ECHA added n-hexane to the REACH Candidate List on 4 February 2026. If a solvent-coated SBS process uses n-hexane, the buyer should now check the solvent identity, updated supplier documents and the substitution plan. The listing does not mean that every SIS or SBS polymer contains n-hexane, and it does not by itself ban every use.
Direct answer for SBS solvent-coating buyers
First, map whether n-hexane is present in the coating solvent, cleaning step or supplied mixture. Then request the current SDS, the supplier’s Candidate List statement and the intended-use information for the exact process. If n-hexane is present, record the exposure controls and compare a technically validated solvent alternative. The ECHA decision identifies n-hexane by CAS 110-54-3 and EC 203-777-6. It does not establish that a SIS or SBS pellet contains the substance.
What changed on 4 February 2026
ECHA’s decision identifies n-hexane as a substance of very high concern under REACH Article 57(f) because of specific target organ toxicity after repeated exposure, with the nervous system named in the decision. The entry took effect on 4 February 2026. Candidate List inclusion is a regulatory status change that can trigger information duties and future authorisation review. It is not the same as an immediate, general ban.
The chemical is a solvent rather than a styrenic block copolymer. The ATSDR profile describes n-hexane as a component of solvent mixtures used in industrial cleaning and certain special glues. A solvent-coated SBS converter therefore needs to screen the process chemistry separately from the polymer grade. A hot-melt SIS line that contains no solvent has a different evidence question.
Separate the polymer, solvent and article questions
| Question | Evidence to request | Boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Is n-hexane in the process? | Current SDS, composition statement, CAS list and solvent change history. | A polymer TDS alone cannot answer for a converter’s solvent blend. |
| Is the supplier document current? | Revision date, REACH status statement and named contact for updates. | A pre-February 2026 declaration may not reflect the Candidate List change. |
| Is the material an article? | Product form, intended use and whether a substance is released from an article. | Do not apply the 0.1% w/w article threshold to a polymer pellet without checking the REACH definition. |
| Is substitution technically ready? | Coating viscosity, drying profile, adhesion, residue and worker-control comparison. | A lower hazard profile does not prove equal coating or bond performance. |
What the SDS and supply file should show
For a solvent-coated SBS system, the purchasing file should identify each solvent by name and CAS number, the mixture revision and the process use. It should also preserve the supplier’s REACH communication and any exposure-control instructions. ECHA’s safety data sheet guidance explains the role of extended SDS information when Candidate List substances are relevant. Ask the supplier to state whether the declaration covers the shipped polymer, the solvent blend or the finished adhesive. Those are different objects.
Keep the evidence tied to a lot, date and formulation revision. If a supplier says n-hexane is absent, record whether the statement is based on formulation knowledge, analytical testing or a raw-material declaration. Do not turn an absence statement into a universal certification for every grade unless the supplier defines its scope.
How SIS and SBS fit the decision
SIS is commonly evaluated for hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive systems, while SBS can be selected for solvent coating, sealants and other applications where the formulator needs a different balance of cohesion and processability. That application distinction is a starting point, not a compliance conclusion. Jusage’s SBS Series and SIS Series pages should be matched to the actual coating route, solvent package, substrate and service conditions.
For a solvent-coated SBS trial, screen n-hexane before approving the polymer and solvent package together. For a hot-melt SIS trial, document that the process does not use n-hexane and keep the same chemical-screening record for tackifiers, oils and processing aids. This prevents a polymer family label from hiding a process-level exposure question.
Buyer checklist for 2026 trials
Questions buyers often ask
Does Candidate List inclusion ban n-hexane immediately?
No. It can trigger information duties and may affect future authorisation decisions, but the Candidate List entry is not itself a general ban on every use.
Does an SBS pellet automatically contain n-hexane?
No. n-Hexane is a separate solvent. Check the exact product, process and supplier documents rather than inferring composition from the SBS family name.
Is a hot-melt SIS process automatically affected?
Not by this listing alone. If the process uses no n-hexane, document that boundary and screen the other ingredients and cleaning agents that are actually used.
When should a buyer ask for SCIP information?
Ask only when the supply chain involves an article containing a Candidate List substance above the applicable threshold. ECHA’s SCIP guidance should be read with the article definition and the company’s role in the supply chain.
Turn the update into a controlled grade discussion
Use the Download Center to collect product files, then send the polymer family, solvent package, substrate, coating method and current SDS through Jusage’s Customized Service or Contact Us page. Jusage can discuss whether an SIS or SBS direction fits the trial. The final REACH assessment and process approval remain with the responsible company and its qualified compliance team.