Article published 9 January 2025

Publication on the operationalization of the SSbD framework released
In January 2025, the article “Operationalization of the safe and sustainable by design framework for chemicals and materials: challenges and proposed actions” was published in Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management. The article was produced in collaboration with IRISS, JRC and Radboud University.
The production and use of chemicals and materials have both advantages and drawbacks for human and ecosystem health. This has led to a demand for carefully guided, safe, and sustainable innovation in the production of chemicals and materials, taking into consideration their entire life cycle.
The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has released the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework, which aims to support this objective. The SSbD framework consists of two components that are intended to be iteratively implemented throughout the innovation process: (1) the application of design principles phase, and (2) the safety and sustainability assessment phase. However, the operationalization of the framework is currently challenging. The new article maps the challenges and proposes ways to address them effectively. The mapping, which is based on a literature review and stakeholder opinions, resulted in 35 challenges.
The article provides an overview of the challenges that companies, scientists, and policymakers need to address given the current state of development of the novel SSbD approach. It identifies priority issues and proposes actions to address them, demonstrating that there is latitude to successfully address each challenge.
Read the full article here External link, opens in new window.