As an organization, it can be difficult to know whether you are making better or worse choices in the green transition. What is a more sustainable alternative? We can help you by categorizing chemicals and materials based on their impact on the sustainability goal: non-toxic environment.

Avoid the pitfalls of choosing hazardous alternatives

There are several reforms underway within the EU's Green Deal to speed up a fair transition to a climate-neutral, circular economy whilte protecting biodiversity and reach a non-toxic environment. Part of the transition means that we need to look for alternative ways to produce and manufacture chemicals, materials, and goods - but how do we know if we are choosing genuinely better alternatives?

How can we help you?

We can help you by obtaining data and categorizing the hazard of chemicals from "Avoid" to "Safer". We use the EU's criteria for safe and sustainable design, which are under development within the EU's chemicals strategy for sustainability (2020). You can use the data and guidance to understand trade offs and risks for alternatives - before it's too late. Our method for chemical safety can be combined with life cycle analysis to also understand climate impact of different choices.

Alternatives assessment - A method for scientifically comparing alternatives

We use the Alternatives Assessment method developed to manage "regrettable substitution". Regrettable substitution means choosing an alternative which is as hazardous as the chemical/material you want to replace. A well-known example is bisphenol A, a common plastic chemical with endocrine-disrupting properties. 

The most common substitute for Bisphenol A is Bisphenol S. A chemical that can also cause endocrine disruption. Another example of regrettable substitution is when a substitution transfers the risk to another part of the life cycle. For example a chemical is substituted to protect consumers, but introduces an unacceptable risk for occuptiontal health instead. To avoid this risk, we assess alternatives for many health hazards.

How do we compare chemicals?

We use criteria from the EU's current version of the "Safe and sustainable by design" framework" (SSbD) (2022). The method involves collecting information on legislation, hazard classifications according to CLP and voluntary Substitution Lists. We also make sure to check for data gaps on hazard. Lack of data can give a first impression that an alternative is safe. But no data does not mean an alternative is safe, just that it needs more testing. 

We can adapt the assessment depending on your need and budget. We suggest that we start by screening each chemical for legislation, two voluntary restriction lists and approximately 20 hazard classifications. 

Extend the sustainability scope

Do you want to include other important aspects for your green transition? Alternatives assessment is a method to compare and choose safer alternatives while including function, climate, and economy. We have colleagues that know life cycle analysis, materials, technoeconomy, circular economy, etc. We can involve them in the assessment and tailor it to your needs.

The basis for making informed decisions

You will receive a summary in an Excel sheet based on the agreement. Listed below are examples of what type of information the summary can contain. The delivery comes with a walk-through of the documentation and guidance going forward. We can also prepare presentation material if necessary.

The chemical with associated CAS number is categorized according to the EU's SSbD criteria (2022 v.1):

• Cut-off criteria: Most harmful substance, corresponds to Particularly hazardous substances (SVHC). These substances cannot be considered safe and should be phased out as much as possible.
• Safety level 1: Substances of concern, substances with serious properties that should be replaced by safer alternatives.
• Safety level 2: Other hazard classes, substances with "less potent" hazard classifications. The risk can be managed through exposure. 
• Safety level 3: Safer alternatives

Examples of legislation or restricted lists:

• EU REACH regulation
• POPs Regulation
• Chemsec SIN list
• The Swedish Chemicals Agency's PRIO - a tool for substitution

Data gap

• Flag if the substance is not registered according to REACH
• Flag if REACH dossier lacks important data for cut-off criteria/most harmful substances and may be a regrettable substitute.
• Opportunities to follow-up with data modeling to fill data gaps.
• Opportunities to follow-up with in-depth literature study.
• Opportunities to follow-up with toxicity tests. 

• For chemicals, we need identification names or numbers such as CAS number, EC number, InChi, SMILES, etc.
• Associated Chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS) if available.
• For materials: A composition list with information on chemical content including identification names or numbers. 

If you have any questions, please contact us:

Chemical analyses: lab.ka@ri.se 

Gas chromatography, identification of chemical components: lab.gc@ri.se

Problem solving, identification of unknown substances, etc.: lab.ts@ri.se

Form for analysis requests and orders: 

Pulp, Paper, and Materials:

You can analyse a wide range of samples, including scrapes, dots, oils, solutions, and more, without the need for sample preparation. Our analysis is both qualitative and quantitative, providing valuable insights for problem-solving, addressing customer complaints, and supporting quality control across different raw materials.

Types of samples for troubleshooting:

• Pulp, paper, cardboard
• Scrapes, dots, rubber cloth
• Printed end products, solutions, oils, smears
• Incubators, piglets

Identification of organic and inorganic compounds: 

• Organic compounds: Polymers, biomolecules (lignins, carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, cellulose, vitamins), aromatic compounds, aliphatic compounds, hydrocarbons.
• Molecular groups: Alkanes, alkenes, arenes, alkynes, esters, carboxylic acids, alcohols.
• Inorganic compounds: Carbonates, carbides, organometallic complexes, minerals, halides, sulphates.

Materials: Our troubleshooting capabilities extend to a variety of materials, including:

• Scrapes, dots, rubber cloth, printed end products, incrustations, metals.

Important considerations for sample submission:

• Ensure scrapes are placed in a jar when sampling.
• Avoid marking too close to the defect or problem area.
• Exposure tests are carried out at RISE in Örnsköldsvik.
• Send reference samples for comparison, including process and functional chemicals/materials. A good reference helps compare the problem sample with a controlled or ideal sample.

It is important that the materials on the market are free of hazardous and regulated substances. Chemical analysis is a way to gain control over the products' chemical content.

Society and consumers place great demands on companies and their products. The legislation also means that you as an actor must have complete information and control over which chemicals your products contain. It is especially important with products for children and goods that come into contact with the skin, such as clothes and accessories.

We help you interpret chemical legal requirements and restrictions that apply to goods made of textile materials and plastics and that are linked to, for example, REACH and POPs. We suggest which analyzes you need to do based on legal requirements, but also other requirements specifications such as eco-labels or procurement requirements.

Determination of siloxanes D4, D5 och D6 (SVHC substances) in silicone, plastics and textile.

QUANTIFICATION OF RESIDUAL AMOUNTS OF CYCLIC VOLATILE METHYL SILOXANES IN SILICONE ELASTOMERS described by CES – Silicones Europé, revised version January 2019

Sample amount 20 grams

Written report in Swedish or English.

The normal delivery time is 10 working days after ordering and received sample material.

Determination of siloxanes D4, D5 and D6 (SVHC substances)

QUANTIFICATION OF RESIDUAL AMOUNTS OF CYCLIC VOLATILE METHYL SILOXANES IN SILICONE ELASTOMERS described by CES – Silicones Europé, revised version January 2019

Colophony, also referred to as rosin, is a term used to describe a collection of resin acids that are naturally present in the extractives of pine, spruce, and larch trees. Given that pine oil is a common byproduct of the wood distillation process, colophony is often found in significant quantities in pine oil.

It is acknowledged that traces of colophony may be present in pulp and, consequently, may be found in various products. However, it is generally accepted that this does not usually cause any problems. However, a Danish study of 2,000 eczema patients found that 3.7% had an allergy from skin contact with colophony. The greatest risk of exposure to these substances is associated with prolonged contact, typically occurring in cases of adhesives utilised in plasters, bandages, cosmetic products, and sanitary items. This allergy has the potential to persist throughout a person's lifetime.

In the context of regulatory frameworks pertaining to hygiene and cosmetic products, there has been an observed increase in the demand for analysis in order to ascertain colophony levels. At RISE, we specialise in the measurement of colophony content, with the objective of ensuring compliance with safety standards and minimising the risk of allergic reactions.

Colophony is a naturally occurring substance that is found in a variety of products, including cosmetics, adhesives, paints, soaps, and industrial chemicals. It is sometimes referred to by different names, such as rosin, resin oil, and tall oil resin. It is imperative to be cognizant of these synonyms to ensure precise identification and analysis.

The analysis of colophony levels in mass is achieved through the utilisation of gas chromatography for the purpose of examining resin acids. In certain instances, three particular resin acids – abietic acid, dehydroabietic acid, and 7-oxodehydroabietic acid – are employed as markers for colophony. In order to conduct this analysis, a minimum of 20 grams of mass is required.

RISE is responsible for the production of a report, the content of which is presented in Excel format, together with relevant images and diagrams. The data has been compiled in accordance with recognised methods, incorporating a measurement uncertainty assessment to ensure the reliability of the results. The report encompasses all pertinent parameters, accompanied by comprehensive comments and elucidations to facilitate enhanced comprehension.

The delivery of results is contingent upon the order backlog and the scope of the assignment. The company's operational framework is designed to ensure the timely delivery of projects in accordance with the specific requirements of each client.

Express delivery is available at an additional cost for those requiring faster results. Should you wish to make an enquiry regarding prices and availability, please do not hesitate to contact us.

It is important that the materials on the market are free of hazardous and regulated substances. Chemical analysis is a way to gain control over the products' chemical content.

Society and consumers place great demands on companies and their products. The legislation also means that you as an actor must have complete information and control over which chemicals your products contain. It is especially important with products for children and goods that come into contact with the skin, such as clothes and accessories.

We help you interpret chemical legal requirements and restrictions that apply to goods made of textile materials and plastics and that are linked to, for example, REACH and POPs. We suggest which analyzes you need to make based on legal requirements, but also other requirements specifications such as eco-labels or procurement requirements.

Determination of leather preservatives (TCMBT, PCMC, OPP, OIT) according to OEKO-TEX

ISO 13365. Leather - Chemical determination of the content of preservatives (TCMTB, PCMC, OPP, OIT) in leather by liquid chromatography

Sample amount 20 grams

Written report in Swedish or English

The normal delivery time is 10 working days after ordering and received sample material.

OEKO-TEX

ISO 13365