Public Affairs

In February 2025, a strategic decision was made to merge two groups within ESIG to streamline member efforts and enhance efficiency. This merger aims to ensure well-balanced group sizes and a mix of strategic thinking, communication skills, and deep knowledge, which are crucial for producing high-quality, fact-based outputs for external communication. As agreed by the SC members, the advocacy and communication groups will be combined into a newly formed Public Affairs Group. To further strengthen this team, ESIG is actively seeking additional members with business and communication expertise, and members are encouraged to submit nominations for these roles.
The group’s primary goals include promoting the safe and sustainable use of solvents, ensuring regulatory compliance, and improving stakeholder communication.

People Behind the Solvents: ESIG Launches Profile Series on LinkedIn

Solvents are more than just chemicals – they represent the knowledge, commitment, and responsibility of the people who work with them. With the new LinkedIn series #PeopleBehindTheSolvents, ESIG is putting these personalities in the spotlight.

To kick off the series, ESIG introduces Rob Oades, the Chair and Senior Product Steward at Shell, with over 38 years of experience in the solvents industry. In his role, he is responsible for global product stewardship for solvents and EO/Glycols at Shell and is actively involved in associations such as ESIG and SIA.

With 38 years in the solvents industry, Rob leads global stewardship for solvents and EO/Glycols at Shell, and represents the company in various industry associations, including European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG) and Solvents Industry Association

Rob brings deep expertise and a strong sense of commitment to his role. Working with the association gives him a platform to highlight the essential role of solvents and promote their safe use through science-based regulation. He represents the industry with a clear, fact-based voice and always has fresh ideas.

💬 “Solvents are the unsung heroes of the chemical industry. They’re essential for so many everyday products — from paints and pharmaceuticals to cleaning products and cosmetics. For decades, I’ve been committed to promoting their safe use, ensuring that they’re regulated based on solid science, and helping the public understand their role in modern life.” Says Rob.

Stay tuned for more People Behind the Solvents!

ESIG Releases First Short Film in New Educational Series

On March 19th, 2025, ESIG released its first short film about solvents in the new educational series. The film, “Eco, Bio, Green—Do These Labels Mean ‘Safe’?”, features Sara, a young homeowner who is determined to renovate it in a safe and eco-friendly way. To do this, she consciously chooses products labelled “green,” “eco,” or “bio,” assuming they pose fewer risks to health and the environment.

But she quickly realises that terms like “green,” “eco,” or “bio” do not automatically guarantee that a product is safer. An “eco” labelled brush cleaner can still pose risks. The safety of a substance depends on its molecular, chemical structure and specific properties – not just its origin or green claims.

This short film highlights the importance of product labelling and explains why it is crucial not to rely solely on buzzwords like “eco.” When purchasing products, it is essential to read the safety labels carefully and protect yourself properly – only then can you act safely and sustainably.

ESIG developed this film to promote a scientifically sound approach to product safety and sustainability and to support consumers in making informed decisions about solvents and other chemical products.

Stay tuned: A second film is already in production ….

Showcasing the Essential Benefits of Solvents: Insights for 2025

Since March 2023, we have regularly showcased solvents’ essential benefits across various industries and applications. Our campaign aims to demonstrate how solvents contribute to the objectives of the Green Deal. Already 30 applications have been presented, with more to follow.

Plastic Recycling

Solvents enable targeted purification and high-quality recycling, which is central to the circular economy. By selectively dissolving target materials, solvents facilitate efficient separation and purification processes. This closed-loop system not only minimizes solvent waste but also promotes resource efficiency and significantly reduces environmental impact.

Hairsprays

In the cosmetics industry, solvents play a crucial role in the formulation of hairsprays. They ensure quick drying and reliable hold, making a vital contribution to product quality. Solvents are carefully selected to ensure compatibility with both the hairspray’s formula and its propellant, enabling the product to deliver consistent and reliable performance.

Membrane Production

Without solvents, there would be no asymmetric membranes, which are crucial for modern water treatment. Solvents are essential in the production of these membranes, enabling the creation of structures that are vital for effective water filtration and treatment processes.

Electronics Manufacturing

In semiconductor technology, solvents ensure precise cleaning of microchips, forming the foundation for high-tech. Solvents are indispensable in the electronics industry, where they are used to clean and prepare surfaces, ensuring the reliability and performance of electronic components.

More examples to follow – stay tuned!

Is your example or application missing? Drop us a message!
Email to info@esig.org  

On October 23, 2023, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) launched its new campaign titled “Healthy Workplaces – Managing Digitalisation” for the period 2023–2025. This campaign focuses on ensuring safe and healthy work environments during the digital transformation. It aims to raise awareness about the opportunities and challenges of digital technologies in the workplace and provides a platform for sharing best practices in occupational safety and health (OSH).

For the fourth time, ESIG joined the EU OSHA campaign to promote safer and healthier workplaces, and was honoured with the official certificate for its contribution to the Safety@Work initiative.

For more information about the campaign and how to get involved, you can visit the EU-OSHA website.