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Helsinki Chemicals Forum
The Helsinki Chemicals Forum (HCF) is an independent, non-profit forum founded by the Finnish Fair Foundation and the City of Helsinki, dedicated to promoting chemicals safety and chemicals management globally
The event brings together high-level policymakers, regulatory authorities, industry leaders, researchers, NGOs, and other key stakeholders to discuss current and emerging challenges in chemicals policy and sustainable industry development.
Held at Messukeskus Expo and Convention Centre in Helsinki, Finland, HCF 2026 will provide a dynamic platform for dialogue on regulatory developments, competitiveness of the chemical industry, sustainability transition, risk management, and international cooperation in chemicals governance.
The programme features keynote speeches, expert panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to foster constructive exchange between public and private sectors. The Forum traditionally attracts participants from across Europe, the Nordic region, and beyond, creating a truly global perspective on chemical safety.
Helsinki Chemicals Forum is organized alongside leading industry events, strengthening cross-sector collaboration and innovation.
Programme
Wednesday 15 April
Master of Ceremonies Giulia Sebastio, Programme Manager, DG INTPA, European Commission
Programme Day 1
08:00 – 09:30 Helsinki Chemicals Forum, ChemBio and Pulp&Beyond Joint Breakfast (at the Conference Wing, invitation only)
09:30 – 10:00 Coffee and networking in the HCF area
10:00 – 10:15 1st Opening keynote: How can the competitiveness of the European Chemicals Industry be restored and what is the role of the European Chemicals Action Plan, Kristin Schreiber, Director, Chemicals, Bioeconomy and Retail, DG GROW, European Commission
10:15 – 10:30 2nd Opening keynote: The future of chemicals legislation in the EU, Paul Speight, Head of Unit, Safe & Sustainable Chemicals, DG Environment
10:30 – 10:45 3rd Opening keynote: One transformation, three societal wins: What the triple environmental crises demand of the chemical industry, Meredith Williams, Former Director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
10:45 – 11:00 4th Opening keynote: Implementing EU chemicals policy changes – How ECHA’s role is evolving, Sharon McGuinness, Executive Director, ECHA
11:10 – 12:00 Opening of the European Metals sponsor exhibition & reception
12:00 – 13.30 Lunch in the HCF area and the possibility to visit ChemBio
13:30 – 15:00 Panel 1: Aligning battery & recycling regulations to maximise the reuse of critical materials
15:00 – 15:30 Coffee and networking in the HCF area
15:30 – 17:00 Panel 2: How can the chemicals industry help resolve the economic and triple environmental crises?
17:15 – 18:30 Joint drink with ChemBio DJ and drinks
18:30 – 19:00 Transit to the City Hall
19:00 – 20:30 Reception and walking dinner at City Hall, ECHA Choir (Invitation only)
Thursday 16 April
Programme Day 2
08:30 – 9:00 Welcoming and coffee in the HCF area
09:00 – 10:30 Panel 3: Stimulating substitution by regulatory and non-regulatory instruments
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee and networking in the HCF area
11:00 – 12:30 Panel 4: The role of the Science-Policy Panel in making the GFC a success
12:30 – 13:00 Presentation at EPAA stand
13:00 – 14:15 Lunch by EPAA and possibility to visit Pulp & Beyond
14:15 – 15:45 Panel 5: Challenges to implement the Commission’s roadmap to end animal testing
15:45 – 16:00 Conclusions and end of the conference, Geert Dancet, Secretary General, Helsinki Chemicals Forum
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