Short abstract

The SSbD4CheM project aims to develop and promote best practices for safe and sustainable product and process design by bringing together stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and civil society. Through the demonstration of three case studies, the project seeks to meet the EU's strategic objectives for digital, enabling, and emerging technologies, sectors, and value chains. The objectives include the development of a comprehensive SSbD framework utilizing new science-based approaches and innovative technologies to address potential hazards and risks. Key goals involve the creation of alternative hazard screening tools, advanced LCA methods, integration of chemical/material characterization methods, development of alternative in vitro models, and harmonization of analytical and toxicological methods. Through stakeholder engagement, training, dissemination, and exploitation, the project aims to enhance its overall impact and drive industrial innovation.

Project description

1. Scientific relevance

The SSbD4CheM project stands at the forefront of scientific innovation, addressing pressing concerns regarding the safety and sustainability of chemicals and materials in various industries. By developing a comprehensive Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, the project aims to revolutionize product and process design, ensuring safer and more environmentally friendly outcomes. Through collaboration with industry, government, academia, and civil society, we strive to meet strategic objectives for digital, enabling, and emerging technologies, thus advancing scientific knowledge while safeguarding public health and the environment.

2. Material & Methods

The project employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining cutting-edge scientific methodologies and innovative technologies. Key methods include the development of alternative hazard screening tools, advanced Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods, integration of chemical/material characterization methods, and the creation of alternative in vitro models. Through rigorous experimentation and data analysis, we aim to establish robust frameworks for the safe and sustainable design of chemicals and materials.

3. Why Leiden University?

The Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) contributes to the SSbD4Chem project with its expertise in ex-ante/prospective life cycle assessment and will advance the methodology by looking at (i) generating future background life cycle inventory databases (ii) identifying characterization factors that may be subject to variation in future scenarios and propose adaptation (iii) proposing guidelines for characterizing and leveraging uncertainties, and (iv) developing tools to analyze integrated applications of different ex-ante strategies. Additionally, prospective LCA is applied to several case studies in the SSbD4Chem project.

4. Social relevance

The SSbD4CheM project holds significant social relevance, as it addresses critical issues related to public health, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. By promoting the adoption of safer and more sustainable design practices, our project aims to mitigate the adverse effects of hazardous chemicals and materials on both human health and the environment. Furthermore, our efforts contribute to fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility within industries, driving positive societal change towards a more sustainable future.

• chemicals
• emerging technologies

Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Share by WhatsApp Share by Mastodon