First Steps Toward Sustainable Circular Uses of Chemicals: Advancing the Assessment and Management Paradigm

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Environmental and human health impacts associated with chemical production and losses from value chains make the current linear produce-use-dispose model no longer an option for chemicals. Based on our analysis herein, we propose next steps on how to embed the concept of “circularity” into practice (including the design phase) to foster systemic transition toward sustainable circular uses of chemicals. We first analyze major causes of chemical losses throughout their life cycles. Then, we propose to advance the current chemicals assessment and management paradigm by (1) introducing the consideration of multiple use cycles in the hazard and risk assessment stage and (2) introducing an additional “sustainable circularity” assessment stage, as a critical first step to guide systematic decision-making at all levels toward sustainable circular use of chemicals. We further look into how to enable the proposed changes and a larger systemic transition, both on the technical and socioeconomic sides.