Shaping the future of EU substitution centres for hazardous chemicals

The European Parliament has acknowledged that businesses, especially SMEs, need more support to replace hazardous chemicals. In response, the European Commission launched a pilot project to explore how a future EU Substitution Centre, or a network of centres, could help.

RISE, together with key European partners, is leading this strategic initiative to develop and test the concept under Lot 1 of the programme.

We are partnering with:

WSP

Green Chemical Design

Green Rose Chemistry

Wyeside Consulting

Full details of the scope are work available at EC-GROW/2024/OP/0038.

Driving the case for change

The purpose of the potential new substitution centre(s) will be to support the identification and implementation of less hazardous chemical alternatives, to help meet existing obligations. Under lot 1 we will be performing the role of a prototype secretariat within the context of a substitution centre, which will guide and support the ‘pilot co-operation groups’, or groups that are being set up by lots 2 to 4 on a set of groups of chemical substances to drive substitution in specific applications. In this role, we will gain experience with setting up an effective and efficient framework, including relevant mechanisms and tools, that foster collaboration of the various actors that play a role in developing and implementing safer alternatives.

Lots 2 to 4 will form the ‘pilot co-operation groups’. The groups will be formed of stakeholders identified under these lots and will work on specific groups of substances to foster collaboration among stakeholders to identify technically and economically feasible alternatives in specific applications. Their work will include the development of an action road map and pledges that promote innovation and investments. Lot 1 will perform the role of a potential EU substitution centre that facilitates these efforts.

Overview of the project

The work comprises of several strands of work:

Study initiation: In this initial stage, we reviewed and refined the methodology and scope of work with the European Commission.

Data gathering: Information is being gathered on the current type and level of support available to stakeholders on chemical substitution in the EU and beyond. Stakeholders are also being asked for their views on the activities and structure of the possible future EU substitution centre(s). This information is being gathered via a survey (here), and via interviews with a selection of stakeholders (up to 40). By the end of the data gathering we aim to have an overview of existing institutions, initiatives, tools and stakeholders that play a role in the development and implementation of alternatives in the EU and beyond and how effective they are. This will enable us to target the role of the new EU (network of) substitution centre(s).

Development of options for an EU (network of) substitution centre(s): The information gathered from stakeholders in the previous step, and an assessment of needs, will form the basis for the development of options for how a possible new EU (network of) substitution centre(s) should be structured, and what activities it should undertake. The options will be assessed, refined, and screened. The most viable option(s) will be costed and, if necessary, further refined, before being discussed in a workshop (see below). The aim is to identify an effective and cost-efficient (network of) substitution centre(s), that is able to reach companies, particularly SMEs, and support them in their journey to chemical substitution.

Development of a framework of engagement: We are developing a framework of rules of engagement that can support sharing of information in a “safe space” and promote innovation and uptake of safer alternatives. The framework will be developed in consideration of GDPR, avoidance of anti-competitive practices, transparency and confidentiality. Lots 2 to 4 will build on this framework to implement the approach for their specific focus areas.

Workshop: The findings, including an assessment of options for an EU (network of) substitution centre(s) will be discussed with stakeholders in a workshop on 18 September 2025 at the European Commission’s premises in Brussels, Belgium. Based on data and feedback received, the options will be refined.

Prototype secretariat: A prototype secretariat will simulate the function of the secretariat of the proposed EU (network of) substitution centre(s). The secretariat will work with the groups established under lots 2 to 4, providing guidance in the form of technical support and advice to drive the identification, development and implementation of safer alternatives. The secretariat will also serve as a sounding board to ensure that the roadmaps being developed drive innovation and achieve substitution in practical terms.

Review: At the end of the prototype secretariat, lot 1 will develop a survey to identify what has worked well and what needs to be improved based on feedback from stakeholders in the pilot cooperation groups. The survey will be used in the evaluation – next step.

Evaluation: The information gathered in the previous step will be used to evaluate the study and the performance of the secretariat, rules of engagement and the cooperation groups. Based on the lessons learned and the feedback received we will refine the proposed EU (network of) substitution centre(s) and role of the secretariat to ensure they are fit for purpose. The data gathered throughout the project and the assessment will be summarised in a report and presentation.