Alternative Methods
Like all product manufacturers, Henkel bears responsibility for safety, health and environment during production, distribution and application of its products. In order to fulfill this manufacturer responsibility, a series of tests and numerous analyses demanded by lawmakers are performed on raw materials and finished products. However, there are still no approved alternative methods available for the tests most often required. On the contrary, after 30 years of research only a few genuine animal-free test methods have been added to Appendix V of the European directive 67/548/EG on the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances (new substance directive). One reason for this is the lengthy bureaucratic process a method has to go through from its development in the research laboratory to its international approval by the OECD.Meanwhile, increasingly more modern molecular biological and cell biological methods are becoming the gateway for new alternative methods. Phenion has made it a point to address the new approaches and, central to Henkel, to advance the development, application and worldwide distribution and official approval of animal-free testing methods. Phenion undertakes research in its own laboratories and supports numerous collaborations with international research groups.
In order to accelerate the approval process of new alternative methods, Phenion and Henkel are among others involved in the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA). This partnership among the European Commission, industry associations and large companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological, plant protection and cosmetic industries serves to develop a comprehensive programme for supporting alternative test methods.
You find further Phenion/Henkel activities in international associations and committees here:
- European Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association, COLIPA
- In Vitro Testing Industrial Platform, IVTIP