5 Key Regulations That Changed the Landscape for Manufacturers in 2024

As 2024 approaches its end, manufacturers are taking stock of a year that has been defined by sweeping regulations aimed at restricting harmful chemical substances in products across many industries. From recurring changes to PFAS proposals to limits on hazardous materials and surprise regulatory updates, regulators worldwide prioritized protecting human health and the environment by targeting harmful chemicals. 

Here, we revisit the five most impactful regulatory changes of 2024—updates, revisions, and expansions that reshaped how manufacturers formulate, produce, and manage chemical substances in their products.

1. Global Crackdown on PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

One of the most significant developments of 2024 was the intensified global crackdown on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” In response to growing evidence of PFAS’ persistence in the environment and links to serious health conditions, regulatory bodies in the U.S., EU, and Asia went back and forth for proposals to ban or restrict limits on PFAS use in manufacturing processes.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established stringent thresholds for PFAS in water and waste streams and postponed their anticipated PFAS reporting event. Simultaneously, the EU adopted comprehensive restrictions under REACH Restricted, mandating the phased elimination of PFAS in textiles, food packaging, electronics, and industrial products. However, they further delayed any decisions on a blanket ban or restriction for these “forever” chemicals. For manufacturers, this meant reformulating products, finding alternative materials, and ensuring compliance through rigorous supply chain audits to try and get ahead of the changes. 

However, removing PFAS from the supply chain has proven to be easier said than done. Many PFAS still lack a viable alternative that can replace them. Those that have found potential alternatives have struggled with the high costs of investments in research and development to validate the reformulation. Harder still are supply chain transparency issues where some suppliers remain unaware of both what a PFAS is and whether it’s contained within the products. This has led to a major reevaluation of supply chain vendors, as well as overhauls of contracts and partnerships. These issues have also demonstrated the overarching issue of unrealistic timelines presented by regulatory bodies over the course of the year, including the short notice of the Canada PFAS reporting period.

2. Major Updates to REACH Regulations

The European Union’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation saw significant updates in 2024, expanding the list of restricted substances and imposing stricter compliance requirements on manufacturers. While manufacturers have become accustomed to a typical schedule of two updates per year, ECHA launched a rare third update to the SVHC list.

This surprise update also introduced faster timelines for compliance, pushing manufacturers to act swiftly in reformulating products and adopting safer alternatives. Because the update was unexpected, it highlighted the possibility for more frequent updates in the future as well as the need for suppliers and manufacturers to stay updated on current regulations in order to maintain their compliance strategies.

3. The EU Battery Regulation: A Focus on Sustainable and Safe Batteries

The EU Battery Regulation, enacted in 2023, marked a significant step toward addressing the environmental impact of batteries, particularly the use of hazardous substances in their production. This regulation introduced strict limits on heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury in battery manufacturing and set requirements for material recovery, recycling, and transparency.

Manufacturers selling batteries in the EU now face mandatory steps in dates that began in 2024 that require disclosure of chemical content, lifecycle emissions, and recycling targets. The regulation also promoted the adoption of cleaner, safer materials to reduce environmental harm and improve worker safety in production processes. This shift pushed battery producers to innovate and embrace circular economy principles, emphasizing sustainable sourcing, longer lifespans, and end-of-life management.

For industries reliant on batteries, including automotive, electronics, and energy storage, compliance with the EU Battery Regulation became a top priority in 2024. Those able to adapt quickly gained a competitive advantage in meeting the growing demand for environmentally friendly energy solutions.

4. TSCA Section 6(h): Restrictions on PBT Chemicals

The U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 6(h) restrictions on persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemicals came into sharper focus in 2024 due to the final looming deadline approaching, with enforcement ramping up across myriad industries. The targeted PBT chemicals included substances like decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), and phenol isopropylated phosphate (PIP 3:1) which pose significant risks to human health and the environment due to their toxicity, persistence, and ability to bioaccumulate.

Under these restrictions, manufacturers were required to eliminate or drastically reduce the presence of these chemicals in products, parts, and supply chains. The regulations particularly impacted sectors like electronics, automotive, and consumer goods, where PBT chemicals were historically used for flame retardancy, plastic flexibility, and performance enhancement. Compliance challenges arose as manufacturers had to identify alternatives, reformulate products, and ensure transparency in supply chains for a regulation they were unfamiliar with. To make matters even more uncertain, there was a proposal to amend the TSCA Section 6(h) rule that would have affected the scope and timelines of compliance. The proposal, however, was not finalized until after the October 31 deadline, leaving many companies frustrated with the lack of structure, guidance and expertise behind these kinds of regulations.

5. Global Carbon Emissions Regulations: Stricter Limits and Reporting Requirements

In 2024, governments worldwide strengthened carbon emissions regulations, placing increased pressure on manufacturers to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) footprints. The European Union expanded its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), introducing more sectors to its carbon pricing scheme and requiring detailed reporting of embedded carbon in imported products. Similarly, the U.S. introduced stricter GHG reduction targets, aligned with updated climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Manufacturers were required to adopt cleaner production technologies, implement energy-efficient processes, and transition to renewable energy sources. Regulatory frameworks also emphasized supply chain transparency, requiring companies to disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and, in many cases, Scope 3 emissions. 

These regulations pushed industries, particularly heavy emitters like chemicals, cement, and automotive, to accelerate decarbonization efforts. Companies that invested in low-carbon technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices not only ensured compliance but also positioned themselves as leaders in the transition to a net-zero economy.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The regulatory landscape of 2024 demonstrated a clear global shift toward continuing restricting hazardous chemicals in manufacturing. Governments and agencies prioritized human health, environmental safety, and product sustainability, driving manufacturers to innovate and adopt safer, more compliant alternatives. 

Looking ahead to 2025, companies can employ several strategies to handle the challenges posed by evolving environmental regulations. Strengthening supply chain transparency and collaboration will be key, as businesses must work closely with suppliers to identify risks and ensure compliance with substance restrictions. Investing in green chemistry and safer alternatives will allow companies to stay ahead of regulations while maintaining product performance. Digital tools for compliance management, such as chemical tracking software and emissions reporting platforms, can help streamline processes and improve accuracy. Additionally, thorough life cycle assessments (LCAs) will enable businesses to pinpoint opportunities for reducing environmental impacts at every stage of production. Finally, fostering a culture of awareness through continuous employee training will ensure teams remain informed and proactive in meeting new regulatory requirements.

By adopting these strategies, manufacturers can not only navigate regulatory complexities but also drive innovation, build brand trust, and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace.