Safe Chemicals Innovation Agenda An initiative from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (The Netherlands) Workshop March 28 th 2018 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Agenda • Objectives • Key concepts • Overview of methodology • Draft research themes & questions 2
Objectives Safe Chemicals Innovation Agenda
Objectives • This initiative: develop research agenda… – Collection of scientific/technical issues holding back transition to safer chemicals, materials and products – Need for public policy support – Guidance for R&D policies EU and Member States – Involving and led by stakeholders • This workshop: … led and implemented by you – Present methodology and draft research themes and questions – Gather your contribution and feedback 4
Key concepts Safe Chemicals Innovation Agenda
Our key concepts Research theme An area where new or different technical and scientific research will accelerate the safe design of chemicals, materials and products to achieve sustainable substitution of dangerous chemicals. Research question Specific research requirements arising from each theme. They relate to technical and scientific issues. 6
We focus on functionality ECHA definition The technical function describes the role that the substance fulfils when it is used (what it actually does in a process, mixture or article and the benefits it confers). Our starting point Consideration of function, rather than characterizing and managing risks associated with a particular chemical*. 7 *(Tickner, J. 2014 and 2015)
Overview of methodology Safe Chemicals Innovation Agenda
Methodology • Step 1 – develop the analytical framework • Step 2 – conduct a literature review • Step 3 – consult stakeholders • Step 4 – draft a Research Agenda • Step 5 – run today’s workshop! • Step 6 – finalise the Research Agenda 9
Step 1 – Developing the analytical framework Safe Chemicals Innovation Agenda
Analytical framework 1. Relevance for health and the environment 2. Scientific and technical challenge 3. Level of substitution – Molecular – Material/process/product/service 4. Economic rationale and EU competitiveness aspects 5. Contribution to other sustainability aspects 6. Estimated research maturity level 7. Delivery and key stakeholders concerned 11
Step 2 – Conducting a literature review Safe Chemicals Innovation Agenda
Literature review Critical review of relevant technical, scientific and policy publications and reports – High-level strategies for substitution and safe design – Scanning lists of hazardous chemicals – Substance / Function-specific literature – Screening of stakeholders websites for datasheets, press releases, reports – Other innovation agendas 13
Step 3 – Consulting stakeholders Safe Chemicals Innovation Agenda
Stakeholder consultation This is the key part of the study and is a collaborative exercise, involving: – Industry representatives – Academia – Public sector – NGOs The objective was to obtain an expanded list of research themes and questions. 15
Stakeholder consultation Organisations that provided input Public bodies Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management European Commission (DG GROW and DG ENV) (NL) OECD Ministry of Economic Affairs (NL) World Health Organization RIVM Kemi European Environment Agency US Environment Protection Agency European Chemical Agency NGOs ZDHC ChemSec ClientEarth ChemTrust Academia University of Massachusetts TU Eindhoven TU Delft York University Leuphana University DTU Denmark ISC3 Brunel University Vrije Universiteit Industry* 6 associations 12 companies 16 *(pending approval to disclose)
Stakeholder consultation Feedback from stakeholders and buy-in – Overall, consultees welcomed and endorsed the methodology proposed. – Industry consultees supported the focus on functionality, applications and sectors, rather than on specific substances. – A few consultees highlighted that they assess R&D needs based on the risk profile of substances, rather than with the hazard-based approach taken in the project. – Consultees systematically reported barriers other than technical or scientific, e.g. economic, institutional or organizational barriers. 17
Step 4 – Preparing a Draft Research Agenda Safe Chemicals Innovation Agenda
Preparing a draft Research Agenda 19
Draft research themes Safe Chemicals Innovation Agenda
Draft research themes – Water, grease and dust repellents – Flame retardants – Preservatives – Solvents – Plasticisers – Surfactants – Fertilisers – Pesticides – Curing agents 21
Draft research themes Repellents Most applied treatments for repellents are based on fluorochemicals (PFAS) – typically persistent in the environment, and in some cases, toxic and bio-accumulative. A recent report from the Swedish Chemicals Agency, indicates that at least 3,000 PFAS are currently on the global market, with few being the focus of research. There is a need to develop non-fluorine alternatives or non-chemical solutions with a similar degree of effectiveness. Flame retardants (FR) Many brominated FR and chlorinated FR compounds are persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic and are associated with carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption. The use of halogen-free alternative FRs such as organo-phosphorous compounds has increased in recent years, which has raised concern over their potential impact. Preservatives Preservatives have been highly regulated, due to potential endocrine effects, oestrogenic properties, carcinogenicity or skin allergies, resulting in the need to develop safe alternatives for preservatives that are key elements of food safety, cosmetics, etc. 22
Draft research themes Solvents Being volatile organic compounds (VOCs), conventional solvents contribute to air pollution, ozone depletion and can be flammable, explosive and toxic. This and their widespread use calls for a need to develop safe alternatives to solvents, in particular polar aprotic solvents. Plasticisers The widespread use of flexible PVC in products containing plasticisers can lead to high exposure of humans and the environment during the service life as well as in relation to waste management and recycling. Some alternative are available, but potential effects on human health and the environment are generally less well studied. Surfactants Many surfactants are known or suspected EDCs, affect the gut microflora, are immunotoxic and have other effects on humans and are highly toxic in the aquatic environment. They are bio-accumulative and being petroleum-based are from a non-renewable resource and are found in discharges from sewage treatment works. In view of the volumes of detergents used and released into the environment, there is a case for developing alternatives. 23
Draft research themes Fertilisers The release of nutrients in the environment results in impacts on climate, human health, biodiversity and the quality of air, water and soil – generating costs from the nutrient loss and damage restoration. Other concerns include the presence of cadmium in phosphate fertilisers that can accumulate in soils, transfer to foodstuffs and have adverse effects on health, groundwater, etc. Pesticides Continued use of synthetic chemicals as pesticides are of concern due to damage to health and the environment and resurgence / inherited resistance among pests. Whilst older chemicals have been removed from the market new products are slow to emerge, partly due to regulatory requirements alongside consumer pressure. Curing agents Concern was raised by interviewees about the potential health/environmental risks associated with a number of chemical species used as curing agents in these processes, e.g. epoxide resins – aromatic amines, polyurethane – isocyanates (e.g. MDI and TDI). 24
Thank you! Kastalie Bougas: Tel +44 (0)7976 614 385 E-mail kastalie.bougas@woodplc.com David Tyrer : Tel +44 (0) 117 317 8962 E-mail david.tyrer@woodplc.com
Recommend
More recommend
