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What is Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD)?

Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) refers to an approach adopted by the European Union (EU) which aims to help companies design products, processes, and systems in a way that minimises negative impacts on the environment and human health, while also ensuring long-term sustainability. This approach includes the use of environmentally preferable materials, the reduction of waste and emissions, and the incorporation of renewable energy sources.

Although SSbD is an approach adopted by the EU, its principles are relevant for companies wherever they operate. This is because:

• Environmental challenges are global: Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are all global issues that do not only affect EU countries. Implementing SSbD principles can help reduce the negative impact of human activities on the environment, regardless of where a company is located

• Consumers are more environmentally conscious: Consumers around the world are becoming more environmentally conscious with their purchasing decisions. Businesses that embrace sustainable design practices may be better positioned to meet this growing demand and compete in the global market

• Future regulations: The increased focus of governments in addressing environmental challenges will inevitably lead to increased regulation in this area in the future. Businesses can get a head start if they start to think about sustainability as part of their research and design efforts now rather than waiting for regulations to be imposed

• Reduce costs: Implementing sustainable design practices often leads to more efficient use of resources, which can help to reduce business costs. This can make a business more cost competitive and help to increase profitability over time

• Innovation and market growth: Incorporating sustainable design principles may lead to the development of new, innovative products and processes that can open up new market opportunities for companies

• Improve brand reputation: Companies that embrace sustainability are more likely to be viewed positively by customers and attract investment, given their reduced risk profile

How Safe and Sustainable by Design Will Shape Global Regulations

SSbD will likely influence the future of global regulations, as its principles are aligned with the goals of many existing international agreements. For example, the Paris Agreement, adopted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015 aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The implementation of SSbD principles can help companies reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and align the industry with this global agreement. Similarly, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted in 2015, provide a blueprint for environmental sustainability. Adoption of SSbD principles will help companies to align themselves with these global goals while helping to reduce the negative impacts of industry on the environment.

A framework for SSbD is currently being developed and tested to define the SSbD criteria for chemicals and materials. The framework will enable a comparative assessment of chemicals and materials based on safety and sustainability performance and will be essential to drive innovation towards the green industrial transition.

For more insight into the Safe and Sustainable by Design approach, watch our Defining Safe and Sustainable by Design: Insights from H2020 SUNSHINE Project webinar here. You can also visit our sustainability page or contact our team to learn how Yordas can help ensure your products and processes are safe for consumers and the environment.