Proposed ASTM guide for exploring green chemical alternatives

Assessing and using alternative chemicals has become increasingly common across many industries. Now, ASTM International has proposed a standard to help companies analyse alternative chemical use throughout the life cycle of their products.

‘WK40619, New Guide for Making Chemical Selection Decisions in the Life Cycle of Products’ will function as a template that helps companies analyse how any one chemical’s use has social, economic and ecological implications at each stage of a product’s life cycle. It will thus enable these companies to document and rationalise how to incorporate sustainability into their business decisions related to products and ingredients, and to respond to regulatory requirements in a systematic way.

The guide is being developed by Subcommittee E60.80 on General Sustainability Standards. According to the chair of the Committee on Sustainability (E60), Michael Schmeida, it would be particularly useful to manufacturers and consultants when determining whether to use greener chemicals and adopt new technologies that fulfil sustainability goals of a business.

“Green building systems and codes could potentially use the proposed standard as a means of meeting green chemistry credits and goals,” Schmeida said. “In addition, regulators could reference it as a compliance path for their green chemistry regulations.”

The standard could even be used and adapted for consumer products, with the exception of those already governed by specific programs and regulations.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. To join the organisation, visit http://www.astm.org/MEMBERSHIP/index.html.