The future of chemicals is safe and sustainable by design
report
Every day, we encounter a myriad of chemicals and materials present in the products we use, with the demand for these substances steadily increasing each year. The constant innovation in designing novel chemicals and materials, however, comes with potential risks. The production, use, and disposal of these substances can have adverse effects on both human health and the environment. Addressing health, safety and sustainability early during product innovation is part of the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) paradigm. SSbD is a pivotal element of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability published by the European Commission to move towards a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. This strategy aims to transition to a circular economy that is safe, climate-neutral, and sustainable. TNO aims for a paradigm shift where safety and sustainability considerations are integrated at the earliest stages of product development, running parallel to functionality and cost considerations. This proactive approach allows for the identification of potential opportunities to enhance safety and sustainability early in the innovation process. By doing so, companies have the flexibility to adapt their products, minimizing adverse effects and mitigating the risk of market failure.
TNO Identifier
995925
Publisher
TNO
Collation
18 p.
Place of publication
Utrecht