What is EU REACH SVHC – And Why It Matters for Sustainable Products

In today’s world, where environmental responsibility and product safety are more important than ever, consumers and businesses alike are paying close attention to the materials used in the products they buy and sell. One of the most important regulations governing chemical safety in Europe is EU REACH, and a critical component of it is the SVHC list.

But what exactly does that mean — and why should it matter to you?

Understanding REACH

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It's a regulation of the European Union (EC No 1907/2006) designed to protect human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals.

Under REACH, companies are required to identify and manage the risks linked to the substances they manufacture and market in the EU. If a substance is found to be hazardous, it may be added to one of REACH's restricted lists — or, in more severe cases, the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) list.

What are SVHCs?

Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) are chemicals that have serious potential impacts on human health or the environment. These can include:

• Carcinogens (cause cancer)

• Mutagens (cause genetic mutations)

• Reproductive toxins (affect fertility or development)

• Persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances (PBTs)

• Very persistent and very bioaccumulative substances (vPvBs)

• Endocrine disruptors
  

When a substance is identified as an SVHC, it is added to the Candidate List, and companies must communicate its presence if it's found at a concentration above 0.1% in their product. Eventually, these substances may be moved to the Authorisation List, where their use becomes strictly controlled.

Why SVHC Compliance Matters

For brands operating globally or selling into the EU, SVHC compliance is not optional — it's a legal requirement. But beyond legal compliance, avoiding SVHCs sends a strong signal to customers and partners that your brand values safety, transparency, and environmental stewardship.

SVHC compliance also contributes to:

• Safer workplaces and consumer products

• More responsible supply chains

• Lower risk of recalls or market access issues

• Stronger brand reputation
  

Kavak's Commitment: Fully SVHC Compliant

At Kavak, we believe that sustainability and safety must go hand-in-hand. Our bioleather products are designed with natural, non-toxic materials, and we take great care to ensure that none of our components contain SVHCs as defined by EU REACH.

We have rigorously reviewed our supply chain and formulations to confirm full REACH SVHC compliance — so our customers, partners, and retailers can trust that Kavak stands for not just design and performance, but conscious, future-proof choices.

If you’re looking for sustainable materials that meet the highest regulatory and ethical standards, we’d love to connect.