Healthy business strategies for transforming the Toxic Chemical Economy

Number

029-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Sector

Other

Function

Other

Process

Other

Product category

other

Application

Verschiedene

Abstract

The report synthesises and presents a coherent approach any firm can adopt to move towards a fully integrated healthy business strategy. It provides six examples of companies that are adopting healthy strategies.

Substituted substances

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

CAS No. 9002-86-2 EC No. Index No.

Chemical group

Polymers

Chlorine

CAS No. 7782-50-5 EC No. 231-959-5 Index No. 017-001-00-7

Chemical group

Halogens

Classification: hazard statements

H270 May cause or intensify fire; oxidiser
H331 Toxic if inhaled
H335 May cause respiratory irritation
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life

Reliability of information

Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication

Reason substitution

other reasons

Hazard Assessment

Substances to be substituted: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)is not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database and has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation). Chlorine is not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database and has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation). Alternative substance: No alternatives were named and there is no further information about the alternatives. » Check the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC)

Description of Substitution

The report profiles six companies that are crafting healthy strategies for using chemicals and materials in their products. The firms were selected to represent large and small businesses in different sectors of the economy and to show companies at different places on the path towards chemical consciousness. The report provides detailed examples of how companies are integrating safer chemicals use into their policies and the recommendations and lessons resulting from this. The report synthesises and presents a coherent approach any firm can adopt to move beyond out-dated toxics ignorance and toxics compliance approaches and towards a fully integrated healthy business strategy. In all six cases, the work to reduce chemical hazards enhanced brand reputation with investors, customers and environmental advocates. Some companies achieved considerable savings in the process. Others launched new product lines that differentiated them from their competitors. In several cases, their innovations led to the creation of new submarkets. Taken together, they exemplify the journey companies must embark on if they are serious about creating a healthy chemical economy. Case studies include the following companies: Avalon: reformulation of cosmetic products to use natural safe ingredients Dell: healthy chemicals policy. Chlorine and bromine free products. H&M: PVC-free T-Shirts Hermann Miller: Mirra® Chair—Award winning design Interface: Terratex PLA®—Award winning plant-based office interior fabric Kaiser Permanente: PVC free carpet

Case/substitution evaluation

This case study does not provide any information about the alternatives used. Therefore, no risk assessment can be made. However, the attempt to manufacture PVC-free products is a successful start.

Publication source

Type of publication and availability

https://www.cleanproduction.org/resources/entry/healthy-business-strategies-for-transforming-the-toxic-chemical-economy

Date, reviewed

December 11, 2020