REACH24H Strengthens Engagement at Helsinki Chemicals Forum 2026, Supporting Global Dialogue on Chemicals Management

Updated on Mar. 25th, 2026

REACH24H is pleased to announce its participation in the Helsinki Chemicals Forum (HCF) 2026, taking place on 15–16 April 2026 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.


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As a trusted partner since 2020, REACH24H has built a deep, collaborative relationship with HCF over the years, having co-organized the prestigious CRAC-HCF conference for two consecutive years. In 2026, REACH24H will join as a key partner, reaffirming its commitment to driving meaningful global industrial dialogue.

ChemLinked, the leading media platform under REACH24H, will serve as an official media partner to expand the forum’s global reach and engage a wider audience of chemical industry professionals worldwide.

Meanwhile, Raymond Ng, REACH24H EU Regional Director, will moderate the panel session Aligning Battery & Recycling Regulations to Maximize the Reuse of Critical Materials – focusing on advancing circular economy targets and critical raw material sustainability across Europe and the global market.

Helsinki Chemicals Forum (HCF) 2026: The Premier Global Stage for Chemical Safety and Management

The Helsinki Chemicals Forum (HCF) is an independent, non-profit forum founded by the Finnish Fair Foundation and the City of Helsinki, dedicated to promoting chemicals safety and chemicals management globally.

HCF 2026 brings together high-level representatives from international authorities and organizations, including the European Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), alongside industry leaders, policymakers, academics, NGOs, and media.

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Through high-level keynote speeches and panel discussions, the forum fosters meaningful dialogue and cross-sector collaboration on topics such as global regulatory developments, sustainable chemicals management, circular economy strategies, and transition toward safer alternatives, making it an essential platform for professionals navigating the evolving landscape of chemicals management.

What to Expect at HCF 2026

HCF 2026 will feature a series of high-level panel discussions addressing key challenges and transformations in the global chemicals industry, including:

Panel 1:  Aligning battery & recycling regulations to maximize the reuse of critical materials 

Moderator

Speakers

Raymond Ng, Director EU, ChemLinked & REACH24H


  • James Watson, Director General, European Metals

  • Ilka von Dalwigk, Director General, Recharge

  • Alexander Wielgos, Policy Officer, European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV), Circular Economy & Secondary Raw Materials Unit (online)

Panel 2: How can the chemicals industry help resolve the economic and triple environmental crises? 

Moderator

Speakers

Leigh Stringer, 

Managing Editor

of Chemical Watch, 

Enhesa

  • Kristin Schreiber, Director, Chemicals, Chemicals, Bioeconomy and Retail, DG GROW, European Commission  

  • Ralf Schulz, Head of Corporate Transformation Strategy, Sika

  • Joel Tickner, Professor of Public Health, Umass Lowell, Strategic Advisor for Change Chemistry

  • Tatiana Santos, Policy Manager, Chemicals & Nanotechnology, EEB


Panel 3: Stimulating substitution by regulatory and non-regulatory instruments 

Moderator

Speakers

Otto Linher, 

Senior Expert of 

the REACH Unit, 

DG GROW, 

European Commission 

  • René Korenromp, Policy co-ordinator, Dutch Ministry of the Infrastructure and the Environment 

  • Ian Cousins, Professor of Environmental Organic Chemistry, Stockholm and Lancaster Universities

  • Teresa Kjell, Head of Chemicals Policy, ChemSec 

  • Charlene Wall-Warren, Director Environmental Technologies, Apple


Panel 4: The role of the Science-Policy Panel in making the GFC a success

Moderator

Speakers

Jacqueline Alvarez, 

Chief of the Chemicals Branch, 

UNEP

  • Paul Speight, Head of Unit, Safe & Sustainable Chemicals, DG Environment, European Commission 

  • Erik Rushton, Director, Toxicology and Risk Communication, LyondellBasell 

  • Camilla Alexander-White, Lead Policy Advisor International Chemicals Policy, Royal Society of Chemistry, UK 

  • Lamin Jaiteh, Registrar of Pesticides and Hazardous Chemicals, National Environment Agency, The Gambia (online)


Panel 5: Challenges to implement the Commission’s roadmap to end animal testing 

Moderator

Speakers

Patience Browne, Principal Administrator, Environmental Directorate, OECD

  • Georg Streck, Policy officer, REACH Unit, DG GROW, European Commission 

  • Ofelia Bercaru, Director for Regulatory Cooperation, Biocides and Water, ECHA

  • Katia Lacasse, Cefic Senior Advisor  Product Stewardship Industry Co Chair of EPAA

  • Julia Pochat, Political Adviser, Chemicals Strategy, Eurogroup for Animals

Explore the full agenda and event details

Your Opportunity to Gain Insights and Connect in HCF 2026

HCF 2026 offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to engage directly with thought leaders, gain insights into regulatory trends, and explore sustainable practices within the chemicals industry.

Join us in person or online and be part of the conversations driving the future of chemicals management.

With Early Bird registration open until March 31, 2026, participants can secure their tickets at a discounted rate.


Ticket Type

Early Bird (until March 31)

Regular Price

2-day pass

€476 + VAT

€595 + VAT

1-day pass

€235 + VAT

€295 + VAT

Online 2-day ticket

€175 + VAT


Note: All in-person tickets include lunch, evening receptions, and access to the exhibition area. These benefits do not apply to the Online Pass.

Register now and join the conversation


Online Ticket Available: If you are unable to attend in person, an online attendance option is also available at the same rate. Online participants will gain access to on‑demand session recordings following the event, allowing flexible viewing at their convenience.

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