ALMECS
Updates
ALMECS Update is our regular members’ bulletin covering the issues that matter to suppliers of laundry machinery, equipment and chemicals: UK REACH and chemicals regulation, machinery standards and UKCA/CE marking, energy and sustainability policy, industry costs and training. Each update sets out what’s changing, what it means for your business, and what to do next — with ALMECS representing members’ interests on the issues that count.
November 2026
REACH Registrations
The UK government has confirmed that transitional UK REACH registration deadlines will be pushed back by three years. The original dates become 27 October 2029, 2030 and 2031 respectively.
Key points:
• The first tranche of full registration information is now due by 27 October 2029.
• The protected transitional import window has also been extended.
• Defra, HSE and the Environment Agency are implementing an Alternative Transitional Registration model (ATRm). The no data, no market principle remains.
Action required: The ATRm technical consultation closes at 11:45pm on 10 November 2026. Members who formulate, import or distribute laundry chemicals should review the draft provisions and respond.
Sources:
UK REACH ATRm consultation
REACH Amendment Regulations 2026
Dossier deadline response
CE UKCA Marking
CE recognition continues. Businesses can use CE or UKCA markings for machinery placed on the GB market. Recognition of the new EU Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 applies from 20 January 2027.
Fast-Track UKCA is live. EU compliance steps can support UKCA. The option to place UKCA on a label or accompanying document remains until 11pm on 31 December 2027; direct affixing is required from 1 January 2028.
EU Machinery Regulation. Members exporting to the EU or supplying Northern Ireland must prepare for Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, replacing the Machinery Directive.
Action required: Review Declarations of Conformity, confirm the route for each GB product line, and keep evidence against relevant ISO, EN and BS standards audit-ready.
Sources:
2026 machinery regulations
Fast-Track UKCA guidance
GB market guidance
PFAS Limits
The UK government has published its first plan to tackle PFAS forever chemicals. A consultation is expected on a statutory PFAS limit in England’s public water supply regulations.
Why it matters:
• PFAS have featured in some fabric treatments, water repellents and specialty formulations.
• Customers increasingly want evidence of PFAS-free processes.
• The UK REACH Rolling Action Plan will prioritise further substance evaluations.
Action required: Review product portfolios for PFAS, discuss alternatives with raw-material suppliers, and prepare for the water-limit consultation.
Sources:
UK PFAS action plan
HSE UK REACH Rolling Action Plan
Biodegradability Requirements - Surfactants
Regulation (EU) 2026/405 on detergents and surfactants replaces Regulation (EC) No 648/2004. It entered into force on 22 March 2026 with a 42-month transition period, so provisions apply from 23 September 2029.
Key changes:
• Stricter biodegradability standards for surfactants, including detergent capsule films.
• A prohibition on animal-tested detergents and surfactants, except in very exceptional cases.
• More time for reformulation, labelling and safety-data updates.
Action required: Members supplying the EU or Northern Ireland should begin compatibility reviews of surfactant systems and capsule formats now.
Sources:
EU Regulation 2026/405 memorandum
DAERA assessment
ESPR Impacting Textiles and Detergents
The EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is reaching the textile and detergent value chains.
• Textiles and apparel are prioritised for a Digital Product Passport in 2027.
• The ban on destroying unsold apparel and footwear applies from July 2026.
• Textiles, tyres and aluminium delegated acts are expected in 2027; detergents are also a priority.
• The EU is introducing extended producer responsibility for textiles, while the UK is exploring a similar model.
Why this matters: Laundry customers will need machine- and chemistry-level data on energy, water and emissions per kilogram processed. Verified performance data will support tenders.
Action required: Members selling into the EU should attend the ESPR webinar on 1 December 2026.
Sources:
European Commission ESPR/DPP material
UK digital product records call
ESPR webinar
CCA and Cost Index UK
Climate Change Agreement: The scheme offers discounts on the Climate Change Levy, worth up to 20% of energy costs for a typical laundry. Targets are 6.5% by end-2026, 9.75% by end-2028 and 13% by end-2030 against a 2022 baseline.
Cost index: The TSA 2026/27 FYQ2 index rose 6.08%, up from 4.05% in the previous quarter.
Fire safety audit: The TSA introduced an independent audit for commercial laundries in October 2026. Equipment specifications, installation and maintenance practices will face closer scrutiny.
Action required: Review documentation supporting CCA reporting and fire safety audits.
Sources:
TSA CCA announcement
TSA cost index
TSA news