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Nina Melander
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Step 3. Find alternatives
Step 3 provides tips on substitution strategies and tools you can use to find alternatives to the chemicals you want to phase out.
Functional substitution
When looking for alternatives to a chemical to be phased out, it is important to understand what function the substance fulfils in the product or process in which it is used. You can then look for alternatives that fulfil the same function, i.e. not just a new chemical, but also exploring the possibility of eliminating the function, changing the process, changing the design or using a new material.
This is called functional substitution and is what we recommend, as well as what the Alternatives Assessment method (a method for finding, comparing and selecting better alternatives to hazardous chemicals) recommends.
Learn more about Alternatives Assessment
Functional substitution strategies
Example: Substitution of a flame retardant used in the polyurethane upholstery of a sofa.
| Exclude function | There are legal requirements for furniture to pass fire tests and some countries have stricter legislation than others. If the sofa meets the requirements without the addition of the flame retardant, a decision can be made to exclude the function. If, on the other hand, there is legislation that requires flame retardants to be present, a change in the legislation would be required to exclude the function (this strategy is called 'system change'). |
| Change process/technology | There are several different processes to produce polyurethane, changing the process may result in a less flammable material. |
| Changing the design | Instead of adding a chemical flame retardant, a flame-retardant material can be placed between the outer fabric and the upholstery. In this way, ignition of the upholstery is prevented mechanically rather than chemically. |
| Change the material | Change to a cushioning material that is less flammable than polyurethane, such as wool. |
| Change the chemical | Find an alternative flame retardant that provides the same function but does not have the same hazardous properties. |
Work together to find alternatives
Identifying and working with the right people in the company is important when looking for alternatives. For example, involve people who work in production, design, sustainability, purchasing and chemistry. By working together, each person's own network can be used to find alternatives.
Tools for finding alternatives
It is important to think broadly and to gather a good range of alternatives to work with. In addition to using your networks as described above, there are different types of online resources that you can use. Examples of different types of resources are described below:
Positive lists
Compilations of possible alternatives, which have been tested according to defined criteria, are available for specific subject groups, sectors or materials.
Marketplaces
For companies seeking or offering alternatives. Marketplaces are available for substitution, but also for finding new business partners, green processes, patents, chemical products and environmentally certified or innovative materials.
Case studies
Studies that describe a substitution in detail, compare alternatives or report on lessons learned during a substitution process.
Learn more about Tools for finding alternatives
Whatever resources you use to find alternatives, don't forget to do your own evaluation to make sure they meet your requirements and are free of hazardous chemicals!
