LIFE AskREACH aimed at:

• raising consumer awareness about substances of high concern (SVHC) in articles,
• enabling consumers to make responsible purchasing decisions,
• raising supplier awareness of their obligation to comply with REACH information duties,
• improving the information flow on SVHCs between consumers and suppliers,
• improving supply chain communication processes with the aim of substituting SVHCs with safer alternatives.

During the project, a database was developed which can be filled with information on SVHCs in articles by article suppliers. The database is connected to a smartphone application (app) which consumers may use to obtain information on SVHCs in articles. If the desired data are not yet available in the database, an information request is automatically generated and can be sent to the article supplier. During the project period suppliers could test another (commercial) IT tool to facilitate communication in the supply chain.

The project included large awareness-raising campaigns in all the participating countries, addressing consumers and companies. In addition, the campaigns  were replicated in further European countries which are allowed to promote a national app version.