The European Commission's new Best Available Techniques Reference Document for the Smitheries and Foundries Industry (SF BREF), has been recently published on 6 December 2024. This BREF establishes stringent guidelines aimed at reducing the environmental impact of foundries and smitheries across the European Union, with an emphasis on odour management and control.

   Odour management emerges as a key focus in this new SF BREF, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of industrial odours on local communities. The document introduces new approaches to odour control, including mandatory implementation of odour management plans and advanced monitoring techniques. These new provisions represent a significant shift from the previous BREF, highlighting the increasing importance of addressing odour issues in the industry.