Selection of sustainable chemicals
The new ASTM E3027 standard provides guidance for selecting sustainable chemicals. Relevant definitions are specified (e.g. hazard, risk, impact, LCA …). Different aspects of social, economic and ecological sustainability to be considered are listed.
The importance of assessing the “product – chemical” pair is underlined (i.e. taking into account uses and exposures). Existing methods are referred (inc. GreenScreen, US EPA Design for the Environment DfE, LEED green buildings …) and regulatory schemes (e.g. REACH)