Companies encouraged to use greener chemicals in consumer products
Manufacturers and regulators can use the new ASTM standard E3027 to determine whether the most sustainable chemicals are being used for a wide range of consumer products. ‘Guide for Making Sustainability-Related Chemical Selection Decisions in the Life-Cycle of Products’ will thus encourage companies to use ‘green’ chemicals while also ensuring that products work properly and are economically viable.
Michael Schmeida, the chairman of ASTM’s Committee on Sustainability (E60), said the standard provides guidance on how to perform an analysis of alternative chemicals. An example is the analysis of flame retardants in children’s bedding — an important consumer safety concern.
Schmeida said there is a need for companies to have a structure to evaluate their products in meeting overall green chemistry goals, while ensuring that products also meet other requirements. He explained, “The analysis in the new standard helps set the overall context of how green chemistry tools, such as assessment of alternatives and risks, can fit into the overall product development scheme within an organisation.”
The standard can be purchased at http://www.astm.org/Standards/E3027.htm. Interested parties are also invited to join the continuing evolution of the standard.
Experts warn against health risks of plastic pollution
The World Health Organization estimates that around one-quarter of all deaths are...
City of Gosnells develops tree production nursery
The production nursery is set to produce 9500 trees for the City of Gosnells area and more than...
Quantum battery tests prove extended storage life
Researchers have found a method to extend the lifetime of quantum batteries — 1000 times...