Communicating Product Sustainability Information related to Chemicals

All products of modern life contain chemicals as material ingredients. This includes, for example, clothes, food, furniture, cosmetics, packaging, toys, electronics, and the materials that make up our homes. It is estimated that between 40,000 and 60,000 industrial chemicals are on the market globally, with around 6,000 substances making up over 99% of the total volume of chemicals.

This document explores means and considerations for better providing information on chemicals and material ingredients as part of product sustainability information, by addressing key topics related to chemicals in products. The Guidelines for Providing Product Sustainability Information has proven to be a useful tool that outlines a framework to strengthen how product sustainability information is provided. In the spirit of a supplement, this document draws upon the Guidelines’ 10 high-level principles and discusses them in the context of chemicals in products. Best practice examples targeting providers of information are also offered. Whilst the products explored  in this document are highly varied in terms of their materials, components and ingredients, those principles are applicable to all products, to improve the communication on chemicals used.