This report was developed under the Working Party on Risk Management. This report summarises discussions held at a workshop on Additional Attributes Beyond Safer for Chemical Selection and Substitution held in Paris 23-24 September 2024. A draft report was reviewed by workshop participants and the Working Party on Risk Management agreed for the report to be released publicly. The Acknowledgements were added to this publication by the OECD Secretariat.
1. The workshop discussions led to key recommendations for the OECD's follow-up actions, focusing on integrating sustainability considerations into chemical selection and substitution decision-making. Historically, discussions have centred on selecting safer chemicals and substituting hazardous ones, but there is now a growing focus on considering sustainability in these decisions. Participants emphasized the need for proactive risk management that prioritizes both safety and sustainability.
2. Several companies shared their practical experiences over the two-day event, providing insights into how businesses are balancing these priorities. These real-life examples highlighted the frameworks companies are using to make informed decisions about chemical selection. However, it was also clear that regulators and policy makers play a critical role in incentivizing sustainable solutions.
3. The workshop also identified several challenges. First, participants acknowledged the complexity of applying a systems approach to decision-making, given the multiple factors that influence such decisions, such as application, value chain position, and material impacts. There is also a lack of common language and measurement, as different sectors use varying definitions and metrics for sustainability attributes, making alignment difficult. Data availability for the metrics remains another issue, although participants stressed that data limitations should not deter progress, as availability is expected to improve over time.
4. Despite these challenges, the discussions provided valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration. Participants found value in learning from one another's approaches and identifying potential areas for alignment, such as the harmonisation of attributes like carbon footprint, as an example, across sectors.
5. Moving forward, participants encouraged the OECD to foster a common framework for defining and measuring sustainability attributes, support further sharing of best practices, and explore policy mechanisms that incentivise sustainable innovation. Regulators and policy makers should also consider how to combine sustainability factors with chemical safety assessment and consider lifecycle impacts when making risk management decisions. Additionally, there is a need for simplified tools and guidelines to support companies, especially SMEs, in conducting internal sustainability assessments.
6. Ultimately, the concepts raised at the workshop aim to further the integration of sustainability and safety in chemicals management, supporting both industries and regulators in making more informed and proactive decisions.