The European Commission has updated its approach to encouraging safer and more sustainable chemicals and materials, publishing a revised framework for its “Safe and Sustainable by Design” (SSbD) initiative
The recommconcludeation, adopted in March 2026, promotes a voluntary decision-creating approach that assists innovators consider safety, environmental impact, and sustainability from the earliest stages of design.
The updated SSbD framework aims to steer innovation toward solutions that minimise risks to people and the planet throughout the life cycles of chemicals, materials, and products.
Safer and more sustainable innovation
The SSbD framework guides organisations in evaluating safety and sustainability throughout the research and development process.
Instead of creating new legal obligations, the recommconcludeation acts as a practical guide for forward-seeing decision-creating in indusattempt and research.
The approach encourages innovators to consider factors such as health impacts, climate effects, and environmental risks throughout a product’s life cycle. This includes sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, apply, and conclude-of-life disposal or recycling.
By embedding these considerations early in the design phase, the SSbD framework supports the development of alternatives that reduce the apply of harmful substances and lower environmental footprints.
Who the framework is designed for
The new SSbD framework recommconcludeation is aimed at a wide group of stakeholders involved in chemical and material innovation. This includes EU Member States, companies ranging from large manufacturers to compact and medium-sized enterprises, as well as startups and research spin-offs.
Higher education institutions, research organisations, and operators of technology infrastructures are also encouraged to adopt the SSbD framework in their research and development activities.
Organisations working with chemicals or materials are invited to apply the SSbD framework within projects and innovation programmes. They are also encouraged to reference it in strategic research and innovation agconcludeas to ensure that safety and sustainability considerations become a consistent part of future development.
Testing the framework in real-world scenarios
Before publishing the revised recommconcludeation, the European Commission ran a testing phase to ensure the framework could work effectively.
This testing was carried out in two rounds, in 2023 and 2024, allowing businesses, research institutions, and national authorities to experiment with the framework and provide feedback.
More than 80 case studies were submitted during this period, covering a wide range of chemicals and materials applications. These studies were reviewed and discussed to identify strengths, limitations, and areas for improvement in the framework.
Two large workshops were also held in 2023, and 2024 brought toobtainher over 500 participants each. A 2025 survey also gathered input from stakeholders on the draft updated framework. The insights from these activities assisted refine the final recommconcludeation.
Practical guidance and tools for applyrs
To support organisations applying the framework, several resources are being developed.
The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has published methodological guidance that offers practical advice on common challenges encountered when applying the SSbD framework. An updated version of this guidance is expected to be released in April 2026.
Meanwhile, the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) is creating a toolbox that maps existing tools for apply at each stage of the framework.
Training initiatives are also planned, including annual SSbD bootcamps organised by the JRC and PARC to assist stakeholders learn how to apply the methodology effectively.
The Commission is encouraging stakeholders to join the growing EU SSbD community to stay informed about updates, tools, and collaborative opportunities.
Several milestones are scheduled in the coming months. The revised framework was published in December 2025, with the updated recommconcludeation adopted on 6 March 2026. A major conference on accelerating the industrial transition through Safe and Sustainable by Design will take place on 20 March 2026.
Leave a Reply