The OECD Substitution and Alternatives Assessment Toolbox (SAAToolbox) compiles resources relevant to chemical selection including substitution and alternatives assessment and OECD SSIA (Safe(r) and Sustainable Innovation Approach) for nano-enabled and other emerging materials. It includes tools and data sources to help users to evaluate potential hazards of chemicals with a subset focused on materials, processes and products. Additional tools address exposure assessment, life-cycle assessment and economic and social considerations. The SAAToolbox also contains topical frameworks, guides, toolkits and product rating systems developed by various organisations. Case studies on substitution conducted by manufacturers, academic institutions, NGOs or government bodies are compiled.
Substitution and Alternatives Assessment Toolbox (SAAToolbox) for chemicals and nanomaterials
The OECD Substitution and Alternatives Assessment Toolbox (SAAToolbox) compiles resources relevant to chemical selection including substitution and alternatives assessment, as well as the OECD SSIA (Safe(r) and Sustainable Innovation Approach) for nano-enabled and other emerging materials.
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Selection of safer and more sustainable chemicals
The selection of a chemical, whether for the purposes of substitution, in the innovation context, in material and product design or in a process, has implications for human health and the environment. While efforts have focused on safer substitution to reduce hazard and risk, there is growing alignment with sustainable chemistry principles to drive selection of both safer and sustainable chemicals, materials, products and processes. The selection of a substitute can be a very complex process. The OECD has developed guidance for considerations for selecting safer chemicals, information regarding incentivising substitution through government policy, economic approaches and third-party tools. Activities are underway to also inform approaches for more sustainable selection of chemicals. This builds on past OECD work on sustainable chemistry.
Safe and Sustainable Innovation Approach
New materials are being developed quickly, bringing benefits to both the economy and society. However, this rapid pace can create a gap between innovation and the tools needed to assess safety risks. To close this gap, industry should start addressing safety and sustainability early in the innovation process, following the Safe(r) and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) approach.
The Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) Tools, Integrative Systems and Platforms for nanomaterials and nano-enabled products identified by the OECD's Safe(r) and Sustainable Innovation Approach (SSIA) have been included in the SAAToolbox, helping guide safer, more sustainable innovation.
