Newsletter
- Digest: EN | FR
- PowerPoint presentation
- 8 September 2021: Chemicals risk communication
- Digest: EN | FR
- PowerPoint presentation
- 1 June 2021: The role of industry in enhancing GHS implementation
- Digest: EN | FR | Spanish
- PowerPoint presentation
- 29 April 2021: GHS advocacy case studies and lessons learnt
- Digest: EN | FR
- PowerPoint presentation
- 02 February 2021: Understanding the EU's 2020 Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) and the implications for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
- Digest: EN | FR
- PowerPoint presentation
Closed
- 11 December 2020: African government experiences in GHS implementation
- 6 October 2020: GHS mapping session
- 22 September 2020: Differences and similarities between chemicals and pesticide legislation
Closed
Policy Briefs
Factsheets
