New standard for safer use of chemicals in consumer products

A new ASTM standard has been approved to allow manufacturers and regulators to determine whether the safest and most sustainable chemicals are being used for a range of consumer products.

The standard, E3027, Guide for Making Sustainability-Related Chemical Selection Decisions in the Life Cycle of Products, will encourage companies to use ‘green’ chemicals while also ensuring that products work properly and are economically viable.

Michael Schmeida, 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.

“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,” he said.

Interested industry parties are invited to join in the continuing evolution of the standard. To purchase the standard, go to www.astm.org.

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