Integrating "Green Chemistry" into the Regulatory Framework of European Chemicals Policy
Martin Führ, Julian Schenten and Silke Kleihauer
sofia Studien 2019, No. 2 https://doi.org/10.46850/sofia.9783941627727
20 years ago a concept of “Green Chemistry” was formulated by Paul Anastas and John Warner, aiming at an ambitious agenda to “green” chemical products and processes. Today the concept, laid down in a set of 12 principles, has found support in various arenas. This diffusion was supported by enhancements of the legislative framework; not only in the European Union. Nevertheless industry actors – whilst generally supporting the idea – still see “cost and perception remain barriers to green chemistry uptake”. Thus, the questions arise how additional incentives as well as measures to address the barriers and impediments can be provided. An analysis addressing these questions has to take into account the institutional context for the relevant actors involved in the issue. And it has to reflect the problem perception of the different stakeholders. The supply chain into which the chemicals are distributed are of pivotal importance since they create the demand pull for chemicals designed in accordance with the “Green Chemistry Principles”. Consequently, the scope of this study includes all stages in a chemical’s life-cycle, including the process of designing and producing the final products to which chemical substances contribute. For each stage the most relevant legislative acts, together establishing the regulatory framework of the “chemicals policy” in the EU are analysed.
In a nutshell the main elements of the study can be summarized as follows: Green Chemistry (GC) is the utilisation of a set of principles that reduces or eliminates the use or generation of hazardous substances in the design, manufacture and application of chemical products. Besides, reaction efficiency, including energy efficiency, and the use of renewable resources are other motives of Green Chemistry. Putting the GC concept in a broader market context, however, it can only prevail if in the perception of the relevant actors it is linked to tangible business cases. Therefore, the study analyses the product context in which chemistry is to be applied, as well as the substance’s entire life-cycle – in other words, the six stages in product innovation processes): 1. Substance design, 2. Production process, 3. Interaction in the supply chain, 4. Product design, 5. Use phase and 6. After use phase of the product (towards a “circular economy”).
The report presents an overview to what extent the existing framework, i.e. legislation and the wider institutional context along the six stages, is setting incentives for actors to adequately address problematic substances and their potential impacts, including the learning processes intended to invoke creativity of various actors to solve challenges posed by these substances. In this respect, measured against the GC and Learning Process assessment criteria, the study identified shortcomings (“delta”) at each stage of product innovation. Some criteria are covered by the regulatory framework and to a relevant extent implemented by the actors. With respect to those criteria, there is thus no priority need for further action. Other criteria are only to a certain degree covered by the regulatory framework, due to various and often interlinked reasons. For those criteria, entry points for options to strengthen or further nuance coverage of the respective principle already exist. Most relevant are the deltas with regard to those instruments that influence the design phase; both for the chemical substance as such and for the end-product containing the substance. Due to the multi-tier supply chains, provisions fostering information, communication and cooperation of the various actors are crucial to underpin the learning processes towards the GCP. The policy options aim to tackle these shortcomings in the context of the respective stage in order to support those actors who are willing to change their attitude and their business decisions towards GC. The findings are in general coherence with the strategies to foster GC identified by the Green Chemistry & Commerce Council.
References
- Ågerstrand, M., Brenig, M., Führ, M., Schenten, J. 2017: Refining tools to bridge the gap between academia and chemicals regulation: Perspectives for a WikiREACH, in: 2017 Environmental Science: Processes and Impacts 19(3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C7EM00422B.
- Anastas, P. T.; Warner, J. C. 1998: Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice, Oxford University Press: New York.
- Ardente, F, Mathieux, F. (Joint Research Center - JRC) 2012: Integration of resource efficiency and waste management criteria in European product policies – Second phase. Report n° 3, Refined methods and Guidance documents for the calculation of indices concerning Reusability / Recyclability / Recoverability, Recycled content, Use of Priority Resources, Use of Hazardous substances, Durability (final), doi: 10.2788/42590, Luxembourg, publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC73188 (8.9.2018).
- Bergkamp, L., Herbatschek, N. 2015: The “Once an Article, Always an Article” Approach. Reflections on the Advocate General’s Opinion on the Concept of “Articles” Under REACH, in: EJRR 1|2015, 155-164. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1867299X00004402.
- BIO-IZM-WI 2013: Material-efficiency Ecodesign - Report and Module to the Methodology for the Ecodesing of Energy-relat4ed Products (MEErP), Report to the European Commission, June 2013, sites.google.com/a/biois.com/meerp/documents.
- Blum, C., Bunke, D., Hungsberg, M. et al. 2017: The concept of sustainable chemistry: Key drivers for the transition towards sustainable development, in: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy 5, 94-104. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scp.2017.01.001.
- Calliess, C. and Ruffert, M. 2011: EUV/AEUV. Das Verfassungsrecht der Europäischen Union mit Europäischer Grundrechtecharta, Munich: C.H. Beck.
- Camboni, M. 2017: Study for the strategy for a non-toxic environment of the 7th EAP, Sub-study a: Substitution, including grouping of chemicals & measures to support substitution, ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/non-toxic/pdf/Sub-study%20a%20substitution%20grouping%20NTE%20final.pdf (21.10.2018).
- CEN (European Comitee for Standardization) 2017: Guide on chemicals in products standards Project aiming to develop a new CEN Guide on Chemicals, www.cen.eu/work/areas/env/Pages/GuideChemicalsProducts.aspx (16.7.2018)
- ClientEarth/ChemSec 2018: How to find and analyse alternatives in the Authorisation Process, Gothenburg; chemsec.org/app/uploads/2018/03/180612-Alternatives-in-the-authorisation-process.pdf
- Collins, T.J. 2017: Review of the twenty-three year evolution of the first university course in green chemistry: teaching future leaders how to create sustainable societies, in: Journal of Cleaner Production 140, 93-110. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.06.136.
- ECHA 2015: Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment. Chapter R.12: Use description. Vers 3.0, Helsinki, echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/13632/information_requirements_r12_en.pdf (20.5.2018).
- ECHA 2016: Report on the operation of REACH and CLP 2016. Helsinki, Finland: European Chemicals Agency, DOI 10.2823/760148, echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/13634/operation_reach_clp_2016_en.pdf, Accessed 13 July 2018.
- ECHA 2017: Enforcement project to check compliance with the obligations of substances in articles ECHA/NI/17/40 (20.11.2017), Helsinki, echa.europa.eu/de/-/enforcement-project-to-check-compliance-with-the-obligations-of-substances-in-articles (20.10.2018).
- ECHA 2017: Guidance for identification and naming of substances under REACH and CLP, Version 2.1, Helsinki, echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/23036412/substance_id_en.pdf/ee696bad-49f6-4fec-b8b7-2c3706113c7d (16.10.2018).
- ECHA 2017: Guidance on Substances in Articles, Version 4.0, Helsinki, echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/23036412/articles_en.pdf (17.10.2018).
- ECHA 2018: CMRs in textiles - Member State's back Commission's restriction plan, in: ECHA Newsletter (May 2018) Issue 2, 21-22, newsletter.echa.europa.eu/documents/6362380/23688447/newsletter_2018_issue_2_may_en.pdf (20.10.2018).
- ECHA 2018: Evaluation under REACH Progress Report 2017, Helsinki, echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/13628/evaluation_under_reach_progress_en.pdf/24c24728-2543-640c-204e-c61c36401048 (16.10.2018).
- ECHA 2018: Impurities and (degree of) purity in CLP and in the CLH process, Helsinki, echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/13626/clh_impurities_purity_en.pdf/cc0406ba-2e6c-4ee0-3082-2b2b3f123ee4 (6.9.2018).
- ECHA 2018: Information requirements: Use maps, Helsinki, www.echa.europa.eu/csr-es-roadmap/use-maps/concept (18.8.2018).
- ECHA 2018: Market Survey: Use of bisphenol A and its alternatives in thermal paper in the EU from 2014 to 2017, Helsinki, www.echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/22863068/bpa_in_thermal_paper_report_en.pdf/0d93cd76-345e-2ed4-698f-a3beaea6d755 (20.10.2018).
- ECOS 2018: Work on Material Efficiency standards for Ecodesign finally kicks-off, ecostandard.org/work-on-material-efficiency-standards-for-ecodesign-finally-kicks-off/ (16.10.2018).
- EEB 2017: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NGO SEVILLA PLATFORM GRANT - Final Report, Brussel 2017.
- European Commission 2003 (COM (2003) 302 final): Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - Integrated Product Policy - Building on Environmental Life Cycle Thinking, eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-con-tent/DE/TXT/PDF/ (20.10.2018).
- European Commission 2006: Register of Commission Expert Groups and Other Similar Entities Eco-Design Consultation Forum/ Enterprise and Industry + Energy (E01798), ec.europa.eu/transparency/regexpert/index.cfm (24.5.2018).
- European Commission 2008: Meeting Report Kick-Off Meeting for the review of the reference document on best available techniques in common waste water and waste gas treatment/management system in the chemical sec-tor, Sevilla, eippcb.jrc.ec.europa.eu/reference/BREF/cww_kom_06-2008.pdf (06.05.2018).
- European Commission 2009 (COM(2009) 693 final): Report from the Com-mission on the State of Implementation of Integrated Product Policy SEC(2009)1707, eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52009DC0693&qid=1540018412284&from=EN (20.10.2018). - European Commission 2016 (COM(2016) 773 final): COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION Ecodesign Working Plan 2016-2019, eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-con-tent/EN/TXT/PDF/ (20.10.2018).
- European Commission 2017 (COM(2017) 572 final): COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION Making Public Procurement work in and for Europe, eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52017DC0572&qid=1540017962855&from=EN (2010.2018). - European Commission 2018 (COM(2018) 116 final): COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION Commission General Report on the operation of REACH and review of certain elements Conclusions and Actions Conclusions and Actions, eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/ (19.10.2018).
- European Commission 2018 (COM(2018) 32 final): COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION on the implementation of the circular economy package: options to address the interface between chemical, product and waste legislation (Text with EEA relevance) options to address the interface between chemical, product and waste legislation, eur-
lex.europa.eu/legal-con-tent/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52018DC0032&qid=1539947171284&from=EN (19.10.2018). - European Commission 2018 (SWD(2018) 16 final): COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT on the COMMUNICATION FORM THE COMMISSION A European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-con-tent/EN/TXT/PDF/ (19.10.2018).
- European Commission 2018 (SWD(2018) 20 final): COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT on the COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION on the implementation of the circular economy package: options to address the interface between chemical, product and waste legislation, eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-con-tent/EN/TXT/PDF/ (19.10.2018).
- European Commission 2018 (SWD(2018) 58 final, part 1): COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT on the COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION Commission General Report on the operation of REACH and review of certain elements Conclusions and Actions, eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html (19.10.2018).
- Fantke, P., Weber, R. and Scheringer, M. 2015: From incremental to fundamental substitution in chemical alternatives assessment, Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, vol. 1, pp. 1-8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scp.2015.08.001.
- Fleck, L. 1983: Erfahrung und Tatsache - Gesammelte Aufsätze, in: Schäfer, L./Schnelle, T. (eds.), Frankfurt/Main.
- Footitt, A./RPA 2017: Study to gather further information to be used in support of an Impact Assessment of potential options, in particular possible Amendments of REACH Annexes, to modify requirements for registration of low tonnage substances (1- 10t/year) and the CSA/CSR Requirement for CMR substances in the framework of REACH. Main Report, doi: 10.2779/1827, Luxembourg, publications.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/9380c012-055f-11e7-8a35-01aa75ed71a1 (15.5.2018).
- Führ, M. 2000 (ed.): Stoffstromsteuerung durch Produktregulierung - Rechtliche, ökonomische und politische Fragen, Nomos-Verlag: Baden-Baden.
- Führ, M. 2003: Eigen-Verantwortung im Rechtsstaat, Duncker & Humblot GmbH: Berlin.
- Führ, M. 2011 (ed.): Praxishandbuch REACH, Carl Heymanns Verlag: Köln.
- Führ, M. 2014: Technikrecht und Standardisierung, in: Wegener (ed.), Enzyklopädie Europarecht [EnzEuR], Band 8, Europäische Querschnittpolitiken, § 4, Baden-Baden, 207 – 304. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5771/9783845258386_205.
- Führ, M. Brendle, U., Gebers, B., Roller, G. 1996: Reform of European Standardization Procedures, Requirements of constitutional and European law upon standardization through private bodies; in: elni-Newsletter [now: elni-Review] 1996 (2), 22-27.
- Führ, M., Cichorowski, G., Krieger, N., Dopfer, J., Kleihauer, S., Ebinger, F., Rubik, F.,2006: Umsetzung des Konzepts der Integrierten Produktpolitik (IPP) in die Europäische Normung, im Auftrag des Deutsches Institut für Normung, DIN e.V.
- Führ, M., Merenyi, S., Kleihauer, S., Bunke, D., Hermann, A. 2011: "Effective control" of sub-stances of very high concern (SVHC) with properties for which thresholds are not derivable within the framework of the REACH authorisation regime. Im Auftrag des Umweltbundesamtes (Umweltforschungsplan - FKZ 206 67 460 / 02).
- Führ, M., Schenten, J. 2018: Sustainable Production and Consumption, in: Krämer, L./Orlando, E. (eds.), Principles of Environmental Law, Edward Elgar Publishing: United Kingdom. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781785365669.VI.9.
- Führ, M., Schenten, J., Hermann, A., Bunke, D. 2015: Enhancement of the REACH requirements for (imported) articles. Options for improvement of the chemicals regulation, Dessau-Roßlau, www.umweltbundesamt.de/publikationen/enhancement-of-the-reach-requirements-for-imported (16.10.2018).
- Führ, M; Roller G. 2008: Individual producer responsibility: A remaining challenge under the WEEE Directive, Review of European and International Environmental Law (RECIEL), 17 (3), 277-283. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9388.2008.00606.x.
- GC3 (Green Chemistry & Commerce Council) 2015: An Agenda to Mainstream Green Chemistry, greenchemistryandcommerce.org/documents/An_Agenda_to_Mainstream_Green_Chemistry.pdf (21.10.2018).
- HAZBREF (WP 3.1) 2018: Work Package 3 “Policy Improvement” of the HAZ-BREF project funded by INTERREG Baltic Sea Region; Activity 3.1: Analysis of the interfaces, links or gaps between the different pieces of EU-legislations and marine convention (draft version as of 2018-12-02; author
Lisa Löffler) in the context of the HAZBREF-projekt (Hazardous industrial chemicals in the IED BREFs) - HAZBREF Workshop 2018: HAZBREF Workshop Documentation on Activity 3.1, Conclusions from the workshop, Berlin, 25 September 2018.
- IPEN 2017: Beyond 2020: Green chemistry and sustainable chemistry, ipen.org/sites/default/files/documents/Beyond%202020%20Green%20chemistry%20and%20sustainable%20chemistry%2024%20Jan%202017.pdf (16.10.2018).
- Jakl, Th., Wimmer, M., Markt, K. (Eds.) 2011: Chemikalienpolitik - die Perspektive 2020, CHEM - NEWS XX, Lebensministerium Wien, www.bmnt.gv.at/dam/jcr:c61b0692-24b6-4b2b-be9c-ca4f6f217b65/Chem-NEWS-XX_web-25-04-2012.pdf (13.10.2018).
- Jørgensen, C. (Danish Consumer Council) 2018: Chemicals in consumer goods – full disclosure needed: Revelations on dangerous chemicals in toys show that consumers need more information about the contents of the products they buy, in: Chemical Watch Briefing July 2018, Issue 109, 26.
- Kemna, R., van Elburg, M., Li W., van Holsteijn R. (COWI Belgium sprl and Van Holsteijn en Kemna B.V. (VHK)) 2011: Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy‐related Products (MEErP 2011), Methodology Report, Part 1: Methods, Final Report, Brussels/ Delft, ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/26525/attachments/1/translations/en/renditions/native (8.9.2018).
- Kleihauer, S., Führ, M., Bunke, D. 2015: SMART protection objectives for priority hazardous substances (EC/2008/105) [SMARTE Schutzziele für prioritär gefährliche Stoffe nach der Wasserrahmen-Richtlinie], on behalf of the Umweltbundesamt (Umweltforschungsplan - FKZ 3713 28 223), Berlin/Dessau.
- Lahl U., Zeschmar-Lahl B. 2011: Going Green: Chemie - Handlungsfelder für eine ressourceneffiziente Chemieindustrie, Heinrich Böll-Stiftung (Schriften zur Ökologie, Band 19), Berlin.
- Lahl U., Zeschmar-Lahl B. 2013: Risk based management of chemicals and products in a circular economy at a global scale (risk cycle), extended producer responsibility and EU legislation. in: Environmental Sciences Europe 2013 25:3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2190-4715-25-3
- Luit, R.J., Waaijers-van der Loop, S.L., Heugens E.h.W. (RIVM) 2016: REACHing out to the bio-based economy. Perspectives and challenges of EU chemicals legislation, Bilthoven, www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/2016-0178.pdf (13.10.2018).
- McKinsey 2016: Starting at the source: Sustainability in supply chains, www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/sustainability-and-resource-productivity/our-insights/starting-at-the-source-sustainability-in-supply-chains (11.7.2018).
- Milieu Ltd, Ökopol, Risk & Policy Analysts (RPA) and RIVM 2017: Study for the strategy for a non-toxic environment of the 7th Environment Action Programme. Final Report, doi: 10.2779/025, Luxembourg.
- Postle, M., Clarke, C., Mahal, A., Halliday, R. Cockcroft, L.J. 2017: Study on the regulatory fitness (REFIT) of the legislative framework governing the risk management of chemicals (excluding REACH), in particular the CLP Regulation and related legislation. Evaluation Report, ec.europa.eu/DocsRoom/documents/22063/attachments/1/translations/en/renditions/pdf (21.10.2018).
- Poulsen, P.B., Strandesen, M., Schmid, A. 2010: Chemical requirements for consumer products. Proposals for regulatory measures to improve chemical safety for consumers. Study commissioned by: The Consumer Council at the Austrian Standards Institute and funded by the Austrian Ministry for Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection.
- REACH-ENFORCE-1 2012: Final report of the first coordinated REACH enforcement project on registration, pre-registration and safety data sheets - Adopted by the Forum in plenary session on 29 February 2012; accessible under echa.europa.eu.
- Reihlen, A. (Oekopol GmbH), Halliday, R. (RPA Ltd.) 2017: Scientific and technical support for collecting information on and reviewing available tools to track hazardous substances in articles with a view to improve the implementation and enforcement of Article 33 of REACH, Luxembourg.
- Reihlen, A. 2017: Study for the strategy for a non-toxic environment of the 7th EAP. Sub-study b: Chemicals in products and non-toxic material cycles, Brussels, ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/non-toxic/pdf/Sub-study%20b%20articles%20non-toxic%20material%20cycles%20NTE%20final.pdf (20.10.2018).
- Reihlen, A., Jepsen, D., Spengler, L., Wirth, O. (Ökopol) 2013: Schadstoffbewertung in Produkten Vergleich – REACH und Ökodesign-RL, working paper (15 Feb) in the project „Integration der Ressourceneffizienz in die Ökodesign Richtlinie“, www.eup-network.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Produktgruppen/V_526-4_Arbeitspapier_-_Schadstoffbewertung_in_Produkten.pdf (9.9.2018).
- Sands, P. and Peel, J. 2012: Principles of International Environmental Law, 3rd ed., Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
- Schaible, C. 2009: Current discussions on the proposal for an Industrial Emissions Directiv: Stronger role for Best Available Techniques?, in: elni review 02/2009, 83-86, www.elni.org/fileadmin/elni/dokumente/Archiv/2009/Heft_2/elni_Review_2009-2_Schaible.pdf (20.10.2018).
- Schenten, J. 2017: Rechtliche Gewährleistung eines hohen Schutzniveaus bei Nanomaterialien in REACH. Defizitanalyse und Gestaltungsoptionen, Dissertation, Reihe Forum Wirtschaftsrecht, Nr. 23, Kassel, www.sofia-darmstadt.de/fileadmin/Dokumente/Buecher/Schenten_Diss.pdf (12.9.2018).
- Schenten, J., Führ, M. 2011: Sorgfaltspflichten der Unternehmensleitung, in: Führ, M. (ed.), Praxishandbuch REACH, Cologne: Carl Heymanns Verlag. Schenten, J., Führ, M. 2015: A RoHS approach in REACH? Regulating SVHCs in (imported) articles and beyond, in: Chemical Watch Global Business Briefing, December 2015/January 2016, Issue 83, 7-9.
- Schenten, J., Führ, M. 2016: SVHC in imported articles: REACH authorisation requirement justified under WTO rules, in Environ Sci Eur (2016) 28:21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-016-0090-9.
- Schenten, J., Führ, M., Lennartz, L. 2018: EU Traceability of Substances in Articles: Supply Chain Communication Challenges and the Perspective of Full Material Declaration (FMD), elni 2018/2, 32-38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46850/elni.2018.007.
- Schomerus, T., Spengler, L. 2012: Regelungsrahmen und Regelungsmöglichkeiten – Bestandsaufnahme, working paper (15 May) in the project „Integration der Ressourceneffizienz in die Ökodesign Richtlinie“, www.eup-network.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Produktgruppen/V_526-3_Arbeitspapier_-_Regelungsrahmen_und_Moeglichkeiten__AP2_.pdf (09.09.2018).
- Stringer, L. 2018: BASF: Cost and perception remain barriers to green chemistry uptake, in: Chemical Watch Global Risk & Regulation News (26 April 2018), chemicalwatch.com/66349/basf-cost-and-perception-remain-barriers-to-green-chemistry-uptake (19.10.2018).
- Stringer, L. 2018: Cross-sector initiative sets full materials disclosure goal Could be key turning point for supply chain data exchange on chemicals, in: Chemical Watch Global Risk & Regulation News (14 June 2018), chemicalwatch.com/67695/cross-sector-initiative-sets-full-materials-disclosure-goal (21.10.2018).
- Tickner, J., Jacobs, M. 2016: Improving the Identification, Evaluation, Adoption and Development of Safer Alternatives: Needs and Opportunities to Enhance Substitution Efforts within the Context of REACH, Lowell, echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/13630/substitution_capacity_lcsp_en.pdf/2b7489e1-6d96-4f65-8467-72974b032d7b (16.10.2018).
- UBA (Umweltbundesamt) (ed.) 2009: Nachhaltige Chemie, Positionen und Kriterien des Umweltbundesamtes, March, Dessau-Roßlau.
- UNEP 2017: Advancing Entrepreneurship and Start-up Initiatives for Sustainable Chemistry: Learning from Case Studies, Workshop held 14 Sept 2017, Outcome Document, hdl.handle.net/20.500.11822/22574 (12.9.2018).
- UNEP 2019: Global Chemicals Outlook II. From Legacies to Innovative Solutions: Implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – Synthesis Report, wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/27651/GCOII_synth.pdf (21.7.2019).
- UNITAR 2004: Developing and Sustaining an Integrated National Programme for Sound Chemicals Management Guidance Document, cwm.unitar.org/national-profiles/publications/cw/inp/inp_gd_2004-05_%2813_may2004_red_r1%29.pdf (21.10.2018).
- United Nations 2015: UN General Assembly, Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Resolution adopted by the General Assembly. 25.9.2015, A/70/L.1.
- United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA (2017): Basics of Green Chemistry Green chemistry's 12 principles, www.epa.gov/greenchemistry/basics-green-chemistry (12.09.2018).
- Warner, J.C., Cannon, A.S., Dye, K.M. 2004: Green Chemistry, in: Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 24 (2004), 775–799. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2004.06.006.
- Werner, M. 2018: Safer chemistry and circularity: Innovation in safer chemistry and product design is critical for the circular economy, in: Chemical Watch Briefing July 2018, Issue 109, 27-28.