Global Chemicals Outlook II
From Legacies to Innovative Solutions: Implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development –Synthesis Report
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About the Global Chemicals Outlook IIThe first edition of the Global Chemicals Outlook,published in February 2013, assembled scientific,
technical and socio-economic information on thesound management of chemicals. It covered trends
and indicators for chemical production, transport, use
and disposal, and associated health and environmental
impacts; economic implications of these trends, including
costs of inaction and benefits of action; and instruments
and approaches for sound management of chemicals.
Decision 27/12, adopted by the Governing Councilof the United Nations Environment Programme in2013, recognized the significance of the findings ofthe first Global Chemicals Outlook, which highlighted
the significant increase in the manufacture and use ofchemicals globally, their importance to national andglobal economies and the costs and negative effects
on human health and the environment of unsoundchemicals management, and made recommendations
for future action. Decision 27/12 also requested the
Executive Director to continue work on the Global
Chemicals Outlook, particularly in areas where data were
found to be lacking or inadequate, and to enhancetransparency through regionally balanced stakeholder
involvement, inter alia, with a view to developing in
the future a tool for assessing progress towards theachievement of the sound management of chemicals
and hazardous wastes, including the existing 2020 goal,taking into account and building upon other existingsources of information.

i

Resolution 2/7, adopted by the United Nations
Environment Assembly in 2016, requested the Executive
Director to submit an update of the first Global Chemicals
Outlook, addressing, inter alia, the work carried out
particularly in relation to lacking or inadequate data toassess progress towards the 2020 goal, the developmentof non-chemical alternatives, and the linkages between
chemicals and waste, in coordination with the Global
Waste Management Outlook, and providing scientificinput and options for implementation of actions to reachrelevant Sustainable Development Goals and targets up
to and beyond 2020. Resolution 2/7 also requested the
Executive Director to ensure that the updated Global
Chemicals Outlook addresses the issues which have been
identified as emerging policy issues by the International
Conference on Chemicals Management (the governing
body of the Strategic Approach to International
Chemicals Management) as
well as other issues where
emerging evidence indicatesa risk to human health andthe environment.

ii

The second edition of the Global Chemicals Outlook
has been prepared with substantive contributions
from more than 400 experts and under the guidanceof a Steering Committee, which provided oversight,
strategic directions and guidance on all aspects of thereport’s development, as well as technical inputs, whereapplicable. The Steering Committee was composed ofrepresentatives from Governments, non-governmentalorganizations (including civil society, industry/theprivate sector, and academia) and inter-governmentalorganizations, with participation from all regions anda wide range of stakeholders.
This Synthesis Report of the Global Chemicals Outlook II
summarizes key findings and insights of the full Global
Chemicals Outlook II and follows the same five-partstructure as the full report. A shorter Summary for
Policymakers was tabled as a working document of
the fourth session of the United Nations Environment
Assembly and is available in all six UN languages. The
full Global Chemicals Outlook II is launched in April
2019 at the third meeting of the Open-Ended Working
Group of the International Conference on Chemicals
Management.

AcknowledgementsT

he Global Chemicals Outlook II has been developed
through substantive input from a wide rangeof experts, and through collaboration withnumerous partner organizations. The United Nations
Environment Programme wishes to thank all individuals
and organizations that have generously contributed
their expertise, time, and energy.
The Steering Committee provided oversight, strategic
direction, guidance and technical inputs throughout
the process. The members of the Committee were:
Keith Alverson, Ingela Andersson, Heidar Ali Balouji,
Ricardo Barra, Andrea Brown, Leticia Carvalho, Emma
Chynoweth, Bob Diderich, Joe DiGangi, Szymon
Domagalski, Jutta Emig, Richard Fuller, Veronique
Garny, Fernando Gomez, Florencia Grimalt, Juergen
Helbig, Sverre Thomas Jahre, David Kapindula, Brenda
Koekkoek, Brian Kohler, Kouame Georges Kouadio, Klaus
Kümmerer, Mungath Kutty, Vladimir Lenev, SuzanneLeppinen, Jianguo Liu, Christoph Neumann, Jorge Ocaña,
Hanna-Andrea Rother, Tatiana Santos, Claudia ten Have,
Baskut Tuncak, Carolyn Vickers, Melissa Mengjiao Wang,
Katherine Weber, Felix Wertli, Susan Wilburn, and Kei
Ohno Woodall.
Back-up support to members of the Committee wasprovided by, among others, Angelina Buchar, Tracey
Easthope, Manoj Kumar Gangeya, Vassilios Karavezyris,
Sunday Leonard, Eugeniy Lobanov, Andrew McCartor,

Geraint Roberts, Dolores Romano, Leigh Stringer, Michel
Tschirren, Victoria Tunstall, and Carla Valle-Klann.
Lead authors responsible for the drafting of foundational
papers and specific chapters were: Francisco Alpizar,
Thomas Backhaus, Nils Decker, Ingo Eilks, Natalia
Escobar-Pemberthy, Peter Fantke, Ken Geiser (inaddition: coordination of Part I), Maria Ivanova, Olivier
Jolliet, Ho-seok Kim, Kelvin Khisa, Haripriya Gundimeda,
Daniel Slunge, Stephen Stec, Joel Tickner, David Tyrer,
Niko Urho, Rob Visser (in addition: coordination ofParts II and III), Mario Yarto, and Vania Gomes Zuin.
Lead authors for capturing regional perspectives were
Babajide Alo, Vera Barrantes, Anna Makarova and© UNEP

iii

Chen Yuan, with further input provided by Mohamed
Abdelraouf and Noriyuki Suzuki.
Further substantive contributions were provided by:
Katinka De Balogh, Marie-Ange Baucher, Richard Blume,
Rafael Cayuela, Maria Delfina Cuglievan, Heidelore
Fiedler, John Haines, Lei Huang, Nicole Illner, Molly
Jacobs LeFevre, Edwin Janssen, Elisabeth Krausmann,
Nyree Bekarian Mack, Rachel Massey, Frank Moser,
Amos Necci, Ieva Rucevska, David Sutherland, Urvi
Talaty, Dirk Uhlemann, Elze van Hamelen, Willem van
Lanschot, Melissa Mengjiao Wang, Zhanyun Wang,
Maureen Wood, Oliver Wootton, and Evetta Zenina.
A Consultative Meeting for the Preparation of the
Global Chemicals Outlook II took place in April 2016 in
Geneva, Switzerland. It was attended by 70 experts.
Subsequently a wide range of stakeholders provided
input at five workshops. These consisted of a seriesof regional expert workshops in March-April 2018 in
Nairobi, Kenya (Africa); Frankfurt, Germany (Europe,
including Central and Eastern Europe); Panama City,
Panama (Latin America and the Caribbean and North
America); and Bangkok, Thailand (Asia Pacific and WestAsia), attended by a total of 115 participants; and a global
workshop (June 2018, Bonn, Germany) with some 100
participants. Paul Hohnen provided valuable support,
including by moderating sessions at several workshops.
Independent experts, identified based on nominations
received from the Scientific and Technical Advisory
Panel of the Global Environment Facility, the secretariat
supporting the preparation of the next Global
Environment Outlook, and the International Solid Waste
Association, were invited to review the draft GCO-II.
iv

In addition, external experts were invited to review
selected sections based on their expertise. The following
individuals provided valuable feedback: Marlene
Agerstrand, Tom Bond, Weihsueh Chiu, Victoria de Higa,Paul Dumble, Henning Friege, Martin Führ, Sarah Green,
Jamidu Katima, Sayed Khattari, Joy Aeree Kim, Olwenn
Martin, Ackmez Mudhoo, Carlos Ocampo Lopez, Stephen
Macey, Prasad Modak, Naglaa Mohamed Loutfy, Jennifer
McKellar, Percy Onianwa, Kamlesh Pathak, Andreas
Prevodnik, Alexander Romanov, Mark Rossi, Ted Smith,
Gustavo Solorzano, Gerard Swaen, Mohamed Tawfic,
Zijian Wang, and Meriel Watts.
Various organizations provided contributions to thedevelopment of the Global Chemicals Outlook II. The
International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre(ISC3) (overall lead: Friedrich Barth; support by Alexis
Bazzanella, Nils Decker, Agnes Dittmar, Silke Megelski
and Brigitta Meier) provided support in co-organizing
the four regional workshops and the global workshop,
as well as substantive contributions on megatrends andindustry sectors. The International Panel on Chemical
Pollution (overall lead: Martin Scheringer, Justin Boucher
and Zhanyun Wang; supported by Thuy Bui, Dämien
Bolinius, Elsemieke de Boer, Miriam Diamond, Patrick
FitzGerald, Adelene Lai, Grégoire Meylan, Amélie
Ritscher, Thomas Roiss, Christina Rudén, and Iona
Summerson) undertook background research andprepared a foundational paper addressing the emerging
policy issues and other issues of concern. The United
Nations Institute for Training and Research (overall
lead: Jorge Ocana) assisted by co-organizing meetings
and workshops, as well as by facilitating delivery of
substantive contributions. Furthermore, the following
entities provided comments and in-kind contributions

throughout the process: the Inter-Organization
Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals
participating organizations (Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations, International Labour
Organization, United Nations Development Programme,
United Nations Environment Programme, United
Nations Industrial Development Organization, United
Nations Institute for Training and Research, World HealthOrganization, World Bank, Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development), the Secretariat of
the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, theSecretariat of the Minamata Convention, the Secretariat
for the Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol(Ozone Secretariat) andthe Secretariat for theMultilateral Fund forthe Implementation of
the Montreal Protocol,
the secretariat of SAICM,
Chemical Watch, The
Natural Step, Statista,
and the World Economic
Forum.

Within the United Nations Environment Programme,
the Global Chemicals Outlook II has been prepared by
the Chemicals and Health Branch, Economy Division,under the leadership of Achim Halpaap and with thecoordinating and substantive support of Jost Dittkrist.
Further valuable guidance, input and contributions
have been provided by Jacqueline Alvarez, Abdouraman
Bary, Llorenç Mila Canals, Jacob Duer, Tessa Goverse,
Mijke Hertoghs, Tim Kasten, Isabelle Louis, Kaj Madsen,
Kakuko Nagatani-Yoshida, Ligia Noronha, Jordi Pon,
Pierre Quiblier, Liazzat Rabbiosi, Ying Su, Elisa Tonda andnumerous other colleagues. Administrative and othersupport has been provided by Erika Mattsson, Panos
Kalogirou, Scholastica Theuri, Pascale Unger and Leila
Younossi. Editing support has been provided by John
Smith, graphic design and layout by Lowil Espada, withsupport of Fabrice Clavien, and referencing and data
management support by Tapiwa Nxele.
Generous financial and in-kind contributions to develop
the Global Chemicals Outlook II have been provided by
the European Union and the Governments of Denmark,Germany, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

© UNEPv

ForewordC

hemicals are part of our everyday lives. From
pharmaceuticals to plant protection, innovations
in chemistry can improve our health, food security
and much more. However, if poorly used and managed,
hazardous chemicals and waste threaten human healthand the environment.
As the second Global Chemicals Outlook lays out, global
trends such as population dynamics, urbanization andeconomic growth are rapidly increasing chemical use,
particularly in emerging economies. In 2017, the industry
was worth more than US$5 trillion. By 2030, this will
double. Whether this growth becomes a net positiveor a net negative for humanity depends on how wemanage the chemicals challenge. What is clear is that
we must do much more.

vi

Large quantities of hazardous chemicals and pollutants
continue to leak into the environment, contaminating
food chains and accumulating in our bodies, where
they do serious damage. Estimates by the European
Environment Agency suggest that 62 per cent of thevolume of chemicals consumed in Europe in 2016 werehazardous to health. The World Health Organization
estimates the burden of disease from selected chemicals
at 1.6 million lives in 2016. The lives of many more arenegatively impacted.
We have made some progress in managing chemicals
through national and stakeholder action, international
treaties and voluntary instruments. At the World
Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, countries
committed to minimizing the adverse effects of chemicals

by 2020. At our current pace, we will not achieve thisgoal. Considering the expansion of the market, andthe associated increase in contamination, we cannot
continue to gamble with our health.
Solutions do exist, as the report shows. Sustainablesupply chain management, innovations in green
and sustainable chemistry, and adopting common
approaches to chemicals management can reduce
the risks to human health, ecosystems and economies.
But a solution is only as good as the will to implement it.
Now, more than ever, key influencers such as investors,
producers, retailers, citizens, academics and ministers
must act. We have the chance to do what needs tobe done. We are implementing the 2030 Agenda for

Sustainable Development and developing a future
framework for the sound management of chemicals
and waste beyond 2020.
We cannot live without chemicals. Nor can we live withthe consequences of their bad management. My hope isthat this Outlook inspires us all to increase our efforts tosafely capture the benefits of chemistry for all humanity.

Joyce Msuya
Acting Executive Director
UN Environmentvii

Key findings
The global goal to minimize adverse impacts of chemicals
and waste will not be achieved by 2020. Solutions exist, butmore ambitious worldwide action by all stakeholders isurgently required.

viii

1.

The size of the global chemical industry exceeded United States dollars 5
trillion in 2017. It is projected to double by 2030. Consumption and production
are rapidly increasing in emerging economies. Global supply chains, andthe trade of chemicals and products, are becoming increasingly complex.

2.

Driven by global megatrends, growth in chemical-intensive industry sectors(e.g. construction, agriculture, electronics) creates risks, but also opportunities
to advance sustainable consumption, production and product innovation.

3.

Hazardous chemicals and other pollutants (e.g. plastic waste andpharmaceutical pollutants) continue to be released in large quantities. They
are ubiquitous in humans and the environment and are accumulating inmaterial stocks and products, highlighting the need to avoid future legacies
through sustainable materials management and circular business models.

4.

The benefits of action to minimize adverse impacts have been estimatedin the high tens of billions of United States dollars annually. The World
Health Organization estimated the burden of disease from selectedchemicals at 1.6 million lives in 2016 (this is likely to be an underestimate).
Chemical pollution also threatens a range of ecosystem services.

5.

International treaties and voluntary instruments have reduced the risks of somechemicals and wastes, but progress has been uneven and implementation
gaps remain. As of 2018, more than 120 countries had not implemented the
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.

6.

Addressing legislation and capacity gaps in developing countries and emerging
economies remains a priority. Also, resources have not matched needs.
There are opportunities for new and innovative financing (e.g. through cost
recovery and engagement of the financial sector).

7.

Significant resources can be saved by sharing knowledge on chemical
management instruments more widely, and by enhancing mutual acceptanceof approaches in areas ranging from chemical hazard assessment toalternatives assessment.

8.

Frontrunner companies – from chemical producers to retailers – areintroducing sustainable supply chain management, full material disclosure,risk reduction beyond compliance, and human rights-based policies. However,widespread implementation of these initiatives has not yet been achieved.

9.

Consumer demand, as well as green and sustainable chemistry educationand innovation (e.g. though start-ups), are among the important driversof change. They can be scaled up through enabling policies, reaping thepotential benefits of chemistry innovations for sustainable development.

10. Global knowledge gaps can be filled. This can be achieved, for example,
by taking steps to harmonize research protocols, considering health orenvironmental impact information and harm caused to set and address
priorities (e.g. emerging issues), and strengthening the science-policy interface
through enhanced collaboration of scientists and decision-makers.

ix

List of acronyms

CLP Classification, labelling and packaging

PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls

DDT Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane

PFASs Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

DEHP Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

POPs Persistent organic pollutants

EDCs Endocrine-disrupting chemicals

PRTRs Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers

EPIs Emerging policy issues

REACH Registration, Evaluation, Authorization andRestriction of Chemicals

EU European Union
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization ofUnited Nations

SAICM Strategic Approach to International
Chemicals Management

GCO Global Chemicals Outlook

SDGs Sustainable Development Goals

GHS Globally Harmonized System ofClassification and Labelling of Chemicals

SMEs Small and medium-sized enterprises
SVHC Substances of Very High Concern

HHPs Highly hazardous pesticides

UNEA United Nations Environment Assembly

ICCM International Conference on Chemicals
Management
ILO International Labour Organization
IOMC Inter-Organization Programme for theSound Management of Chemicals
IPM Integrated pest management
LCA Life cycle assessment
OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Developmentx

UNITAR United Nations Institute for Training andResearch
US United States
VOCs Volatile organic compounds
WHO World Health Organization
WSSD World Summit on Sustainable Development
ZDHC Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals

Contents

Acknowledgements

iii

Foreword

vi

Key findings

viii

List of acronyms

xIntroduction: chemicals and waste in the broader sustainable development context

2

Key messages for policymakers: a call for more ambitious action at all levels

12

I. The evolving chemicals economy: status and trends relevant for sustainability

16

II. Where do we stand in achieving the 2020 goal – assessing overall progress and gaps

34

III. Advancing and sharing chemicals management tools and approaches:taking stock, looking into the future

50

IV. Enabling policies and action to support innovative solutions

60

V. Scaling up collaborative action under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

72

Annex: actions up to and beyond 2020 identified through the GCO-II

80

References

861

Introduction: chemicals and waste
in the broader sustainable
development context© DJ Mattaar/ShutterstockIntroduction: chemicals and waste in the broader sustainable development context

T

he Global Chemicals Outlook II (GCO-II) is released
at a crucial moment. Since the publication of
the GCO-I in 2013, the global consumption andproduction of chemicals1 has continued to grow, witha number of trends that are a cause for concern abouthuman health and the environment. This period also
witnessed the adoption in 2015 of the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), which include several targets
specifically related to chemicals and waste management.
Shortly thereafter, the International Conference on
Chemicals Management (ICCM), the governing bodyof the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals
Management (SAICM), initiated an intersessional process
to prepare by 2020 recommendations regarding theStrategic Approach and the sound management ofchemicals and waste beyond 2020.
By using a back-casting approach which envisaged asustainable future, GCO-II has identified a range ofactions for consideration by policy-makers around theworld and informing chemicals and waste management
beyond 2020.

Table 1 Chemicals and waste in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: SDG Targets 3.9 and 12.4
			

SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous
chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

			

SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all
wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, andsignificantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts
on human health and the environment.

1

The term “chemicals” is understood throughout this report to include pharmaceuticals, unless otherwise noted.

3

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

Sound management and innovations in chemistry
are essential for sustainable development
From pharmaceuticals and plant protection products
to the production of cars, computers and textiles, many
manufactured chemicals have helped improve humanhealth, food security, productivity and quality of life
throughout the world. While the number of chemicals
registered by the American Chemical Society’s global
Chemical Abstracts Service exceeds 142 million, only afraction of these chemicals are placed on the market.

Figure 1

A 2018 draft report jointly developed by the United
Nations Environment Programme and the International
Council of Chemical Associations estimated the total
number of industrial chemicals in commerce globallyat 40,000 to 60,000, with 6000 of these chemicals
accounting for more than 99 per cent of the total volume.
The number of chemicals on the market is exceeded bya larger – and growing – number of chemical-intensive
products such as computers, mobile phones, furnitureand personal care products. [Relevant sections in the
GCO-II: Introduction; Part I, Ch. 1]

Share of the volume of chemicals consumed in the European Union in 2016 by hazard categories(based on European Environment Agency 2018)38%
No classification, labelling and packaging hazards
35%
Ecosystem hazards (EH)
62%
Health hazards (HH)No classified hazards
Significant acute EH

Chronic EH
Moderate chronic EH

Significant chronic EH
Severe chronic EH

Harmful HH
Toxic HH

Very toxic HH
Chronic toxic HH

Carcinogenic, mutagenic
and reprotoxic

According to data from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union (EU), compiled in 2018 by theEuropean Environment Agency , approximately 62 per cent of the 345 million tonnes of chemicals consumed
in the EU in 2016 were hazardous to health. In presenting the data, the Agency noted that volumes ofhazardous chemicals consumed are not a proxy for the risks posed by those chemicals. [Introduction]

4

Introduction: chemicals and waste in the broader sustainable development context

Many chemicals, products and wastes have hazardous
properties and continue to cause significant adverse
impacts on human health and the environment because
they are not properly managed. Chemicals or groups ofchemicals that are receiving attention in research andpolicy-making because of their hazardous properties andpotential risks include, but are not limited to, carcinogens,mutagens and chemicals hazardous to reproduction,
persistent bio-accumulative and toxic substances,endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and chemicals withneurodevelopmental effects. [Introduction; Part I, Ch.
1, 7; Part III, Ch. 1]
Ensuring the sound management of chemicals andwaste, as called for internationally at the highest politicallevel during several major United Nations Conferences, isessential for advancing sustainable development acrossits social, economic and environmental dimensions.
Chemistry and the chemical industry have importantroles to play in achieving the sound management ofchemicals and waste within a sustainable development
context. Addressing legacies, coupled with innovations
in chemistry and materials science, have the potential tocreate safer chemicals, increase resource efficiency, andreduce the health and environmental impacts associatedwith the current global production and consumption
system. [Introduction; Part II, Ch. 3; Part IV, Ch. 1]

Milestones in international chemicals andwaste management
For several decades, the international community has
recognized the need for action to advance the soundmanagement of chemicals and waste. In 1992, at the
Rio Summit, Heads of State and Government adopted
Agenda 21, which includes chapters on chemicals
and hazardous wastes. Also adopted in 1992, theRio Declaration features a number of principles andapproaches relevant to the sound management ofchemicals and waste, including the polluter pays principle,
the right-to-know, and the precautionary approach.
Ten years later, the World Summit on Sustainable
Development (WSSD) adopted the Johannesburg Planof Implementation, in which Governments agreed to“achieve, by 2020, that chemicals are used and producedin ways that lead to the minimization of significant
adverse effects on human health and the environment[…]”. The 2020 timeline was reiterated at the Rio plus 20
Summit in 2012 (referring to chemicals and hazardous
waste), as well as in the 2030 Sustainable Development
Agenda through SDG Target 12.4 (referring to chemicals
and all wastes). SDG Target 3.9, which focuses on
reducing deaths and illnesses, features a 2030 timeline.
[Introduction; Part II, Ch. 1]

Multilateral treaties and voluntary agreements
Since around the time of the Rio Summit and in thefollowing decades, the international community hastaken concerted action through multilateral treaties
on some of the most harmful chemicals and on some5Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

issues of global concern. Prominent examples include
the following:›› Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the
Ozone Layer (entry into force in 1989)›› Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary
Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal(entry into force in 1992)›› International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions:
C170 – Chemicals Convention (entry into force in1993) and C174 – Prevention of Major Industrial
Accidents Convention (entry into force in 1997)›› Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed
Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals
and Pesticides in International Trade (entry into
force in 2004)›› Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants (POPs) (entry into force in 2004)

6›› World Health Organization (WHO) International
Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) (entry into force in2007)›› Minamata Convention on Mercury (entry into force
in 2017)
Moreover, several voluntary international instruments
adopted by the governing bodies of internationalorganizations address a range of chemicals and issues.
Prominent examples include the International Code of
Conduct on Pesticide Management (hereinafter referred
to as “Code of Conduct”), originally developed in 1985
with a fourth version adopted in 2013, and the Globally
Harmonized System of Classification and Labellingof Chemicals (GHS) adopted in 1992. The GHS was
specifically mentioned in the 2002 Johannesburg Planof Implementation, with a view to the system being
fully operational by 2008. [Introduction; Part II, Ch. 1]

Introduction: chemicals and waste in the broader sustainable development context

Adoption of the Strategic Approach toInternational Chemicals Management in 2006
In 2006, following the callmade at the WSSD, theStrategic Approach toInternational Chemicals
Management (SAICM) was adopted by the first sessionof the ICCM (ICCM1) as a multi- and cross-sectoraland participatory strategic approach. SAICM’s overall
objective is “to achieve the sound management ofchemicals throughout their life cycle so that by the year
2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways thatminimize significant adverse impacts on the environmentand human health”. SAICM comprises the Dubai
Declaration on International Chemicals Management,
which expressed high-level political commitment toSAICM, and an Overarching Policy Strategy.
The Overarching Policy Strategy referenced the
WSSD 2020 timeline, referring to the “2020 goal”, aterm subsequently used in various international
fora. Objectives to achieve this goal are grouped
under five areas: risk reduction, knowledge andinformation, governance, capacity-building andtechnical cooperation, and illegal international traffic.
Furthermore, the Dubai Declaration recommends theuse and further development of the Global Plan of
Action as a working tool and guidance document formeeting the commitments to chemicals management
expressed in, among others, the Johannesburg Plan of
Implementation. In 2015, ICCM4 endorsed the “overallorientation and guidance for achieving the 2020 goal ofsound management of chemicals” (hereinafter referred
to as “overall orientation and guidance”) as a voluntary

tool that will assist in the prioritization of efforts forthe sound management of chemicals and waste asa contribution to the overall implementation of theStrategic Approach. [Introduction; Part II, Ch. 1]

Chemicals and waste in the2030 Sustainable Development Agenda
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
including its 17 SDGs (Figure 2) and 169 targets, wasadopted by the United Nations General Assembly at
a summit of Heads of State in 2015. The SDGs, which
are integrated and indivisible, integrate the three
dimensions of sustainable development: economic,
social and environmental. While Targets 12.4 and3.9 are of direct relevance for chemicals and waste
management, the sound management of chemicals andwaste is also relevant for the achievement of many other
SDGs. Those include halting biodiversity loss, clean waterand sanitation, facilitative access to clean energy, climate
action, and ensuring quality education. Furthermore,
implementation of other SDGs is essential in achieving
the sound management of chemicals and waste, suchas those concerned with education, financing andpartnerships. [Introduction; Part II, Ch. 1; Part V, Ch. 1]

Chemicals and sustainability:
concerns and opportunities
Despite global agreement reached at high-level UN
Conferences and significant action already taken,
scientists continue to express concerns regarding thelack of progress towards the sound management ofchemicals and waste. These include calls for systemic
and transformational changes towards safer chemicals
7

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

Figure 2

The Sustainable Development Goals

Sound management of chemicals and waste cuts across the Sustainable Development Goals. It is relevant
for the achievement of much of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

and innovations in chemistry that will contribute tosustainable development. In this context, “green
chemistry”, “sustainable chemistry”, “one-world
chemistry” and related concepts are challenging
chemistry to help meet sustainable development needs.
Other stakeholders have raised similar concerns. A
number of initiatives in the private sector have also
identified opportunities to advance sustainability inrelation to chemicals. These initiatives include the World
Business Council for Sustainable Development Chemical
Sector SDG Roadmap, the Together for Sustainability
initiative bringing together 22 companies in the chemicalindustry, and the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals
8(ZDHC) initiative bringing together frontrunner textile
companies. [Introduction; Part IV, Ch. 7; Part V, Ch. 3]

Intersessional process on the Strategic Approachand the sound management of chemicals and waste
beyond 2020
In 2015, Governments and other stakeholders
participating in ICCM4 noted that “in most countries moreprogress has to be made towards actually minimizing
the significant adverse effects on human health andthe environment that may be associated with somechemical production, use and end-of-life disposal”. TheyIntroduction: chemicals and waste in the broader sustainable development context

also noted “with urgency the limited time remaining
to achieve the 2020 goal”. Shortly after the adoptionof the 2030 Agenda in 2015, Governments and otherstakeholders participating in ICCM4 initiated a process
to prepare recommendations regarding the Strategic
Approach and the sound management of chemicals
and waste beyond 2020. The Conference agreed thatthe process should be open to all stakeholders and be
concluded by ICCM5in 2020. The period until 2020 thus
represents a historic window of opportunity to reflect
on lessons learned in international chemicals and waste
management. [Introduction]

Opportunities to link international policy agendas
Given the relevance of chemicals and waste across the2030 Agenda, the beyond 2020 intersessional processprovides an opportunity to link and create synergies
between chemicals and waste management and otherinternational policy agendas. These synergies include:[Introduction]›› Chemicals and health: The sound managementof chemicals and waste plays an important role inavoiding and minimizing risks posed by harmful
chemicals to protect human health. While the links
between chemicals and health are well-establishedand the health sector has been an important partner in
efforts to minimize risks, further efforts to strengthen
linkages, increase awareness of the importantroles of the health sector in the management ofchemicals, and enhance participation in international
chemicals management activities can build on the
WHO Chemicals Road Map approved by the 70th
World Health Assembly in 2017.

›› Chemicals and the world of work: Workers areamong those most exposed to hazardous chemicals
in various sectors and across global supply chains.
Ratification and implementation of international
labour standards help achieve decent work that issafe and healthy, while simultaneously advancing
towards greener work processes.
›› Chemicals and climate change: Linkages range
from the remobilization of chemicals due to melting
glaciers, to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of
the chemical industry, to the potential of chemistry
to develop adaptation and mitigation solutions.
The chemical industry and downstream sectors
therefore have an important role to play in achieving
the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
›› Chemicals and biodiversity: The critical role ofpollution and chemicals was recognized in theStrategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, adopted
under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Givencurrent activities to develop a biodiversity framework
beyond 2020, opportunities exist to create linkages
with the chemicals and waste process beyond 2020.
›› Chemicals, agriculture and food: Chemicals
play a major role with respect to agriculture andfood, for example in plant protection and foodconservation. This link has long been recognized,
and many countries have long-standing legislation
to control chemicals used in agriculture and foodproduction. International agreements and bodies
that address these and related topics include theCode of Conduct and the Codex Alimentarius, acollection of international food standards.
9Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II›› Chemicals and sustainable consumption andproduction: Target 12.4 is embedded in SDG 12,
reflecting the insight that chemicals and waste
management is inextricably linked to the broader
quest for resource efficiency, waste reduction,and the need to decouple economic growth fromnatural resource use and environmental impacts.
Individuals, companies and organizations play a
critical role through their consumption choices anddirectly or indirectly impact chemicals production
and sustainability. Opportunities exist to strengthen
linkages with the 10 Year Framework of Programmes
on Sustainable Consumption and Production
Patterns.

separate chapters. However, it has been increasingly
recognized that the design and use of safer chemicals
and sustainable production processes is essential for
reducing releases throughout the life cycles of chemicals
and products, including during the reuse, recycle anddisposal stages. These front-of-the-pipe solutions also
help ensure that secondary raw materials rechannelled
into a circular economy are not contaminated withunwanted hazardous chemicals. In turn, the widely
known waste hierarchy (Figure 3) focuses on source
reduction, reuse and recycling of materials, whileenergy recovery, waste treatment and waste disposal
are seen as least preferred options. The waste hierarchy›› Chemicals and the international pollution
agenda: As highlighted at the third session of theUnited Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA),
whose theme was “Towards a Pollution-Free Planet”,
chemicals and waste issues are a key dimension ofa broader international and integrated approach
to pollution. The UNEA 3 Declaration requested theUnited Nations Environment Programme to prepare
an implementation plan on the issue of a pollutionfree planet for consideration by UNEA 4 in 2019.

Recognizing the interface of chemicals andwaste management
For many years, the chemicals and waste agendas
have been addressed separately, both internationallyand in many countries. For example, in Agenda 21
chemicals and waste management were covered in

10© Andrey_Popov/ShutterstockIntroduction: chemicals and waste in the broader sustainable development context

also emphasizes sustainable material management,
resource efficiency and life cycle management. This brief
discussion suggests that important aspects of chemicals
and waste management are converging, in line with alife cycle management approach. [Introduction; Part I,
Ch. 4-5; Part IV, Ch. 1]
At the international level, critical progress towards
bringing the chemicals and waste management concepts

The waste hierarchy, sustainable materials management and the circular economy(adapted from United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency 2017a)

Most preferredFigure 3

together has been made through SDG Target 12.4 under
SDG 12 on sustainable consumption and production,and through including waste in the mandate of theintersessional process on the Strategic Approach andthe sound management of chemicals and waste beyond
2020. While GCO-II focuses on the sound management ofchemicals and front-of-the-pipe-solutions, the interface
with waste management is addressed throughout thereport. [Introduction]

Source reduction & reuse

Least preferred

Recycling / composting

Energy recovery
Treatment &disposal

The waste hierarchy strives to achieve similar objectives as the related concepts of sustainable materials
management and the circular economy. They have in common the quest to minimize the use of materials
and maximize reuse. The sound management of chemicals and waste and innovations in chemistry play a
key role to enable these concepts. [Introduction; Part I, Ch. 4-5; Part IV, Ch. 1]

11Key messages forpolicymakers: a call for
more ambitious action at alllevels© Sasin Tipchai/ShutterstockKey messages for policymakers: a call for more ambitious action at all levels

The 2020 goal will not be achieved:
business as usual is not an optionT

he findings of the GCO-II indicate that the soundmanagement of chemicals and waste andminimizing adverse impacts will not be achievedby 2020. Trends data suggest that the projected doublingof the global chemicals market between 2017 and 2030
will increase global chemical releases, exposures,concentrations and adverse health and environmental
impacts unless the sound management of chemicals
and waste is achieved worldwide. Business as usual istherefore not an option. However, accelerating progressin order to achieve sound management and minimize
adverse impacts in the context of the 2030 Agenda ispossible under a sustainability scenario. This will require
more ambitious, urgent and worldwide collaborative
action by all stakeholders and in all countries. [Part I,
Ch. 1-8; Part II, Ch. 3-5; Part IV; Part V]

A comprehensive global framework is needed,with ambitious priorities and coherent indicators
To address gaps, a global framework for the soundmanagement of chemicals and waste beyond 2020 needs
to be developed that is aspirational, comprehensive,and creates incentives to foster commitment andengagement by all relevant actors in the value chain.
Drawing upon lessons learned from the Strategic Planfor Biodiversity 2011-2020, a global common vision,
strategic goals, targets and indicators could facilitate
linkages across all relevant agreements and initiatives,and make reporting schemes simpler, country-driven
and linked to global targets. Under such a scheme,

indicators would need to distinguish between outputs(e.g. adoption of legislation) and impacts (e.g. reductionof adverse impacts from hazardous chemicals). [Part II,
Ch. 2; Part V, Ch. 2-3]

Implementation of actions up to and beyond 2020
Responding to the UNEA mandate, and based on areview of implementation of the 2020 goal to date,the GCO-II presents a range of options for the
implementation of actions (hereinafter referred to as“actions”) to reach relevant SDGs and targets up to andbeyond 2020. The identified actions are considered ofparticular relevance to developing and implementing
an international approach for chemicals and waste
management beyond 2020. Equally important, theytarget policy- and decision-makers around the world
and from all stakeholder groups in order to generateenhanced commitment for implementation.
The actions are presented under ten topics whichwere derived using a back-casting method, imagining
a sustainability scenario, where legacy problems
are addressed and future legacies are avoided,
including through green and sustainable chemistry
innovation and sustainable consumption andproduction. They also cover commitments, alreadyagreed internationally, which require urgent attention
and renewed commitment due to implementation
gaps. Examples include implementation of the GHS
and the strengthening of basic chemicals and waste
management systems. The ten areas of action are
further spelled out in the Annex of this Synthesis Report.
[Part V, Ch. 4]

13Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

2Assess and manage risks: Refineand share chemical risk assessment
and risk management approaches
globally, in order to promote safe
and sustainable use of chemicals andaddress emerging issues throughout
the life cycle.

Mobilize resources: Scale up
adequate2 resources and innovative
financing for effective legislation,
implementation and enforcement,
particularly in developing countries
and economies in transition.

Use life cycle approaches: Advancewidespread implementationof sustainable supply chain
management, full material disclosure,transparency and sustainable productdesign.

Assess and communicate hazards:
Fill global data and knowledge
gaps, and enhance international
collaboration to advance chemicalhazard assessments, classifications
and communication.

Strengthen corporate governance:
Enable and strengthen the chemicals
and waste management aspects ofcorporate sustainability policies,
sustainable business models, andreporting.

To facilitate better understanding of the term “adequate” in this context, further analysis and international dialogue are needed on certain topics such as sustainability offunding.

14

Develop effective management
systems: Address prevailing capacity
gaps across countries, strengthen
national and regional legislation
using a life cycle approach, andfurther strengthen institutions andprogrammes.

Key messages for policymakers: a call for more ambitious action at all levels

Educate and innovate: Integrate
green and sustainable chemistry ineducation, research, and innovation
policies and programmes.

Foster transparency: Empower
workers, consumers and citizens
to protect themselves and theenvironment.

Bring knowledge to decisionmakers: Strengthen the sciencepolicy interface and the use of sciencein monitoring progress, prioritysetting (e.g. for emerging issues),
and policy-making throughout thelife cycle of chemicals and waste.

Enhancing commitment by current stakeholders andincreasing engagement by new actors
The period up to the conclusion of the intersessional
process, by 2020, provides a brief but critical window
in which to develop an ambitious and comprehensive
global framework – as well as to increase engagement by
all stakeholders. To facilitate commitment, ownership,
mutual accountability and collective tracking of progress
towards achieving the sound management of chemicals
and waste, countries and all relevant stakeholders could
develop, implement and share internationally resultsbased action plans and roadmaps. Stakeholders could
pledge and showcase their action plans and roadmaps
within the beyond 2020 framework and benefit fromthe input of other stakeholders (which might takedifferent forms, such as peer review). Pledges could
be reviewed globally against agreed goals and targets,with adjustments made, as appropriate. [Part V, Ch. 1-3]

Enhance global commitment:
Establish an ambitious andcomprehensive global framework forchemicals and waste beyond 2020,
scale up collaborative action, andtrack progress.

15

I. The evolving chemicals
economy: status and trends
relevant for sustainability© United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific/ Werayuth

Part IThe evolving chemicals economy: status and trends relevant for sustainabilityWhile many chemicals are important forsustainable development, trends presented
in the GCO-II on releases of chemical
pollutants; concentrations in the air, water, soil, biota
and humans; and adverse impacts on human healthand the environment are a cause for major concerns,
requiring urgent action. Unless the sound managementof chemicals and waste is achieved worldwide, theprojected increase in chemical production andconsumption will result in enhanced adverse impacts.

Figure 4

The production, use and trade of chemicals are
growing in all regions
Between 2000 and 2017, the global chemical industry’s
production capacity (excluding pharmaceuticals)
almost doubled, from about 1.2 to 2.3 billion tonnes.
If pharmaceuticals are included, global sales totalled US
dollars 5.68 trillion in 2017, making the chemical industry
the world’s second largest manufacturing industry.
Growth has occurred not only in the volume and sales

Projected growth in world chemical sales (excluding pharmaceuticals), 2017-2030(adapted from European Chemical Industry Council 2018, p. 34)
Rest of the world 1.0%
Rest of the world 1.4%

Rest of Asia
20.1%
Japan
4.4%

European
Union
15.6%

3.47

€
trillionin 2017
China
37.2%

Rest ofEurope3.2%

NorthAmericanFree Trade
Agreement
14.9%
Latin
America
3.1%

Japan
3.2%

Rest of Asia
14.7%

€

European
Union
10.7%

6.6
trillionby 2030

China
49.9%

Rest ofEurope2.7%

NorthAmericanFree Trade
Agreement
13.8%

Latin
America
4.0%

Global chemical sales (excluding pharmaceuticals) are projected to grow from EUR 3.47 trillion in 2017 to
EUR 6.6 trillion by 2030. Asia is expected to account for almost 70 per cent of sales by then.

17

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

Figure 5

Projection of annual production growth in the chemical industry by region, 2015-2022(per cent change per year) (adapted from American Chemistry Council 2017)

Per cent change in market
from year to year

6
4
2
0
-2
North America

2015

2016
Latin America

2017

2018

Western Europe

2019
Central/Eastern Europe

2020
Africa and Middle East

2021

2022
Asia and the Pacific

While production of chemicals is projected to grow in each region, annual growth rates are highest in regionswith developing countries and emerging economies, in particular in Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

of chemicals, but also in production capacity, suggesting
continued future growth in the volume of chemicals
produced. Sales are projected to almost double again
from 2017 to 2030 (Figure 4). Projected growth will behighest in Asia, with China estimated to account foralmost 50 per cent of global sales by 2030. [Part I, Ch. 1]
The production and consumption of manufactured
chemicals continues to spread worldwide, with anincreasing share now located in developing countries
and economies in transition, many of which may have
limited regulatory capacity. High growth rates are
expected not only in Asia and the Pacific, but also in
Africa and the Middle East (Figure 5). As the industry
18

and its markets are growing, so is international trade inchemicals and products containing chemicals – many ofwhich are hazardous. For example, the value of China’s
exports of chemicals has increased by 15 per cent since2013, the year the first GCO was published. [Part I, Ch. 1]
The production and use of some hazardous chemicals
addressed by international action have been phased
out – as in the case of polychlorinated biphenyls(PCBs), or significantly reduced – as in the case ofdichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). However,ensuring environmentally sound waste managementof these chemicals still poses significant challenges.
Production and use of other chemicals causing concern

Part IThe evolving chemicals economy: status and trends relevant for sustainability

remain stable or are increasing. Despite the regulatory
actions taken, the market for most heavy metals(e.g. lead and mercury) remains stable. Production ofplastics, fertilizers and pesticides, pharmaceuticals,
per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFASs), flame
retardants, nanomaterials and other groups of chemicals
is increasing in many regions. [Part I, Ch. 2]

recycling of which is highly polluting when conducted
informally or without proper pollution and occupational
health and safety controls. Global economic growthand global population dynamics affect market demandfor chemicals, creating both risks and opportunities.
Under a business as usual scenario, the rate of growthof chemical production is projected to exceed thatof population growth at least until 2030 (Figure 6).
This means per capita consumption of chemicals isincreasing steadily – highlighting the need to achievesustainable consumption and production, as called
for by SDG 12 of the 2030 Agenda. It also reinforces
the need to decouple material use from economic
growth, enhance resource- and eco-efficiency, advancesustainable materials management, and prioritize
source reduction, reuse and recycling, as called for by
the waste hierarchy. [Part I, Ch. 1, 3]

Global megatrends and industry sector trends
create risks and opportunities
Global society is rapidly changing, driven by megatrends
such as population growth, urbanization, globalization,
digitalization and climate change. Increasing demand forelectric vehicles and the growing market for automobiles
in low- and middle-income countries is also expected tolead to increasing numbers of lead-acid batteries, theGrowth of basic chemical production capacity vs. population growth, 1990-2030(based on UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs 2018 and Cayuela and Hagan 2019)
Projected growth index

Figure 6

500
400

367

300
100 100
0

265

203

200
100
1990

134

115
2000

Global chemical production

146

131
2010

2020

160
2030

Global population

The growth rates of chemical production capacity are derived from past and projected growth rates for basic
petrochemical building blocks (ethylene, propylene, butadiene, benzene, toluene, and xylenes). [Part I, Ch. 3]

19Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

Growth in chemical-intensive industry sectors, such as
construction, agriculture, electronics, cosmetics, mining
and textiles, continues to drive growth in the respective
chemical markets. For example, the construction sector
is expected to grow by 3.5 per cent annually, with its
chemicals market projected to grow by 6.2 per centFigure 7

annually between 2018 and 2023. The growth ofchemical-intensive industry sectors may pose significant
risks to human health and the environment. For example,
increased demand for weather-resistant textiles may,depending on the chemicals and technologies used,
increase the use of PFASs. In addition, concerns have

The global material footprint: extracted resources by key societal needs and consumables, 2015
(billion tonnes) (based on de Wit et al. 2019, p. 19)

40.6

10.8

20.1

Housing
9.7

Consumables

Nutrition
5.5

Services

Mobility
3.6

2.5

Healthcare

Communication

Six key societal needs and consumables represent the largest material footprint globally: housing andinfrastructure (ca. 44 per cent), nutrition (ca. 22 per cent), mobility (ca. 12 per cent), consumables (ca. 11 percent), services (ca. 6 per cent), healthcare (ca. 4 per cent) and communication (ca. 3 per cent). Each of these
sectors is chemical-intensive in terms of both production processes and products, which range from asbestos
used in steel beams, to pesticides in agriculture, to heavy metals in batteries, to parabens in cosmetics.
[Part I, Ch. 1]

20Part IThe evolving chemicals economy: status and trends relevant for sustainability

emerged about chemical pollution and the managementof waste associated with rapidly growing additive
manufacturing (also known as 3-D printing). However,growth in industry sectors also creates opportunities
for safer products and improved production processes.
For example, following the regulation of asbestos inmany countries, new business opportunities for safer
materials in the building sector have emerged. [Part I,
Ch. 3]

Chemicals are linked to and affectglobal material flows
The chemical industry plays an important role in turning
raw materials and feedstocks into valuable products. It
therefore performs a key function in the global systemof production and consumption and is one of the driversof resource extraction, together with chemical-intensive
sectors (Figure 7). Researchers have mapped themagnitude of the chemical sector’s material resources
flows. In a single year (2015), almost 1.7 billion tonnesof feedstocks (mostly fossil fuels, but also bio-based
and renewable feedstocks) and secondary reactants(mostly water) were used in this sector to produce
820 million tonnes of chemical products, while also
generating almost the same amount of by-products(mostly carbon dioxide). [Part I, Ch. 1]
The transformation of resources into products
containing chemicals also has a qualitative dimension.
New compounds are created, in some cases with new
or increased hazards. Chlorine chemistry, for example,
turns basic feedstocks such as salt and water, together
with other chemicals, into useful products such as
water purification chemicals. At the same time, chlorineand many chlorine derivatives, as well as chemicals
used in related production processes (e.g. asbestos or
mercury), are hazardous and need to be well managed.
Moreover, toxic chemicals such as mercury, lead andother heavy metals are mined, incorporated into
products and disposed as wastes in the environment,
where exposures of people and biota may be high.
[Part I, Ch. 1, 2, 5]
It is also of concern that significant resources in value
chains are lost due to low recycling rates and are largely
unaccounted for. A contributing factor to this is the lackof information about the chemicals in these products, as
the market for recycled products with unclear chemicalcomposition is limited. Only 9 per cent of global material

Figure 8

Woodpaint;
varnishChemicals in an office chair (adapted from
Swedish Chemicals Agency 2016, p. 7)

Foam plastics
residues of blowing
agents (CFC)

Textileflame retardant
Plastic
chemical
additives

Metalchromium surface
coating
Rubberchemical additives

21

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

resources are recycled. Many durable products andbuildings, as well as infrastructure and machinery,that contain hazardous chemicals (e.g. certain building
materials containing asbestos or brominated flame
retardants) remain in human-made material stocks(estimated to weigh 30 trillion tonnes in 2016) for years
to come, creating potential future legacies. Mirroring thistrend, less than 9 per cent of the 6.3 billion tonnes ofplastic waste generated up to 2015 has been recycled,
while 12 per cent was incinerated and 79 per cent wasdisposed in landfills or in the environment. [Part I, Ch. 5]

Chemical-intensive products and complex global
supply chains create challenges for circularity
Modern-day products often contain hundredsof chemicals. Many of these chemicals may havehazardous properties. Some of them have raised
considerable concern among national government
authorities about their potential health or environmental
effects. Examples include formaldehyde in shampoo,
microbeads in toothpaste, phthalates in foodpackaging, certain flame retardants in televisions, andantimicrobials (e.g. triclosan) in soaps. Some formulated
products (e.g. personal care products and householdcleaners) contain chemicals of concern at significant
concentrations. For example, the concentration ofphthalates (some of which are potential endocrine
disruptors) may be as high as 40 per cent in someplastic products. In addition, unintentional contaminants
have been widely detected in a range of products.
For example, food products may absorb chemicals
from packaging, and pesticides may be present infruits in various concentrations. Unintended chemical

22

contamination of products may also result fromrecycling. [Part I, Ch. 4]
The presence of hazardous substances in products,
whether intentional or unintentional, poses challenges
to circularity and the implementation of the wastehierarchy, which emphasizes source reduction, reuse
and recycling. Examples include flame retardants inchildren’s toys made from recycled plastic, and polycyclicaromatic hydrocarbons in rubber playgrounds madefrom recycled tyres. Advancing sustainable materials
management, full material disclosure and enhanced
knowledge-sharing throughout the supply chain(including recyclers), and scaling up sustainable productdesign based on green and sustainable chemistry
innovation, are important approaches to address
hazardous substances in products throughout theirlife cycle. These approaches are equally important forminimizing potential future releases from material stocks
and products, and for generating safe and sustainablesecondary raw materials in a circular economy. [Part I,
Ch. 4-5; Part IV, Ch. 1]
Specific challenges are created by the complexity of
global supply chains and the cross-border trade ofchemicals and chemical-intensive products, spanningmany countries with distinct regulatory frameworks. The
supply chain for electronics illustrates fragmentation in a
specific economic sector and across geographic locations(Figure 9). Management challenges are manifold andinclude identifying and minimizing, releases of chemicals
during manufacturing, consumer exposures during
product use, and releases during recycling or disposal.
A related challenge is the potential exposure of workers
at all stages of the supply chain. Complex supply

Part IThe evolving chemicals economy: status and trends relevant for sustainability

Figure 9

The complexity of global supply chains: the case of an electronic product(adapted from Sourcemap 2012)

SiliconSilicon
NeodymiumDistribution
Rare earth metals

CobaltRare earth metals
Lithium

Raw materials

Final productChemical-intensive products, such as the electronic product depicted here, are traded through increasingly
complex global supply chains, spanning many countries and regions. This poses a variety of management
challenges.

chains make it difficult for product manufacturers andretailers to know the chemicals contained in products,
a topic addressed in the SAICM Chemicals in Products
Programme. Recent research shows that the importof chemicals or products often does not comply withthe chemicals legislation of the importing country.
Furthermore, rapidly growing direct sales of chemical
products via the internet are circumventing traditional
distributors, many of which have management systems
in place, adding further complexity. Relevant in thiscontext is that cross-border e-commerce is growing at
25 per cent annually. [Part I, Ch. 4]

Large amounts of chemical pollutants are
released from production, products and wastes,
illustrating the inefficient use of resources
The production, use and disposal of chemicals continues
to cause significant releases of hazardous chemicals toindoor and outdoor environments. Despite the scaling
23

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

up of international efforts, global emissions of mercury
into the atmosphere rose by around 20 per centbetween 2010 and 2015. Releases of polychlorinateddibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (hereinafter referred to as dioxins and furans)
appear to have remained stable globally and to haveincreased significantly in the Asia-Pacific region. Largeamounts of chemicals are also released to oceans andfreshwater bodies, including from industrial activities(e.g. trichloroethylene used in solvents) and municipal
discharges (e.g. pharmaceutical residues). Agriculturalrunoff, including pesticides, nitrogen and nitrates, isa major source of water pollution and contaminantof groundwater aquifers. Developing countries andeconomies in transition face particular challenges, suchas releases of heavy metals from battery recycling andof mercury from artisanal and small-scale gold mining,which pollute air, water and soil. [Pat I, Ch. 5]
Progress has been made in reducing releases of somechemicals of concern through national regulatory action
and multilateral treaties. National policies established inconformance with the Montreal Protocol, for example,
have led to the phase out of 99 per cent of ozone
depleting chemicals, which has resulted in significant
reductions in releases. Emissions of various POPs havedecreased significantly since 1990 among Parties to theConvention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution(e.g. 95 per cent in the case of hexachlorobenzene).
Implementation of the Stockholm Convention is expected
to result in decreasing releases of unintentionallyproduced POPs in all regions. Data from developing
countries and economies in transition are limited, but
initial results show positive trends. [Part I, Ch. 5]

24

Production processes continue to generate significant
chemical releases to air, water and soil as well aslarge amounts of waste, including hazardous waste.
In the production of pharmaceuticals, for example, atleast 25 kilograms (kg) of emissions and waste (andat times more than 100 kg) are generated for every
kg of product, highlighting resource inefficiencies.
Significant amounts of greenhouses gases are also
emitted during the production of chemicals. In addition,
chemical accidents in industrial facilities continue torelease significant amounts of hazardous substances.
Management action and innovative solutions, including
innovations in chemistry, can reduce pollution, increase
resource efficiency, and reduce the use of hazardous
substances (e.g. water-based solvents can replace
chlorinated solvents). [Part I, Ch. 5; Part IV, Ch. 1]
Moreover, hazardous chemicals are released fromchemical-intensive products, many of which arepresent in the indoor environment. Examples include
formaldehyde volatilized from pressed wood products,
biocides leaching from carpets, Bis(2-ethylhexyl)

Part IThe evolving chemicals economy: status and trends relevant for sustainability

phthalate (DEHP) released from polyvinyl chloride
materials, and microplastics from personal careproducts. Products such as perfumes, hairsprays,
air fresheners, cleaning solvents and glues are all
likely sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
in indoor air. Other products may contain significant
concentrations of phthalates, phenols, flame retardants,
chlorinated solvents, heavy metals, PFASs and otherchemicals that may be released to indoor air. A 2018
study suggests that releases of chemicals from consumer
products (e.g. cosmetics and paints) have become theprimary source of VOCs from petrochemical sources insome industrialized cities. The slower release of semiVOCs, such as phthalates and several classes of flame
retardants, is also a cause for concern. [Part I, Ch. 4-5]

Box 1

Discarding products that include hazardous chemicals
may turn municipal waste into hazardous waste.
The generation of electronic waste, only 20 per centof which is recycled globally, is a rapidly growing
source of hazardous waste. Since many countries
and municipalities lack appropriate infrastructure forthe collection, treatment, recycling and disposal ofhazardous waste, direct releases to the environment,
releases from waste dumps and informal recycling havebecome major sources of pollution to all environmental
media. The use and disposal of certain products which
are hazardous thus presents a major challenge. [Part I,
Ch. 4-5]

Plastics, microplastics and chemicals›› The annual production of plastics is projected to increase from 335
million tonnes in 2016 to approximately 1124 million tonnes by 2050.
›› The growth of the plastics economy drives demand for chemical
additives and chemicals used in the production of plastics. Some ofthese chemicals are hazardous.
›› Microplastics are accumulating rapidly in the environment. They are
now found in the world’s oceans, rivers, lakes, soils and air, as well as
in salt, honey, beer, bottled and tap water, fish, and human faeces.
›› Recently, significant regulatory actions have been taken – includingbans of single-use plastics (e.g. Kenya), a waste import ban (China)
and a ban on sales of personal care products containing microbeads(e.g. the United Kingdom) – alongside citizen and private sector
initiatives to reduce plastic pollution.
›› However, further voluntary and regulatory action, as well as
accelerated research and development of more sustainable
alternatives, are needed.

© UNEP,
Versova Beach, Mumbai, India
CC BY-NC-SA 2.0[Part I, Ch. 2, 5-6; Part II, Ch. 3; Part IV, Ch. 1, 7]

25

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

Box 2

Legacy chemicals are found in some of the remotest regions of the world

PCBs have been detected at high concentrations in small
animals (amphipods) captured 10,000 metres deep in ocean
sediment (the Mariana and Kermadec trenches). Some
concentrations were higher than in those of animals living inhighly polluted rivers in industrialized regions. Another study
found certain organochlorine pesticides, regulated under the
Stockholm Convention, in Himalayan glaciers. These studies
demonstrate that chemicals whose production and use havelong been banned may still be found at high concentrations in
the environment due to their persistence. Persistent chemicals
whose production and use have not yet been banned or
restricted may thus create future legacies. [Part I, Ch. 6]© shrimpo1967, Mount Everest as seen from Drukair2, CC BY-SA 2.0

26© Uwe Kils, Amphipodredkils CC BY-SA 3.0

Part IThe evolving chemicals economy: status and trends relevant for sustainability

Chemical pollutants are ubiquitous in theenvironment and in humans
Chemical pollutants continue to be detected in air,water, soil and biota in all regions. Soils throughout
the world are contaminated by hazardous chemicals,
including PCBs, heavy metals and certain pesticides.
Many hazardous chemicals, as well as microplastics, arefound in food for human consumption. Microplastics,
pharmaceutical residues, mercury and many othersubstances of concern have been detected in water
bodies and in marine animals, which are often consumedby humans. High concentrations also occur in animals,
such as brominated diphenyl ethers in birds in China,
and mercury in marine species and bird eggs in North
America. Concentrations of chemical pollutants arefound in some of the most remote and unexpectedparts of the planet (Box 2). [Part I, Ch. 6]

phthalates in urine, and heavy metals in human blood.
Significant variations have been found in concentrations
in human milk across analyzed substances, countries
and regions. For example, concentrations of certain
flame retardants are higher in developed countries,
while concentrations of certain pesticides are higher
in developing countries and economies in transition.
Analyzing concentrations of four bisphenols insamples of adults taken over 14 years, a study foundconcentrations of bisphenol A to be declining andconcentrations of bisphenol S to be increasing, which
could reflect the replacement of bisphenol A withbisphenol S. Recent studies have detected previously
banned flame retardants in the umbilical cord bloodof newborn children, indicating one pathway, among
others, for the transfer of legacy substances to new
generations, which is a typical feature of persistent andbio-accumulative substances. [Part I, Ch. 6]

Chemicals of concern are also routinely detected inhumans. Examples are dioxins and furans in breast milk,

Mixed trends can be observed. In Arctic air, for example,
concentrations of certain flame retardants seem to be

Box 3

Outcomes of the effectiveness evaluation of the Stockholm Convention(United Nations Environment Programme and Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention 2017, p. 4)

The effectiveness evaluation of the Stockholm Convention made available in 2017 found, among
other outcomes, that “monitoring results indicate that regulations targeting POPs are succeeding in
reducing levels of POPs in humans and the environment. For POPs listed in 2004 under the Convention,
concentrations measured in air and in human populations have declined and continue to decline orremain at low levels due to restrictions on POPs that predated the Stockholm Convention and are now
incorporated in it. For the newly listed POPs, concentrations are beginning to show decreases, although ina few instances, increasing and/or stable levels are observed”.

27Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II© Eric Valenne geostory/Shutterstock,
Colored dye reservoirs and vats in a
traditional tannery

28

Part IThe evolving chemicals economy: status and trends relevant for sustainability

declining while those of others appear to be increasing.
Limited available data indicate that concentrations ofsome POPs (e.g. PCBs and DDT) are decreasing in airand human milk. Blood levels of lead in humans are
declining in different regions across the globe, including
southern Africa, China and North America. However,high levels are still measured in a number of developing
countries (e.g. the Philippines and Nigeria). [Part I, Ch. 6]

The burden of disease from chemicals is high,and vulnerable populations are particularly at risk
Examples of the adverse effects of hazardous chemicals
include deaths from acute poisonings involving heavy
metals or pesticides, intellectual disability from exposure
to lead, cancer caused by exposure to asbestos or
dioxins, and endocrine disruption from various
chemicals. The 2017 report of the Lancet Commission
on Pollution and Health identified chemical pollution

Figure 10 Deaths (total: 1.6 million) attributed to selected chemicals in 2016 (per cent) (adapted from WHO 2018,
p. 2)

Chronic kidney disease
1.9%
Congenital anomalies
1.9%
Poisonings
5.0%
Self-harm
10.7%

Cardiovasculardisease32.7%

Cancers
19.8%

Chronic
obstructive
pulmonarydisease26.7%

Pneumocconiosis
1.4%

29

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

as a significant and “almost certainly underestimated”
contributor to the global burden of disease. [Part I, Ch. 7]
In 2018, the WHO estimated the disease burden
preventable through sound management and reductionof chemicals in the environment at around 1.6 million
lives and around 45 million disability-adjusted life years
in 2016 (Figure 10). These are likely to be underestimates,
given that they are based only on exposures to chemicals
for which reliable global data exist (including leadcausing intellectual disability, occupational carcinogens
such as asbestos and benzene, and pesticides involved
in self-inflicted injuries). The 2016 Global Burden of
Disease study published in the Lancet estimated thatin 2015 almost 500,000 deaths are attributable solely
to lead exposure. In addition, chemical accidents infacilities continue to result in high human fatalities,
adverse environmental impacts and high economic
costs. [Part I, Ch. 7]
Workers are typically subject to disproportionally highexposures to hazardous chemicals, particularly in small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing
countries and economies in transition and in theinformal economy, where they may not be sufficiently
informed and protected. Workers are exposed tohazardous chemicals throughout the supply chain, fromextraction, to manufacturing, to recycling and disposal.
In 2015, almost 1 million workers died from exposure
to hazardous substances, including dusts, vapoursand fumes (an increase of more than 90,000 workers
compared to 2011), based on estimates released by
the ILO. [Part I, Ch. 7]

30

Foetuses, infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly
and the poor are among the most vulnerable to theadverse effects of chemicals and waste. For example, thefoetal brain is especially vulnerable to methylmercury.
The poor may be disproportionally exposed because
they frequently live near sources of hazardous chemical
releases, such as hazardous waste dumpsites andmanufacturing facilities. Vulnerability and exposuresof women and men to chemicals may also differ. In
general, women are often more likely to be exposed tohazardous chemicals in certain cosmetics, while men
have significantly higher occupational exposures incertain sectors. [Part I, Ch. 7]

Chemical pollution threatens biota
and ecosystem functions
A range of adverse impacts of chemical pollutants on
biota continue to be observed. Examples include lethal
and chronic effects on fish from brominated flame
retardants; suppression of immune systems in seals
and turtles due to exposure to PCBs and PFASs; anddioxins causing the thinning of some bird eggs. Certain
chemicals have been found to have endocrine-disrupting
effects on some animals. Examples include feminizationof male fish due to exposure to synthetic oestrogen, andabnormalities in the reproductive system in alligatorscaused by pesticide pollution. A 2018 study from India
indicates that the drug diclofenac continues to adversely
affect the health of the vulture population more than adecade after it was banned. [Part I, Ch. 7]

Part IThe evolving chemicals economy: status and trends relevant for sustainability

Impacts of hazardous chemicals in weakening or putting
stress on ecosystems and life support functions havealso been observed. The depletion of the ozone layer
is a prominent example of how certain chemicals may
affect the functioning of a critical life support system. A
number or critical ecosystem services are also affectedby chemical pollution. For example, some pesticides
have been found to negatively impact non-target insects
and pollinators such as bees, as well as nutrient cycling
and soil respiration. Excess use of phosphorous andnitrogen in agriculture continues to contribute toocean dead zones around the world. Furthermore,some chemicals (e.g. those used in sunscreens) put
pressure on the health of coral reef ecosystems.
Studies also indicate that environmental releases ofsome antimicrobials, heavy metals and disinfectants
contribute to antimicrobial resistance. [Part I, Ch. 7]

Box 4

The costs of inaction and the benefits of action are
estimated to be significant, but methods need to berefinedThe costs associated with unsound management ofchemicals and waste include productivity losses, healthcare costs, damage to ecosystems, litigation costs,
and reputational damage to businesses. A 2015 study
estimated the costs from neurobehavioural deficits
caused by certain chemicals to be more than US dollars
170 billion per year in the EU alone. Another study
estimated the economic costs attributable to childhood
lead in low- and middle-income countries at a total
cost of international dollars 977 billion. Some studies
estimate costs from environmental chemical exposures
to be as high as several percentage points of global
gross domestic product, with developing countries

How robust is the global knowledge base to support sound management of chemicals and waste

Although a wealth of data and knowledge has been generated, many data gaps and unknowns remain.
Knowledge about the number and volumes of hazardous chemicals already on the market, as well as
those newly entering it, is lacking in many countries and regions. While environmental, health and safety
data are available for the majority of the highest production volume chemicals, knowledge gaps remain
for many lower production volume chemicals. Complete data sets concerning the hazard potential ofa significant number of chemicals are missing. Knowledge is also still very limited regarding outdoor
and indoor releases of chemicals both during production processes and from products, exposures invarying contexts, concentrations of various hazardous chemicals in environmental media, and theadverse impacts of chemicals (e.g. on health). Disparities remain in data collection and availability acrosstime and countries, making the identification of baselines, trends, and emerging issues and priorities
challenging. Various barriers (e.g. insufficient communication of policy needs to scientists, and vice versa)
pose challenges in making policy-relevant knowledge available for informed decision-making. [Parts I-III]

31

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

and economies in transition bearing the highest costs.
Conversely, both regulatory and voluntary action candeliver socio-economic benefits in the form of reduced or
avoided damage to human health and the environment.
A 2017 study conservatively estimated the cumulative
benefits of chemicals legislation in the EU to be “in thehigh tens of billion Euro per year”. [Part I, Ch. 8]
However, robust socio-economic analysis is challenging
and estimation methodologies need further refinement.
A key challenge is the existence of multiple causal
factors, making it difficult to establish epidemiologicalrelationships and attribute costs and benefits tospecific actions. This is aggravated by a lack of datafor quantifying, and assigning monetary values to, thephysical impacts of chemical releases. A global studyof the economic and social effects of using harmful
chemicals, comparable to the Stern Review on the
Economics of Climate Change, does not exist. Such a
study could raise awareness of the global scale of theseeffects and catalyse further action. [Part I, Ch. 8]© Claire Ross,
Coral bleaching, Rottnest island CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

32

Figure 11 Identifying the economic costs of inaction
and the benefits of action [Part I, Ch. 8]

Statedpreference(e.g. willingness to
pay)

Human
capital(e.g. lost
productivity)

Revealedpreference(e.g. hedonic wage/
price)

Cost based(e.g. cost of illness)

Available estimates of the negative
externalities of chemical pollution

Part IThe evolving chemicals economy: status and trends relevant for sustainability

Box 5

Pharmaceuticals and the environment›› Pharmaceuticals are one of the chemical industry’s fastest
growing segments. This segment has a projected annual
growth rate of 6.5 per cent, to reach more than US dollars
1 trillion by 2022.
›› Due to releases from various sources, pharmaceuticalresidues are present worldwide in surface water,
groundwater, soil and other environmental media.
›› Some pharmaceuticals are transferred within food webs
(e.g. accumulating in riparian spiders) and taken up by
plants (e.g. food crops). In some river streams, exposureof aquatic and riparian biota to certain pharmaceuticals
may be comparable to human dosages.
›› Some pharmaceuticals have been found to have endocrinedisrupting effects in animals (some pharmaceuticals being
intentional endocrine disruptors).
›› Evidence is mounting that environmental releases of some
antimicrobials, as well as heavy metals and disinfectants,
contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
›› Research on green and sustainable pharmacy reveals
opportunities such as resource efficiency in production
processes, and mineralization of pharmaceuticals in theenvironment.
›› Opportunities also exist to include environmental criteria
in good manufacturing practices.
[Part I, Ch. 2, 5-7; Part II, Ch. 4; Part IV, Ch. 1]© Canned Muffins CC BY 2.0

33

II. Where do we stand inachieving the 2020 goal –assessing overall
progress and gaps

© International Institute for Sustainable Development,
Closing plenary of the World Summit on Sustainable Development,
4 September 2002, Johannesburg, South Africa

Part II

Where do we stand in achieving the 2020 goal – assessing overall progress and gaps

I

n 2002 at the WSSD, Governments agreed to “achieve,by 2020, that chemicals are used and produced inways that lead to the minimization of significant
adverse effects on human health and the environment[…]”. The decision also encouraged actions at alllevels, including the ratification and implementationof relevant international instruments, developmentof a strategic approach to international chemicals
management, implementation of the GHS by 2008,
and the establishment of Pollutant Release and Transfer
Registers (PRTRs). Findings of the GCO-II indicate thatwhile many countries have made progress across theseand other areas, major gaps remain. [Introduction;
Part II]

Many countries and regions have strengthened
their legal and institutional capacities
Many countries have already made important
headway in enacting laws, creating programmes, andimplementing policies to achieve the sound managementof chemicals and waste. Examples of major legal andpolicy initiatives or reforms in developed countries
include adoption of the EU’s Regulation concerning theRegistration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction ofChemicals (REACH) (2006), Japan’s Chemical Substances
Control Act (amended in 2009), Canada‘s Chemicals
Management Plan (latest phase launched in 2016),
and the US Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21stCentury Act (2016). Since the first GCO, a number ofdeveloping countries and economies in transition havetaken major steps, for example China with its Five-Year
Plan for Chemical Environmental Risk Prevention andControl (2013). Several countries in Latin America andthe Caribbean have established overarching chemicals
management policies, for example Honduras in 2013,
Ecuador in 2015 and Chile in 2017. Others have taken
initial – but critical – steps, for example India with its draft
National Action Plan for Chemicals, Kenya with its draft
Environmental Management and Coordination (Toxicand Hazardous Chemicals and Materials Management)
Regulations 2018, and Brazil with its landmark draft law
on the inventory, evaluation and control of chemicals.
These examples create the potential for cooperation,knowledge-sharing and potential replication. [Part II,
Ch. 3]
Progress in the implementation of legal frameworks
for pesticides is advancing. Yet significant further
work is needed to fully implement best practices andminimize adverse effects from the use of pesticides.
The voluntary Code of Conduct serves as a point ofreference in relation to sound pesticide management
throughout the life cycle, including for the developmentof legislation. In particular, it provides a critical reference
for public and private entities engaged in, or associatedwith, the production, regulation and management ofpesticides. [Part II, Ch. 3]
Regulatory bodies in all regions have also been taking
action to identify, assess and manage a number ofpriority chemicals of concern. Prominent examples
include Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan, China’s
Prioritized List of Substances Subject to Control, the EU’slist of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) and the
US Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxic Substances
Control Act Work Plan. Moreover, a number of countries
have adopted policies and programmes addressing

35

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

Figure 12 Countries with pesticide legislation, according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO) data collected in the context of the Code of Conduct, February 2018 (adapted from FAO
2018)

ActiveNot active

certain aspects of the safety of chemicals in products.
Examples include Russia’s regulation on chemicals
product safety (2016), new toy safety standards in Egypt(2018), and several restrictions by countries in West Asia
on chemicals in electrical and electronic equipment(2018). Some recent initiatives have focused on specificchemicals (e.g. Nigeria’s national policy framework forthe management of PCBs of 2015), while others focus
on waste management and recycling (e.g. a 2016 act
in Ghana). [Part II, Ch. 3]

36

No data available

Countries save resources by aligningand harmonizing their policies
While national priorities and instruments provide thebasis for sound management of chemicals and waste,countries can save significant resources by aligning
their approaches with those of other countries or withinternationally agreed guidance. Such guidance includes
that developed, for example, by the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) andthe WHO. Countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica, Malaysia
and Thailand are aligning their legislative approacheswith policy and technical guidance provided by thePart II

Where do we stand in achieving the 2020 goal – assessing overall progress and gaps

Table 2 Examples of regional institutions and initiatives addressing chemicals and waste management[Part II, Ch. 3]
RegionLatin
Americaand theCaribbean

Asia-PacificWest Asia

AfricaEurope andCentral Asia

North
AmericaExamples of institutions and initiatives

Examples of implementation bodies activities

Southern Common Market

Action Plan on Chemical Substances and Products
Ad-hoc group on environmental management of chemical substances and productsAndean Community of Nations

Registry and trade control of chemical pesticides for agricultural use

Regional Intergovernmental Network on
Chemicals and Waste

Identification of regional priorities on chemicals and waste
First Action Plan for 2019-2020

Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN)

Establishment of the ASEAN-Japan Chemical Safety Database (2016)

South Asia Association for Regional
Cooperation

Development of regional standards for chemicals and chemical products

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional
Environment Programme

Projects to strengthen legislative frameworks and waste management capacity

Gulf Cooperation Council

Common System for the Management of Hazardous Chemicals

Economic Community of West African
StatesSahelian Pesticide Committee and West African Committee for Pesticide
Registration
Harmonization of chemicals’ data requirements and test guidelines

Southern African Development
Community (SADC)

Technical Regulations Liaisons Committee
SADC Policy on the GHS (2013)

Eurasian Economic Commission

Single registry of chemical materials and substances
Adoption of a technical regulation on the safety of chemical products (2018)

Commonwealth of Independent States

Harmonization with the GHS
Cooperation on e-waste management

European Union

REACH Regulation (2006)
Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures(CLP) (2008)
Biocidal Products Regulation (2012)

North America Agreement on
Environmental Cooperation

Commission for Environmental Cooperation supports cooperation to addressenvironmental issues of continental concern
37Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

OECD in areas such as testing of chemicals. Close traderelationships facilitate such alignment. Several countries(e.g. Turkey and the Republic of Korea) have modelledtheir regulations based on the EU’s REACH legislation.
These alignments and harmonization efforts create
cost savings through benefiting from progress madein regions with advanced schemes, sharing workloads
and facilitating trade. Altogether, such opportunities
point to the value of scaling up global knowledgesharing and capacity development, building on work
undertaken by intergovernmental organizations andother stakeholders. [Part II, Ch. 3]

Cooperation across countries, including at theregional level, can provide important benefits, forexample through sharing experiences and lessons
learned. Numerous success stories showcase how
regional institutions and organizations have advanced
regulatory harmonization and the development andimplementation of policy-oriented action plans acrossregions (Table 2). Close trade relationships create
opportunities for collaboration and harmonization, while
maintaining a high standard of protection. Regional
economic and political integration organizations haveassumed an important role in addressing chemicals
and waste in all regions. [Part II, Ch. 3]

Figure 13 Global GHS implementation status, 2018 (adapted and updated based on Persson et al. 2017, p. 8)

Full implementation

38

Partial implementation

No implementation

No data

Part II

Where do we stand in achieving the 2020 goal – assessing overall progress and gaps

In achieving the environmentally sound managementof chemicals and waste, each region faces a set of
distinct trends, challenges and opportunities. To identify
chemicals and waste management priorities, as well as todevelop appropriate solutions, it is therefore important
to consider regional dimensions and differences.
Multilateral environmental agreements (e.g. the Basel
Convention and the Stockholm Convention) haveestablished networks of regional centres to provide
technical assistance and training, as well as to promote
the transfer of technology to developing country Parties
and Parties with economies in transition relating to theimplementation of their obligations under the treaties.
Under SAICM, regular meetings are held, among others,

to discuss regional priorities and explore opportunities
for regional collaboration. Opportunities exist to create
further linkages among various regional processes andinitiatives. [Part I, Ch. 3; Part II, Ch. 3]

Overall progress towards achieving the soundmanagement of chemicals and waste is unevenacross countries, regions and actors
While significant progress has been made towards
achieving the sound management of chemicals
and waste, major implementation gaps remain. In
particular, developing countries and economies intransition, including some with chemical production

Figure 14 Status of PRTRs, 2018 (adapted from United Nations Institute for Training and Research [UNITAR]
2018a)

Active PRTRs

PRTR activities initiated or pilot projectExpressed interest in PRTRs

No information

39

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

facilities and projected growth in chemical production
and consumption, still lack basic chemicals and waste
management systems. For example, despite the
GHS having been explicitly addressed by WSSD, it is
not operational in more than 120 countries, mostly
developing countries and economies in transition(Figure 13). [Part II, Ch. 3]
Furthermore, many countries still lack PRTRs (Figure 14),
poison centres, and capacities for hazard and risk
assessment and risk management. Gaps are particularly
prevalent in the case or industrial chemicals andconsumer products, with regulations on lead in paintbeing a revealing indicator: as of September 2018, only
37 per cent of countries had confirmed that they havelegally binding controls on lead in paint. Moreover,even if regulations on specific chemicals are in place,

implementation and enforcement may pose challenges.
For example, news emerged in 2018 that the production
and use of trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11), a powerfulozone-depleting substance banned under the Montreal
Protocol and also a potent greenhouse gas, may beongoing. As regards e-commerce, 82 per cent ofadvertisements for hazardous chemical mixtures sold on
the internet, recently investigated in EU countries, were
found to be non-compliant with the EU’s CLP Regulation.
Concerning illegal international traffic, chemicals andwaste (e.g. electronic waste) are frequently falsely
declared while counterfeit products (e.g. pesticides
and cosmetics) are traded across borders. [Part II, Ch. 3]
Progress has been made in many areas. For example,
the number of countries having established PRTRs
and implementing the GHS has increased since 2010.

Table 3 Status of selected indicators of progress on the Global Plan of Action prepared under SAICM[Part II, Ch. 3]
Indicator

Targets in SAICM GPA

Status in 2010

Status in 2016/ 2017

2006-2010

41

65

PRTRs are established in all countries

2015

35

50

Number of countries that have adopted
the Code of Conduct has increased

2010

n.a.

173

Responsible Care® is implemented in
all relevant countries

2010

60

68

Poison centres are established in all countries

2010

91

90

The GHS is implemented

40

Part II

Where do we stand in achieving the 2020 goal – assessing overall progress and gaps

However, progress remains insufficient, pointing toan urgent need to take concerted action to develop
basic chemicals management systems in all countries(Table 3). [Part II, Ch. 3]
Similarly, industry involvement has not been sufficientand challenges have been noted regarding voluntaryindustry standards and initiatives. While industry is
involved through programmes such as Responsible
Care®, universal coverage is yet to be achieved. For
example, major gaps remain in the implementationof Responsible Care® in a number of countries.
Opportunities exist to review these programmes’
effectiveness through the involvement of relevant
stakeholders, as well as to scale up industry responsibility
and leadership, drawing upon lessons learned, forexample from the ZDHC initiative in the textile sector.
Private initiatives, such as proactive standard-setting
in downstream sectors beyond compliance (e.g. in the
textile sector), could be strengthened through universal
private sector participation. It could also stimulate
similar initiatives in other chemical-intensive sectors.
While such initiatives do not reduce the need foradequate legislation to define the role of industry,
they could become important building blocks under afuture approach to chemicals and waste management
beyond 2020 and further advance implementation of
the polluter pays principle. [Part II, Ch. 3; Part III, Ch. 4]

the most harmful chemicals and on some issues ofglobal concern. These treaties have catalysed selected
regulatory actions, raised awareness, and succeededin reducing some exposures to the targeted chemicals
and wastes. Given that treaties are designed to address
specific chemicals and issues – for example, some mainly
focus on specific stages of the life cycle or specificMultilateral treaties address some chemicals
and issues of global concern, but implementation
challenges remain
The international community has taken concerted
action through legally binding treaties on some of© UNITAR / Jordan De Haan,
Artisanal and small scale gold miner

41

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

Figure 15 Number of Parties to relevant multilateral legally binding treaties (as of 14 January 2019)

200

197

196

Number of parties

175

193

187

182
161

150
125
100

101

75
50
25
0

Montreal Protocol WHO International(1989)*
HealthRegulations(2005) (2007)*

Chemical
Weapons
Convention(1997)*

Basel Convention(1992)*

Stockholm
Convention(2004)*

Rotterdam
Convention(2004)*

Minamata
Convention(2017)*

21
Chemicals
Convention C170
(1993)*

18
Convention
concerning thePrevention ofMajor Industrial
Accidents C174
(1997)** year of entry into force
While some multilateral treaties, such as the Montreal Protocol and the WHO International Health Regulations(2005), have been virtually universally ratified, this is not the case for all of the treaties on chemicals andwaste. [Part II, Ch. 1]

issues (e.g. ILO C174), specific chemicals (e.g. theMinamata Convention) or groups of chemicals (e.g. theStockholm Convention) – many hazardous substances
are beyond their scope. Levels of ratification are highin many cases, while in others positive trends can be
identified (Figure 15). For example, between 2010 and2018 the number of Parties increased from 173 to
187 for the Basel Convention, from 140 to 161 for the
Rotterdam Convention, and from 172 to 182 for the
Stockholm Convention. However, the ratification of a42

treaty is a valuable but not sufficient indicator to assess
implementation. [Part II, Ch. 1, 3]
The Montreal Protocol, a widely cited success story ofinternational cooperation, has succeeded in removing
ozone-depleting substances from the atmosphereand protecting the ozone layer, thus avoiding morethan 100 million cases of skin cancer. The Basel
Convention has strengthened national capacities forthe environmentally sound management of hazardous

Part II

Where do we stand in achieving the 2020 goal – assessing overall progress and gaps

wastes; the Rotterdam Convention has facilitatedexchange of critical information on the trade ofhazardous substances; and the production and use ofvarious POPs has been restricted or eliminated under
the Stockholm Convention. The Minamata Convention
on Mercury is also expected to achieve positive results,
for example by facilitating formalization of the artisanaland small-scale gold mining sector; phasing out theuse of mercury in various products; and ensuring theenvironmentally sound management of mercury wastes.
[Part II, Ch. 1, 3]
The extent to which the objectives of a number oftreaties have been achieved is uncertain. For example,
the 2016 effectiveness evaluation of the Stockholm
Convention concluded that “the Convention provides aneffective and dynamic framework to regulate persistentorganic pollutants throughout their life cycle”. However,it identified areas for further work, such as gaps inregulatory and assessment schemes for industrial
chemicals and the large remaining stockpiles of obsolete
pesticides and PCBs. Significant progress has also been
made in the case of other treaties. Nevertheless, further
efforts are needed to achieve full implementation, as in
the case of the chemicals dimension of the International
Health Regulations (2015). [Part II, Ch. 3]

SAICM provides a unique voluntary policy
framework, but weaknesses have been identified
The 2018 independent evaluation of SAICM found that it
is unique in its ambition as an inclusive multi-stakeholder,multi-sector voluntary policy framework. The evaluation
also found that SAICM creates a collaborative spacefor raising awareness, increasing knowledge andreducing risks. However, it pointed out weaknesses,
such as insufficient sectoral engagement; the capacity
constraints of national focal points; lack of tools tomeasure progress; limited financing of activities; andinsufficient and uneven advances in substantive areas
such as illegal international traffic. While the second
progress report (2014) prepared under SAICM notedthat stakeholders reported an increase in the numberof activities undertaken for most indicators, such as on
hazardous waste management arrangements, it was notpossible to measure progress under the third report(2019) due to a very low response rate. [Part II, Ch. 1, 3]

Emerging policy issues identified internationally,
but further action needed
To date, the ICCM has identified eight emerging policy
issues (EPIs) and other issues of concern, understood
to be issues involving any phase in the life cycle ofchemicals and which have not yet been generally
recognized, are insufficiently addressed or arise fromthe current level of scientific information, and which
may have significant adverse effects on human healthand/or the environment. The independent evaluation
noted that the identification of, and actions taken on,
the eight EPIs and other issues of concern were a major
strength and uniqueness of SAICM, including by raisingawareness. Nevertheless, it found that slow, modest
and uneven progress has been made in implementing
actions to address the EPIs, with the exception of leadin paint. The GCO-II provides evidence concerning a
number of remaining challenges and presents a range ofmeasures to further address the EPIs and other issuesof concern (Table 4). [Part II, Ch. 4]

43Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

Table 4 Emerging policy issues and other issues of concern identified by the ICCM [Part II, Ch. 4]
EPIs and other issues of concern

Selected implementation measures identified by the GCO-II

Lead in paintUrgently ensure that all countries have legally binding controls in place towards the phase-out of
the manufacture and sale of lead paint.

Hazardous substances within the life cycleof electrical and electronic products

Ensure that all countries have regulations in place to protect workers, consumers and recyclers,
while also advancing voluntary action.

Highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs)

Further scale up integrated pest management (IPM) and agro-ecological approaches, including
development and use of non-chemical alternatives and other good agricultural practices.

Chemicals in products

Develop harmonized protocols to collect, manage, report and communicate information aboutchemicals in products across supply chains.

PFASs and the transition to safer
alternatives

Generate further knowledge and advance international action on short-chain PFASs and nonfluorinated alternatives.

Environmentally persistent
pharmaceutical pollutants

Provide incentive structures to advance green and sustainable pharmacy.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)

Enable systematic screening and identification of EDCs by implementing scientific datarequirements and assessment as part of national chemicals legislation.

Nanotechnology and manufactured
nanomaterials

Enable systematic assessment of the risks of manufactured nanomaterials by further developing
standardized tests.

Recent regulatory action taken based on
emerging evidence of risk
The UNEA mandate requested that the GCO-II address
other issues where emerging evidence indicates a risk
to human health and the environment. A criteriabased approach was taken, whereby identificationof recent (since 2010) assessments and regulatory
risk management actions taken by public bodies on a44

chemical (or group of chemicals) not already covered
under a multilateral treaty or SAICM was used as astarting point. The approach taken does not aim to
conduct and deliver an international science-based
assessment of specific chemicals or groups of chemicals.
Rather, it is meant to facilitate international sharing of
knowledge. By undertaking a meta-review and drawing
attention to existing prioritization and risk management
action, the objective is to facilitate understanding of

Part II

Where do we stand in achieving the 2020 goal – assessing overall progress and gaps

issues of potential interest to governments and otherstakeholders. [Part II, Ch. 5]

taken precautionary action based on existing knowledge.
[Part II, Ch. 5]

The criteria used resulted in the identification of issues
for the following chemicals or groups of chemicals:arsenic, bisphenol A, glyphosate, cadmium, lead,microbeads, neonicotinoids, organotins, polycyclicaromatic hydrocarbons, phthalates and triclosan.
While, for some of these, concerns had existed for along time (e.g. regarding lead, which continues to be
widely used in applications other than paint), recent
regulatory action has been taken in several countries inlight of new evidence on lower thresholds for adverse
effects or additional evidence related to specific uses.
In other cases, additional or new evidence has emergedin recent years, prompting regulatory action (e.g. on
microbeads). In yet other cases, some countries have

National capacity development and action
remains a priority

Box 6

Valuable work has also been undertaken by countries
through the development of national chemicals
management profiles and plans to strengthen national
chemicals and waste management programmes ina systematic and coordinated way. National profiles
feature the status and gaps in areas such as legislation,
institutional arrangements, and information systems(Figure 16). Often prepared through multi-sectoraland multi-stakeholder collaboration, they have led tothe establishment of inter-ministerial committees in a
number of countries, led to the production of country

Identification of priority chemical issues at the international level

A diverse set of mechanisms has been established at the international level to identify emerging issues
and set priorities for action. Bodies engaged in international prioritization efforts include, but are notlimited to, the ICCM, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee of the Stockholm Convention,and the Scientific Assessment Panel of the Montreal Protocol. Existing bodies use different procedures,
methodologies, selection criteria and organizing frameworks. Under the ICCM, EPIs are identified
through a process whereby any SAICM stakeholder may submit nominations which, following several
intermediate steps to review and group the nominations, are considered by the Open-ended Working
Group and eventually by the ICCM. This process has resulted in the identification of a diverse set of issues
ranging from endpoint-focused issues (e.g. EDCs), and specific applications (e.g. lead in paint), to broader
management topics (e.g. chemicals in products). The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee
undertakes systematic science-based chemical-by-chemical assessments based on proposals received byParties.
In developing a possible future process to identify international issues of concern beyond 2020, lessons
learned from these mechanisms, and ensuring the complementarity of processes, are important, as is theuse of science-based criteria for prioritization (e.g. use of information about health and environmental
impacts and harm caused, and drawing on information from risk assessments). [Part II, Ch. 3-5]
45

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

Figure 16 National profiles to assess the chemicals and management infrastructure, 2018
(adapted from UNITAR 2018b)

National profile completed

National profile in preparation

National profiles have been prepared in many countries through multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder
collaboration. They provide valuable information to support future action. [Part II, Ch. 3]

baseline information, and facilitated the identification ofpriority actions. More recently, the Special Programme
to support institutional strengthening at the national
level for implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam andStockholm Conventions, the Minamata Convention and
SAICM has been operationalized to support countrydriven institutional strengthening at the national level.
It is currently funding projects in 24 countries. These
initiatives provide a useful starting point for countrylevel action beyond 2020, taking into account SAICM’s
overall orientation and guidance. [Part II, Ch. 3]
46

Nevertheless, there has been a loss of momentum,
marked by lack of sufficient funding for developing
countries and economies in transition to develop basic
capacities. Building on existing work, guidance could
be adjusted to support the development or updatingof national action plans and to link them further tointernationally agreed targets and milestones under abeyond 2020 approach. Moreover, national profiles andaction plans could be showcased and undergo review,
including peer review, by interested stakeholders toPart II

Where do we stand in achieving the 2020 goal – assessing overall progress and gaps

provide feedback on potential measures likely to havethe highest impact. [Part II, Ch. 3]

also exist to embed sound chemicals management in a
broader environment and health agenda. [Part II, Ch. 3]

Effective implementation requires adequate
financing, technology transfer and technicalassistanceIndustry involvement refers to resources forthe chemicals and waste agenda generated by the
involvement of industry. A number of countries haveclarified responsibilities between the public and private
sector; promoted extended producer responsibility
and the internalization of costs by industry; and usedfiscal instruments. Industry involvement has also
been important in mobilizing resources and has built
capacity, including through testing, material safety data
sheets, information-sharing and voluntary productstewardship. However, gaps remain in increasing
contributions to match responsibility and the required
level of support. Further efforts are needed in many
countries to adopt legislation to internalize cost, as wellas to expand the use of economic instruments. Further
public-private partnerships could be established todesign and implement chemicals management capacity
development initiatives, with adequate monitoring inplace to measure results. [Part II, Ch. 3]

The integrated approach to financing, welcomed by
the Governing Council of UN Environment in 2013,
includes the three components of mainstreaming,
industry involvement, and dedicated external financing.
Further action is required to achieve full implementationof the integrated approach with respect to all threecomponents. Action is also required in order to explore
new opportunities such as sovereign wealth funds,
philanthropic finance, and strengthened engagement of
the financial sector and investors, so as to mobilize andhelp guide largely untapped resources to contribute tosustainable development. [Part II, Ch. 3; Part IV, Ch. 6]
Mainstreaming occurs when governments integratesound management of chemicals and waste into theirdevelopment plans and/or priorities, which has beensuccessfully practised by various countries. However,limited progress has been made. Few success stories
are known where mainstreaming of projects wasfollowed up by the allocation of resources from national
budgets/resources. Zambia retained fees raised throughlicensing of chemicals manufacture and registration,
importation and export, and used them for monitoringand enforcement. However, this scheme has been
discontinued. In further advancing the mainstreaming
agenda, linkages with the SDGs could serve as an entry
point to integrate chemicals and waste into sectoral
policies (e.g. housing, agriculture, energy). Opportunities

Dedicated external financing to support countries
in implementing their legal obligation, and othercommitment, to sound management of chemicals
and waste has been forthcoming through various
mechanisms. External funding (e.g. through the Global
Environment Facility, the Special Programme, the now
discontinued SAICM Quick Start Programme, andbilateral development assistance) has been significant,but has not matched the need, and demand for support,
expressed by developing countries and economies
in transition, for building basic chemicals and waste
management systems. The creation of linkages with the47

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

implementation of the 2015 Addis Ababa Action Agendaof the Third International Conference on Financing
for Development could help generate investments
for chemicals and waste as a critical element in
implementing the 2030 Agenda. [Part II, Ch. 3]

A global coherent results, indicator andreporting framework is lacking
The current international framework for reporting andmeasuring progress in the area of chemicals and waste
is spread across various treaties, voluntary chemicals
and waste instruments, and the 2030 Agenda. A
range of different – and not always complementary –indicators and reporting schemes have been developed
under various international agreements (Table 5). The
combination of a fragmented indicators frameworkand low reporting makes it challenging to develop a
global baseline, and to track progress in a systematicway. Moreover, the use of activity- or instrument-based
indicators (rather than impact indicators) alone provides
limited insights in assessing impacts achieved. [Part II,
Ch. 2]

48

Reporting rates under several agreements are low,
particularly among developing countries and economies
in transition. In some cases reporting rates exhibit adownward trend. In 2016, full reporting compliance had
been achieved by only 10 per cent of the Parties underthe Basel Convention and only 22 per cent under the
Stockholm Convention. Reporting rates under SAICM
have also been low and show a downward trend. Among
Governments, reporting rates dropped from around40 per cent and 43 per cent in the first two rounds
to 28 per cent in the third round, with data lacking
particularly from the Africa region. By contrast, reporting
compliance has been high or even universal under ILO
Conventions C170 and C174, the Montreal Protocol
and the IHR. Success factors could include: making
reporting more useful for national contexts and efforts;
close follow-up by, and provision of direct assistancethrough the Secretariats; and fostering transparency onreporting outcomes. Further efforts are needed to fully
understand the reasons for significant divergences inreporting rates and to share lessons learned. [Part II,
Ch. 2]

Part II

Where do we stand in achieving the 2020 goal – assessing overall progress and gaps

Table 5 Diverse indicators and reporting schemes under relevant international agreements and frameworks
Agreement / framework

Indicators and reporting schemes

2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development

Countries are invited to prepare Voluntary National Reviews, which are reviewed by the High-Level Political
Forum. Custodian and partner agencies facilitate reporting on relevant SDGs.

Multilateral treaties

Under all relevant multilateral treaties, except the Rotterdam Convention, Parties are required to provide
regular progress reports. These vary in frequency, scope, format and public availability.

Non-binding global policy
instruments

Reporting schemes under non-binding global policy instruments have varying degree of formality, ranging
from national reporting under the Code of Conduct to more ad-hoc review of implementation of the GHS.

Strategic Approach toInternational Chemicals
Management (SAICM)

Reporting under SAICM is structured along 20 activity-based indicators grouped under the five Overarching
Policy Strategy objectives. Reporting by stakeholders is voluntary and progress is reviewed by the ICCM.

Inter-Organization Programme
for the Sound Management ofChemicals (IOMC) indicators

The IOMC developed a set of indicators to track progress in eight areas by analyzing data from verifiable
sources and for which global data are available.

49III. Advancing and sharing
chemicals management tools
and approaches: taking stock,looking into the future© Heiner Heine/roberthardingPart III

Advancing and sharing chemicals management tools and approaches: taking stock, looking into the futureFor many years, Governments, intergovernmentalorganizations, industry and other stakeholders
have been developing and employing a range ofscience-based approaches, tools, methodologies andinstruments to advance sound chemicals management
and implement the 2020 goal. These approaches, and therelated generation of new information, serve to identify
chemical hazards, assess exposure and risks of chemicals,
promulgate risk management decisions and actions
when necessary, and assess alternatives. Collectively,
they have contributed significantly to protecting humanhealth and the environment. At the same time, concerns
have been expressed that current approaches are
at times complex and slow and do not result in the

progress needed. Over the past decades, valuable lessons
have been learned in the practical application of theseapproaches, and opportunities have emerged to enhancetheir effectiveness, streamline their use, and employ
them more systematically in all countries. Developing
countries and economies in transition, in particular,
stand to benefit from progress in these areas. [Part III]

Accelerating chemical hazard assessment andGHS classifications a priority
Significant progress has been made in identifying
chemical hazards. Opportunities exist to share and use
relevant methods and information more widely, given

Figure 17 Risk assessment and risk management decision process(adapted from US National Library of Medicine 2018)

Risk management

Dose
response
assessment

Centraldecision

Hazardidentification
Exposure
assessment

Risk characterization

Risk assessment

Determine
acceptablerisk level
Centralalternatives

Feedback

Dedicated chapters in the GCO-II discuss a number of steps in the risk assessment and risk management
process, including progress made, lessons learned, and opportunities for enhancing effectiveness andknowledge-sharing. [Part III, Ch. 1-5]

51

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook IIthat a chemical’s hazard is an intrinsic property and is
the same everywhere. The OECD Test Guidelines provide
an internationally accepted framework to facilitate themutual acceptance of data. Participation by additionalcountries in this scheme will generate further resourcesavings and reduce the need for animal testing. [Part III,Ch. 1]
However, data gaps remain in regard to fully
understanding hazards and classifying all hazardous
chemicals on the global market. For example, many
dossiers submitted under the EU’s REACH legislation
do not meet the regulatory data and information
requirements. Similarly, while hazard classification
criteria have been developed through the GHS for
many (albeit not all) end points, harmonized hazard
classifications for individual chemicals have not beenachieved. Recent research has shown that the samechemical has been classified differently by different
actors due to differences in data sets and interpretationof test results. Further efforts are therefore warranted
to advance a global database of assessed and classified
chemicals for information sharing and promoting
harmonization of classifications. This would create
efficiencies for all actors and benefit, in particular,countries with limited resources. [Part III, Ch. 1]
New hazard assessment approaches, such as the use ofcomputer-based screening and grouping of chemicals,
are promising developments, although further work isneeded to fully replace animal testing. Beyond this, thesharing and mutual acceptance by countries or regionsof hazard assessments, based on a globally agreed
validation process, would create efficiencies. To facilitate
knowledge sharing, mechanisms and platforms to share
the growing knowledge about chemical hazards areadvancing and provide valuable information, particularly
for countries with limited resources. [Part III, Ch. 1]

Exposure assessment is context-specific,
but can benefit from international resources
While exposure assessments are context-specific(regional, national, local), international resources tosupport these assessments are available. For example,
generic exposure scenarios are available through theOECD. They can help obtain insights into local humanand environmental chemical exposure models toestimate specific releases and exposures. Similarly,
modelling-based exposure assessment approaches
are being advanced that enhance knowledge about© UNITAR / Andrea Cararo,
Labelling of containers in a leather
chromium tanning factory52

Part III

Advancing and sharing chemicals management tools and approaches: taking stock, looking into the future

Figure 18 The concepts of aggregate and cumulative exposure(adapted from US Environmental Protection Agency 2017b)
Aggregate

Cumulative

Inhalation
Brain

Dermal

Oral

Heart
Liver

Oral
DermalHeart

Inhalation

Aggregate exposure means exposure to the same substance from multiple sources and by multiple routes.
Cumulative exposure means exposure to various chemicals and by multiple routes. [Part III, Ch. 2]

the distribution of chemicals in the environment andspecific exposure situations. [Part III, Ch. 2]

Refining chemical risk assessments methods
to accelerate progress

However, further methodological work is needed
to better understand the nature and magnitude ofaggregate exposures across different sources ofthe same chemical, as well as cumulative exposures
to various chemicals contained in one product andexposures resulting from various products. In thiscontext, quantifying releases and exposures fromchemicals in products, particularly in the indoor
environment, has emerged as an important area forresearch. Progress in this area is often impeded bylimited disclosure of chemical ingredients in products.
[Part III, Ch. 2]

A number of national, international and industry efforts
have positively responded to the call of the WSSD in2002 to advance chemical risk assessments. Legal andregulatory reform to accelerate chemical risk and safetyassessment, have, for example, taken place in Australia,
the EU, Canada, the Republic of South Korea and the
US. In a number of countries, legislation has shifted
the burden of proof from government to industry toshow that – as is already the case for pesticides andpharmaceuticals in many countries – an industrial
chemical is safe, rather than the regulator having toprove it has unreasonable risks. [Part III, Ch. 3]53Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

The use of screening-level, generic risk-based approaches
and grouping of chemicals with similar properties are
all advancing as less complicated and more efficientchemical risk assessment approaches. To support
efforts in countries with limited resources to undertakechemical risk assessments, various guidance tools areavailable, including for human health risks (WHO) andenvironmental risks (OECD). Other opportunities toimprove or simplify risk assessment approaches include:[Part III, Ch. 3]›› improving risk assessment for chemical mixturesand cumulative exposures;›› considering weight of evidence and undertaking
systematic reviews;›› advancing solution-oriented approaches in risk
assessment.

›› defining clearly specific human and environmental
protection goals;© Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock54›› strengthening the integration of human health andenvironmental aspects in risk assessment;›› better linking of risk assessment and risk
management;›› strengthening risk communication; andPart III

Advancing and sharing chemicals management tools and approaches: taking stock, looking into the future

Streamlining chemical risk management
decision-making
While chemical risk management takes into accountnational and/or regional socio-economic considerations,common features of effective risk management are
emerging internationally. For example, a necessary
condition and first step for effective chemical risk
management is to ensure that safety data sheets
and chemical labels contain accurate and complete
information, and that they are prepared according to
the agreed GHS format. Proactive and pre-emptive risk
management is particularly important in occupationalsettings, including in SMEs and the informal sector,
which are of particular concern in developing countries
and economies in transition. [Part III, Ch. 4]

Box 7

Decision hierarchies are employed by risk managers
in some cases, such as in occupational settings, forparticularly hazardous chemicals, or in advancing risk
minimization. These emphasize preventive management
measures, such as substitution, taking into account the
precautionary approach referred to in the 1992 Rio
Declaration on Environment and Development andendorsed at WSSD in 2002. Similarly, in contexts where
it is known that exposures are likely to be unacceptable(e.g. exposure of children to carcinogens through toys),regulators use science-based generic risk management
decision-making to ensure adequate protection. Finally,socio-economic analysis in risk management that
addresses both the costs of inaction and benefits ofaction is useful in decision-making. [Part III, Ch. 4, 6]

Global knowledge-sharing and harmonization benefits all countries and saves resources

While opportunities exist to improve and further harmonize
current approaches, there is great potential to shareexperiences and employ available chemical management
tools and instruments more systematically, especially incountries with limited resources. Through a global capacity
development and learning initiative, these tools andinstruments could be shared more widely, including thosefeatured in the IOMC Tool Box. All interested countries andstakeholders could be engaged to provide their contextspecific experiences. For example, developing countries
and economies in transition could benefit from the wealthof knowledge generated through hazard assessments
undertaken and shared by more advanced countries, aswell as by advancing their mutual acceptance. They could
also benefit from information available through the use ofgeneric exposure scenarios to obtain insights relevant inlocal exposure contexts without having to undertake full –and costly – exposure assessments themselves. [Part III]55

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

Substitution with safer alternatives is becoming
a driver for solutions and innovation
Momentum is growing to advance alternative assessment
and informed substitution of chemicals of concern
with safer chemical and non-chemical alternatives.
Alternative assessment goes beyond conventionalrisk assessment and risk management, which tend to
focus on reducing exposure to an acceptable level andevaluating “drop-in” replacements, often of the samechemical class and with the same hazard characteristics.
Recent landmark regulations and policies promulgatedin some countries or regions (e.g. the EU) include

Box 8

Replacing highly hazardous pesticides through integrated pest management
and non-chemical alternatives

A number of countries have undertaken successful
initiatives to reduce the use of highly hazardous
pesticides by relying on integrated pest management,
an ecosystem approach to crop production andprotection that combines different management
strategies and practices to grow healthy crops andminimize the use of pesticides, including through theuse of non-chemical alternatives. One success story is
Cuba, which introduced changes in the managementof agro-ecosystems, including use of biologicalagents, cultural changes, and focused application ofother pesticides to phase out endosulfan. Anotherexample is Costa Rica, where use of one or more
non-chemical alternatives combined with reducedrate application of non-HHP fungicides was foundto be a feasible and affordable strategy to maintainyields while reducing use of HHPs. [Part III, Ch. 5]56provisions for substitution. These examples could be
replicated. In addition, some multilateral treaties (suchas the Montreal Protocol and the Stockholm Convention)
have played a critical role in driving substitution for
selected chemicals of concern. Non-regulatory drivers
are also providing momentum, including sustainablechemistry strategies by frontrunner retailers or coalitionsof actors in chemical-intensive industry sectors such as
the textile sector. However, additional and broader
policies are needed to shape substitution in a directionthat catalyses broader innovations, rather than merely
providing a tool for replacing individual chemicals. [PartIII, Ch. 5]© Simon Kovacic/Shutterstock,
Gardening with circular planting beds,
a typical feature of permaculture

Part III

Advancing and sharing chemicals management tools and approaches: taking stock, looking into the future

Regrettable substitutions need to be avoided. These
are substitutions which address risks of concern(e.g. toxicity to aquatic organisms) but cause otheradverse impacts (e.g. are carcinogenic to humans).
Regrettable substitution can be avoided through afunctional approach which examines a range of chemical
structures, technologies, product design options andnon-chemical alternatives that are not restricted tofinding another suitable chemical. Substitution withsafer alternatives could be carried out in a stepwise
process of incremental improvement, applying a
number of solutions until the ultimate substitution
has been achieved. [Part III, Ch. 5]

Recognizing the value of holistic
sustainability assessment
Moving beyond human health and environmental
aspects, life cycle assessment (LCA) tools help tofoster a better understanding of broader sustainability
considerations, covering all stages of the chemical andproduct life cycle, including social considerations. LCA
approaches are increasingly used by companies tosupport sustainable supply chain risk management. They
help avoid trade-offs, for example shifting the burden
from one aspect of sustainability to another, from thepresent to the future, or from one stage of the life cycle

Table 6 Examples in the literature referring to regrettable substitution [Part III, Ch. 5]
Chemical of concern (function)

Hazard of chemical of concern

SubstituteHazard of substituteBPA (used in production ofplastics)

Endocrine disruption

BPS, Bisphenol F

Endocrine activity

DEHP (plasticizer)

Endocrine disruption

Diisononyl phthalate

Carcinogenicity, possible
endocrine disruption

Methylene chloride (solvent
carrier in adhesives)

Acute toxicity, carcinogenicity

1-Bromopropane (nPB)

Carcinogenicity,
neurotoxicity

Methylene chloride (brake cleaner)

Acute toxicity, carcinogenicity

n-Hexane

Neurotoxicity

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers(flame retardant)

Persistence, neurotoxicity, reproductive
toxicity, carcinogenicity (penta and deca)Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl)
phosphate

Carcinogenicity, aquatic
toxicity

Trichloroethene (metal degreasing)

Carcinogenicity

nPB

Neurotoxicity,
carcinogenicity

57

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

to another. Relevant factors addressed include materials
extraction; energy and water use during chemical
synthesis and product manufacturing; the carbon
footprint; chemicals’ occurrence and behaviour in waste
streams; and the prospects for recycling chemicals forrenewed use. LCA approaches are therefore valuable inadvancing sustainable materials management, non-toxic
material flows and a circular economy. Choices about
when and how to use these methods need to be made,taking into account available capacities and resources,
supply chain requirements and the regulatory context,
while avoiding “paralysis by analysis”. [Part III, Ch. 7]

and control regulatory measures (such as prohibitions
or restrictions) to accelerate the phase-in of alternatives
until a substance is prohibited. An indirect way ofcorrecting market failures is the use of a Sustainability
Framework by the International Finance Corporationof the World Bank Group. It includes performancestandards that are applied to all investments andclients whose projects undergo a credit review process.
Finally, a particular challenge exists in reforming market
distorting subsidy programmes that create incentives
to use chemicals, for example the use of fertilizers toboost agricultural production. [Part IV, Ch. 6]

Using market-based instruments to advancesubstitution and innovation: getting the price right

Taking preventive risk management action:
chemical accidents and natural disasters

Market-based instruments can help to correct negative
externalities (i.e. unintended costs such as impairmentof ecosystem services) that are caused by market
failures and create incentives to reduce the use ofundesired substances, fostering substitution andspurring innovation. A well-known example is the taxingof lead in gasoline, which has successfully encouraged
a transformation to cleaner fuels. Examples of taxes toreduce the use of certain pesticides include one adopted
in Mexico in 2013, based on the degree of acute toxicity,
and a 2013 tax in Denmark based on environmental
load. A number of other European countries have also
implemented pesticide levies or taxes. [Part I, Ch. 8;
Part IV, Ch. 6]

Chemical accidents in facilities and related accidental
releases of hazardous substances continue to cause alarge number of human fatalities, adverse effects on
the environment and high economic costs. Accidents
in the chemical sector, whether at fixed establishments
or during off-site activities, also continue regularlyboth in developed and developing countries. Chemical

While the use of market-based instruments in advancing
the management of hazardous chemicals and waste isstill limited, it has the potential to increase. One option
is to combine market-based instruments with command
58© Karl-Ludwig Poggemann,
An aerial view of a large hole in the ground in theaftermath of a huge explosion that rocked theport city of Tianjin, China, 15 August 2015 CC BY 2.0

Part III

Advancing and sharing chemicals management tools and approaches: taking stock, looking into the future

accidents can be caused by a range of technical andhuman factors, but also by natural disasters such as
earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, forest fires andfloods, which may cause toxic chemicals to be widely
disseminated in the environment and to mix with otherhazardous substances. A number of these factors
may be expected to increase in the light of climatechange. International efforts are underway to facilitatea paradigm shift from managing chemical accidents topreventing them and integrating chemical accidents
into broader emergency planning. To prevent future
accidents, more systematic efforts are needed to raiseawareness, strengthen oversight, share knowledge, andpromote good practices. [Part I, Ch. 5, 7; Part III, Ch. 6]

Frontrunner private governance can drive
risk management beyond compliance
Concerted regulatory actions, non-regulatory strategies
and voluntary industry initiatives beyond compliance may
be mutually supportive. In many countries regulatory
decision-making has stimulated companies to advancesubstitution, undertake sustainable innovations andBox 9become frontrunners. Given the complexity of global
supply chains, and considering the limited regulatory
capacity in many countries, frontrunner private sector
action is important to advance sustainability globally.
[Part III, Ch. 4]
Frontrunner initiatives in the private sector across the
supply chain of chemicals and products may also go
beyond compliance and address safety gaps, and isparticularly essential when regulatory structures incountries are weak, as in many developing countries.
While frontrunner initiatives and private governance areadvanced through various and often specialized fora,
opportunities exist to give private governance a more
prominent role within a future approach on chemicals
and waste management beyond 2020. Discussion ina global setting could showcase innovative initiatives,
while challenging frontrunner actors by providing
feedback from stakeholders. Placing these initiatives
in a global policy context could enhance their legitimacy
and encourage other actors to join, gradually creating
a vision for universal participation. [Part III, Ch. 4; Part
V, Ch. 3]

The Greenlist™ Programme of S.C. Johnson

S.C. Johnson is a formulator of chemical-intensive products that are used in millions of households everyday. The company does not produce the ingredients that go into their products. In 2001, it launched an
innovative chemical classification process called Greenlist™ that rates raw materials based on their impact
on the environment and human health. Greenlist™ scores are reported alongside performance and cost
information in the company’s chemical formulary, so that chemists can choose materials in considerationof their environmental and health properties. Using the scores, materials can be easily compared. Overtime, most suppliers have embraced the protocol. Today the programme has evolved to a point where
suppliers are designing new chemicals based on its criteria and proposing their chemicals to S.C. Johnson
on the basis of Greenlist™ scores. [Part III, Ch. 4]
59

IV. Enabling policies and action
to support innovative solutions© Rawpixel.com/ShutterstockPart IV

Enabling policies and action to support innovative solutions

Advancing innovative solutions through enabling
policies and action holds significant potential toreduce chemical pollution and exposures, thus
complementing traditional action to achieve the soundmanagement of chemicals and waste. Advancing afuture chemistry that is fully sustainable requires theengagement of new actors and enabling policies andapproaches, ranging from education reform, support
for technology innovation and financing, to innovative
business models, sustainable supply chain management
and empowerment of citizens, consumers and workers
through information and participation rights. [Part IV]

Imagining and shaping a future chemistrythat is sustainable
A suite of innovations in chemistry have been developed,
commercialized, or are on the horizon which illustrate
the potential of chemistry to make a contribution tosustainable development. They range from chemistry
processes that capture and transform carbon dioxide
into new chemical feedstocks, to innovative building

Box 10materials (e.g. transparent wood or green concrete),to catalysis innovations replacing toxic organic solventswith water solvents in pharmaceutical production.
Research across the disciplines of chemistry, biology
and computer science is equally promising. The 2018
Nobel Prize in Chemistry, for example, was awarded
for path-breaking research on how chemists produce
new enzymes, leading to new pharmaceuticals andcancer treatments and less waste. Another promisingdevelopment is the use of advanced software andsupercomputers to design molecules and assess
properties of chemicals, including their hazards. Thesedevelopments have significant potential to advancethe sound management of chemicals and waste andcomplement other measures to achieve sustainableproduction and consumption. [Part IV, Ch. 1]
Yet, no matter how promising, these innovations inchemistry may cause unintended and undesirable
effects. A prominent example from the past is thepesticide DDT, which has helped to fight diseases suchas malaria. DDT was recognized, only years after it

Towards a common understanding of sustainable chemistry

While the concept of “green chemistry” is elaborated through the well-known 12 principles that focus
on safer and less resource intensive chemistry, “sustainable chemistry” is evolving as a more holistic
complementary concept. Spearheaded originally by the OECD, recent discussions (e.g. by UNEA, the US
Government Accounting Office and the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre) have
expanded the sustainable chemistry concept in a direction where chemistry is contributing to sustainable
development across its three dimensions. Given the interest of stakeholders around the world in having
a better understanding of this concept, further international work may be valuable to develop practicalguidance on sustainable chemistry which could be widely promoted alongside green chemistry principles.
Together these concepts could inspire research, policymaking and private sector action compatible with,and in support of, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. [Part IV, Ch. 1]

61

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

began to be used, as a POP and probably carcinogenic
to humans. It is therefore critical to screen chemistry
innovations against the three dimensions of sustainable
development and anticipate potential adverse impacts.
Applying green and sustainable chemistry principles or
considerations may be of value in driving innovation in
the desired direction. [Part IV, Ch. 1]

Shifting mindsets through education in toxicology
and green and sustainable chemistry
Ultimately, it will be chemists who need to come up with
the inventions reaping the full potential of chemistryin supporting sustainable development. Scaling up
chemistry research and innovation that integrates social,© Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

Figure 19 Number of papers published concerning green chemistry education or sustainable chemistry education,
1998-July 2017 (adapted from Clarivate 2018)

Number of papers

50
40
30
20
10
0

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Derived from Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Core Collection. © Copyright Clarivate Analytics 2018. All rights reserved.

62

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Part IV

Enabling policies and action to support innovative solutions

Figure 20 The four industrial revolutions (adapted from Cisco 2017)1

Mechanization, water
power, steam power

2

Mass production,assembly line,
electricity

3

Computer andautomation

4

Cyber-physicalsystems

The Fourth Industrial Revolution refers to a new era in the interface of industrial production, digitizationand society which impacts a range of aspects of the chemical industry: how it innovates and produces;
how it conducts business; how it engages with actors across supply and value chains; and its productivity
and safety. While in the past there was a focus on the invention of new molecules, future innovations inchemistry, chemical safety and resource efficiency will likely be based on integrated solutions that are basedon digital technologies. At the same time, digitization may also be associated with risks, such as possible
cyberattacks. [Part IV, Ch. 1]

economic and environmental considerations requires
the nurturing of a new generation of chemists. This canbe achieved by integrating toxicology, green chemistry,sustainable chemistry and relevant topics of the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development in curricula at alllevels, from primary education to tertiary education as
well as professional education. [Part IV, Ch. 2]
To date, only a fraction of universities around theworld have embraced green and sustainable chemistryeducation. The impact of these concepts in education istherefore still limited. However, green and sustainablechemistry is now taught in countries across all regions,creating opportunities for south-south collaboration.
For example, the Indian Ministry of Education is piloting
a programme in which all chemists take a one-year
course in green chemistry. Such efforts could serve as
an inspiration to scale up efforts in other countries. To
support these efforts, an increasing number of relevant
green and sustainable chemistry tools and materials
are available for use at primary, secondary, tertiary andprofessional levels. [Part IV, Ch. 2]
Further action at all levels is needed to disseminate bestpractices in green and sustainable chemistry educationand overcome barriers in academia and the private
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sector. Barriers to reform include professional andinstitutional resistance, professional conservatism,and lack of awareness among academic staff andpolicy-makers. Mainstreaming green and sustainablechemistry education therefore requires commitment
and support from all stakeholder groups, including
collaboration between academic institutions, chemicalsocieties, Ministries of Education and the private sector.
Existing national, regional and global networks canbe used to disseminate best practices and exchange
lessons learned. Building on existing initiatives, green
and sustainable chemistry can be embedded as a criticalelement in wider efforts to integrate sustainability into
education, such as the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization’s initiative on
sustainable education. [Part IV, Ch. 2]

Box 11

Strengthening collaborative innovation
for green and sustainable chemistry
Scaling up green and sustainable chemistry research andinnovation is dependent on strengthening importantelements of the innovation ecosystem. This ranges
from a robust policy and regulatory framework driving
innovation, to incentivizing research in chemistry that
advances problem solving, to addressing sustainability
challenges. Public research funding is particularly
important during the early stages of the researchand technology innovation process, including thoughblended financing mechanisms co-funded by the private
sector. [Part IV, Ch. 3]

Examples of green and sustainable chemistry start-ups

Start-ups play an important role in scaling up green and sustainable chemistry innovation across regions.
Examples include the following:›› The winners of the 2018 Elsevier Foundation Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge, which comefrom Nepal and Italy, developed novel approaches to sourcing guava leaves and fish bones in order tocreate new preservatives and fertilizers.
›› Entrepreneurs from Peru and Singapore use nanotechnology-empowered water purification filters.
›› A Kenyan start-up is providing alternative building materials and products made from recycled plastics.
[Part IV, Ch. 3]64Part IV

Enabling policies and action to support innovative solutions

Start-up initiatives and young entrepreneurs play animportant role in benefiting from the full potentialof sustainable chemistry. To achieve this potential,
it is important to support start-ups through various
measures, ranging from university-based technology
innovation offices, to providing conducive environments
for start-ups in incubators and accelerators, tointegrating sustainable chemistry considerations intogreen bonds, including those covering climate change
mitigation. [Part IV, Ch. 3]

sector, for example, collaborative innovation may include
the chemical industry, chemistry start-up companies,
designers, potential end-users, research institutes, andpotential investors. Governments can support these
efforts by integrating green and sustainable chemistry
considerations into enabling policies, subsidy schemesor technology programmes supporting innovation
consortia. [Part IV, Ch. 3]

Collaborative innovation mechanisms have been shown
to be effective in shaping research and innovation in a
way that engages, and meets the needs of, a range ofstakeholders. In designing new products in the textile

In a fast-changing world new business models emerge
rapidly, with direct or indirect implications for thechemical industry and the sound management ofchemicals and waste. Business models with a strong

Sustainable business models create opportunities

Figure 21 Traditional business models vs. chemical leasing (adapted from Joas, Abraham and Joas 2018, p. 398)

Traditional business models

Chemical leasing model

Contradictory motivators

Bundled motivators

Delivery of goods

Delivery of goods, services
and know-how

Supplier

User

Supplier

Benefit oriented
pricing

Volume based pricing“The more
the better”

User“Less ismore”

“Less ismore”

“Less ismore”

Chemical leasing refers to a business model whereby suppliers sell services (e.g. number of cars painted)
rather than chemicals, creating incentives to minimize the use of chemicals and maximize resource efficiency.

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Figure 22 Interface of demand and supply in driving the sustainability of chemicals in the supply chain

Demandforsustainableproducts

Consumers

DemandProduct
manufacturers
and brands

Retailers
Supplyofsustainableproducts

DemandSupplyDemandChemical raw
material andfeedstock
providers

Chemicalindustry
SupplySupplyRecycling
and wastesectorFinal
disposal
Consumers and retailer play an important role in driving demand for safer chemicals and products. Viceversa, green and sustainable chemistry innovations can drive the development of safer chemicals andproducts “downstream” in the value and supply chains. Both “pull” and “push” approaches are importantand can complement each other.

focus on sustainability and circularity include green
product- and process-based models, waste regeneration
systems, efficiency optimization, management services
and industrial symbiosis models. Of specific interest forthe chemical industry are industrial parks, which provide
common services (e.g. energy and waste management)
to various production facilities, enhancing resource
efficiency and environmental performance. Joining
these parks may be valuable in particular for SMEs,
66

which could benefit from proximity to larger facilities.
[Part IV, Ch. 4]
Chemical leasing (Figure 21) has been recognized as
an effective service-oriented business model with thepotential to advance sustainability within supply chains.
Under this scheme, suppliers sell services (e.g. numberof cars painted) rather than chemicals, which creates
incentives to minimize the use of chemicals andPart IV

Enabling policies and action to support innovative solutions

maximize resource efficiency. A successful example
was implemented in Colombia, where the introductionof a chemical leasing scheme in the petroleum industry
in the field of water treatment resulted in a 20 per centreduction in chemical consumption, while at the sametime reducing water treatment costs by 80 per cent. At
the international level, the 2016 Declaration of Intent on
Chemical Leasing has been signed by Austria, Germany
and Switzerland, El Salvador, Sri Lanka and Serbia.
Additional countries may consider joining. [Part IV, Ch. 4]

Scaling up effective corporate governance andsustainable supply chain management
A growing number of retailers, product manufacturers
and chemical companies have included sustainability
objectives, sustainable supply chain management(Figure 22) and extended producer responsibility intheir corporate policies. Industry action to advance thetransparent flow of relevant information on chemicals

Box 12and materials throughout the supply chain is also gaining
momentum. Yet universal implementation of these
initiatives has not been achieved. Relevant measures tobe taken include: scaling up voluntary standard-setting
beyond compliance; harmonizing chemical management
protocols across industry sectors (e.g. on full material
disclosure and labelling of products); using LCA tools,
metrics and reporting to address the sustainability of
products throughout their life cycle; and scaling up
the design of safer and more sustainable products
and production processes. Promoting the engagementof (and developing capacity in) the recycling sector isimportant, so that secondary raw materials going backinto the circular economy are safe and sustainable. It
is equally relevant to recognize the role of informal
actors at various stages in the supply chain. Unlessthe measures described above (and others) are put inplace, companies may face significant economic risks(Box 12). [Part IV, Ch. 4, 6-7]

The benefits of thorough due diligence during mergers and acquisitions

Companies undertaking mergers and acquisitions in the chemical value chain stand to benefit fromthorough due diligence that takes into account environmental and human health factors. Recent cases
illustrate the risk of potential financial liabilities associated with mergers and acquisitions. A multinational
consumer goods company, for example, had to pay significant fines in 2018, and set up a US dollars
multi-million compensation fund, after it acquired a company whose humidifier sterilizing products werelinked to lung disease cases and ca. 100 deaths. Similarly, multinational companies recently experienced
heavy losses in stock values in the range of billions of US dollars, or had to pay significant compensation,
following allegations of lack of diligence or unsound management practices. A comprehensive due
diligence therefore helps to identify potential risks and to internalize potential costs associated withliabilities in the price of the acquisition. [Part I, Ch. 1]

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Global Chemicals Outlook II

Using metrics to track progress andincrease accountability
The use of a variety of private sector metrics to assess
the sustainability performance of companies andproducers in the chemical industry and downstream
sectors is gaining momentum for a range of reasons,
including public demand. Examples in the chemicalindustry include reporting under Responsible Care®
as well as by individual companies, such as Sumitomo
Chemical Group. Self-assessment and reporting is also
ongoing in downstream sectors, such as under the
ZDHC initiative, where compliance rates are being madepublicly available. Companies also choose to engage
with external bodies, such as the Cradle to Cradle
Product Standard and the Chemical Footprint Project.
Furthermore, independent external assessments areundertaken, for example through the Mind the Store
initiative. Investor interest in corporate sustainability
performance is also growing. Under the Dow JonesBox 13

Stakeholders can take further steps to increasetransparency and rigour, thereby ensuring metrics meet
quality standards, are fit for purpose and audience, andaddress all dimension of sustainability. Sustainability
reporting by all chemical and downstream industries
could be scaled up using harmonized methods andindicators. Opportunities exist to further (and morecomprehensively) integrate chemicals and waste issues
into existing and widely used private sector metrics andreporting schemes (e.g. the Global Reporting Initiative).
Private sector metrics and sustainability reporting could
also become an important aspect of measuring progressin a beyond 2020 framework. Bringing together relevant
stakeholders to advance a common understandingof metrics, including with respect to the sustainable

The ToxFox application, a consumer product check for harmful substances (BUND 2018)

ToxFox is a smartphone app by Friends of the
Earth Germany which provides information about
endocrine-disrupting chemicals in cosmetics andallows users to submit Substances of Very High
Concern (SVHC) inquiries. It has a continuously
growing database, in which suppliers’ responses
are saved. Suppliers can also enter data about
the SVHC content of their articles. The AskREACH
mobile app, similar to the ToxFox app, is scheduled
to be launched in April 2019. It will be available
throughout Europe and may be adapted for use ineach EU Member State. [Part IV, Ch. 8]

68

Sustainability Index, chemical suppliers and downstream
companies are requested to provide information on
the percentage of their products that contain certain
hazardous substances. [Part IV, Ch. 7]

Part IV

Enabling policies and action to support innovative solutions

chemistry concept, would enhance transparency andcredibility. [Part IV, Ch. 7]

Strengthening the interface of chemicals andwaste management and human rights

Empowering workers, citizens and consumers:
information and rights-based approaches

The use of human rights-based approaches complements
and provides a back-up to legislative and regulatory
measures in ensuring protection and access to effective
remedies. Under a number of international humanrights instruments, countries have a duty to protect
human rights and businesses have a responsibility torespect human rights, including those threatened by
the presence of hazardous chemicals and waste. Everycountry has recognized one or more of the humanrights that are directly or indirectly implicated by the
management of chemicals and waste. For example,
virtually every country has ratified the UN Convention
on the Rights of the Child, which recognizes the rightof the child to the highest attainable standard of healthand requires that states shall take appropriate measures
to combat disease and malnutrition, taking into
consideration the dangers and risks of environmental
pollution. [Part IV, Ch. 8]

Providing enhanced access to robust information by
workers, citizens and consumers, as well as fostering
understanding thereof, is a prerequisite for ensuring
effective public participation and informed decisionmaking and thus achieving the sound managementof chemicals and waste. Protecting workers includes
ensuring they have access to chemical hazard andsafety information. Providing citizens and consumers
with robust information on hazardous chemicals in
products in line with the GHS allows them not only toprotect themselves, but also to shape demand for safer
and more sustainable products, relevant government
policies, and action in the private sector.
New information tools, such as the smartphone apps
ToxFox and AskReach (Box 13), are available to engage
citizens in accessing, collecting, processing and sharing
knowledge relevant for chemicals and waste, e.g. onhigh levels of occupational exposure. More efforts areneeded to promote access to and understanding of thisinformation, particularly in developing countries andeconomies in transition, including through campaigns
and training programmes for workers. Access to
information, public participation, and access to justicealso allow citizens, consumers and workers to engage,e.g. by invoking the duties of states under relevant
multilateral treaties, and to protect their own and future
generations’ rights to a healthy environment. [Part IV,
Ch. 8]

Since 1995, the UN Commission on Human Rights andits successor, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC),
have mandated a Special Rapporteur to report on theimplications for human rights of the environmentallysound management and disposal of hazardous
substances and wastes. In 2011, the HRC affirmed “thatthe way hazardous substances and wastes are managed
throughout their lifecycle, including manufacturing,
distribution, use and final disposal, may have an
adverse impact on the full enjoyment of human rights”.
Protecting the rights of workers, citizens and consumers,
including the right-to-know and the right to have accessto justice, including effective remedies, is therefore
69

Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

critical in protecting them and allowing them to seek
remedies. [Part IV, Ch. 8]
Research recently undertaken within the mandate of
the Special Rapporteur suggests that human rights
violations and abuses caused by chemical pollution
are still prevalent. In an August 2018 report to the
HRC, the Special Rapporteur recommended that “States
must ensure that legislation and other practices reflect
their duty to respect, protect and fulfil human rights
obligations implicated by hazardous substances andwastes […] [and] that victims of the effects of hazardous
substances and wastes have access to an effective
remedy”, further noting that “the right to informationis critical in the context of toxics”. A subsequent reportin October 2018 explored opportunities to further
integrate the human rights dimension of chemicals andwaste into the beyond 2020 framework. [Part IV, Ch. 8]

70Furthermore, in 2018 the Special Rapporteur
proposed 15 principles to help Governments andbusinesses better protect human rights with respect
to exposure to hazardous chemicals. They broadly
cover the responsibilities and duties of businesses
and Governments; worker access to information;and “remedies” to hold those who violate workers’
rights accountable. These principles are relevant tostrengthening chemicals and waste management
beyond 2020. Some companies, including in thechemical industry (e.g. BASF and Merck), have alreadycommitted to respect human rights along the lines of
the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human
Rights. Other companies may consider following suit.
[Part IV, Ch. 8]

Part IV

Enabling policies and action to support innovative solutions© Sasin Tipchai

71

V. Scaling up collaborative action
under the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development© photothek/Ina Fassbender,
The Global Festival of Ideas for
Sustainable Development CC BY 2.0

Part V

Scaling up collaborative action under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable DevelopmentThe period up to the conclusion of the intersessional
process by 2020 provides a brief but critical
window in which to develop a comprehensive
global framework, featuring ambitious priorities andcoherent indicators. This can be achieved by enhancing
commitments by current stakeholders and increasing theengagement of new actors. The 2030 Agenda presents a
range of opportunities for scaling up collaborative action
to achieve the sound management of chemicals andwaste, including through the integration of chemicals
and waste considerations into relevant sector policies
and action plans. [Part V]

Figure 23 Linkages between chemicals and waste management and the Sustainable Development Goals(based on IOMC 2018, p. 3)• Pollution andother exposures• Health effects• Circular
economy• Resource
efficiency

Chemicals
and wastemanagement• Integrated water
management• Water quality
and quantity• Improved
sanitation• Safe andadequate
housing access• Air quality andwaste
management

The sound management of chemicals and waste can provide practical solutions to achieve a number of
Sustainable Development Goals. [Introduction; Part V, Ch. 1-2]

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Global Chemicals Outlook II

Using the SDGs and targets to stimulate integrated
action beyond 2020
The sound management of chemicals and waste cuts
across the 17 SDGs. It is a crucial element underpinning
the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, as chemicals
and waste affect many aspects of development. This isreflected, directly or indirectly, in a number of goals andtargets. Providing a global vision that brings together all
countries and all stakeholders, the 2030 Agenda presents
an opportunity for collaborative action at all levels toachieve the sound management of chemicals and waste.
SDG Targets 12.4 and 3.9 are at the core of the soundmanagement of chemicals and waste. Equally important,a number of SDGs and targets relevant for chemicalintensive sectors cannot be achieved without due
consideration of the sound management of chemicals
and waste, such as those concerning access to food,clean energy and safe housing. Furthermore, achieving
a range of SDGs and targets is essential to establish an
enabling environment for the sound management ofchemicals and waste, including those concerning accessto information, education and financing. [Introduction;
Part V, Ch. 1-2]
The 2030 Agenda provides a renewed opportunity
to mainstream chemicals and waste management innational development planning. Linkages exist withending poverty (SDG 1); promoting sustained, inclusive
and sustainable economic growth, full and productive
employment and decent work for all (SDG 8); climate
action (SDG 13); and others. Such linkages can facilitate
the inclusion of chemicals and waste management
considerations in national and sub-national budgetingand the allocation of national financial resources,
74

in line with the integrated approach to financing.
Equally important is the integration of chemicals andwaste management considerations in international
development assistance and capacity building (SDG
Targets 17.6 and 17.8). [Part V, Ch. 1-2]

Strengthening chemicals and waste management
programmes
Although significant progress has already been made,major gaps remain with respect to implementation of
the 2020 goal. SDG Targets 12.4 and 3.9 are at the core of
the sound management of chemicals and waste, and are
the drivers for developing and implementing effective
and integrated systems and programmes for the soundmanagement of chemicals and waste covering all stagesof the life cycle. The development of basic legislation andinstitutional capacity, in line with the overall orientationand guidance and its 11 basic elements, have beenrecognized under SAICM as critical at the national andregional levels to the attainment of sound chemicals
and waste management. The elements range from theestablishment of legal frameworks that address the life
cycle of chemicals and waste, to industry participationand defined responsibility across the life cycle, to thedevelopment and promotion of environmentally soundand safer alternatives, to mention only some. [Parts I-II;
Part V, Ch. 2]

Integrating chemicals and waste in sector policies
and actions
The 2030 Agenda provides a renewed opportunity tostrengthen inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms
and integrate chemicals and waste considerations intoPart V

Scaling up collaborative action under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Table 7 Integrating chemicals and waste management, and green and sustainable chemistry innovation,
in relevant sectors: some opportunities [Part V, Ch. 2]
Sectors

SDG targets

Examples of opportunities for management and innovation

Agriculture
and food

Target 2.4: sustainable foodproduction

Scale up IPM and agro-ecological approaches, including development and use ofnon-chemical alternatives and other good agricultural practices

HealthTarget 3.8: safe medicines andvaccines

Sound management of pharmaceuticals and disinfectants that contribute to
antimicrobial resistance

EnergyTarget 7.a: clean energy
research and technologies

Improve technologies using resource-efficient, sustainable materials whendecarbonizing the energy sector

Infrastructure

Target 9.1: sustainableinfrastructures

Reduce raw material use and waste generation via advanced materials without
creating future legacies

Industry

Target 9.2: sustainableindustrialization

Ensure that chemical-intensive industries rely on best available techniques andbest environmental practices

Housing

Target 11.1: safe housing

Reduce indoor air pollution through safer insulation and replace building
materials of concern (e.g. asbestos)Transport

Target 11.2: sustainabletransport systems

Advance clean mobility, for example based on sustainable chemistry solutions
for batteries

Tourism

Target 8.9: sustainable tourism

Adopt practices to reduce the chemical footprint of tourism services

MiningTarget 12.2: Sustainable use ofnatural resources

Ensure environmentally sound management of tailings

LabourTarget 8.8: safe working
environments

Enhance risk assessment of chemicals of concern while promoting investment
in green and sustainable chemistry to reduce hazardous occupational exposures

Education

Target 4.7: education forsustainable development

Mainstream green and sustainable chemistry into relevant curricula

Finance

Target 17.3: financial resourcesfrom multiple sources

Enhance use of green and sustainable chemistry metrics as criteria ininvestment

The list of opportunities, targets and sectors in this table is not exhaustive. Other relevant sectors include (but are not limited to) technology
and innovation, trade, development cooperation, and justice.
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relevant sectors, including enabling policies and actions,such as education (SDG Target 4.7), innovation (e.g. SDG
Target 9.5) and financing (SDG Target 17.3). In developing
effective sectoral policies and actions, relevant Ministries
may benefit from considering linkages with relevantinternational agreements on chemicals and waste.
The IOMC participating organizations can also play avaluable role in facilitating the development of sectoral
strategies, as well as establishing and strengthening
communication channels. [Part V, Ch. 2]
Concerned Ministries, working closely with respective
policy communities, may consider initiating a
structured approach which could include the following
considerations, among others: [Part V, Ch. 2]›› Identify industry sectors where chemicals and waste
issues cause concern, including hot spots.
›› Engage concerned industry sectors, associations
and groups to initiate a dialogue.
›› Ensure hazard and risk communication according
to the GHS. Identify risk management approaches
and opportunities for safer alternatives.
›› Consider sectoral policy reform and standards toencourage sustainable chemistry innovation.

76

A coherent and results-oriented global indicatorsand reporting framework is needed
The development of a framework for chemicals and waste
beyond 2020 provides an opportunity to create linkages
across all relevant agreements and initiatives related tochemicals and waste management. Of particular value
would be a comprehensive framework bringing together
and complementing chemicals and waste multilateraltreaties and other relevant instruments and initiatives,
without interfering in matters addressed though these
specialized instruments. An overarching common vision,
strategic goals (or strategic objectives), targets andindicators to achieve sound management of chemicals
and waste could provide a common agenda, guiding
actions towards a desirable future in line with the 2030
Agenda. Valuable lessons can be learned from thedevelopment of the Aichi Targets and the Strategic Planfor Biodiversity 2011-2020, which created an integrated
and coherent international framework endorsed by all
stakeholders in the biodiversity cluster. Private sector
metrics and sustainability reporting could add further
value and become an important aspect of measuring
progress. [Part II, Ch. 2; Part IV, Ch. 7; Part V, Ch. 2]
Linked to national initiatives, reporting schemes canbecome simpler, country-driven and linked to global
targets and milestones. Making reporting moremeaningful could be achieved by using reporting data
more systematically to monitor progress over time andacross countries, identify best practices, and inform
capacity-building measures. Useful examples include the
WHO IHR model, reflecting progress with core capacities
over time, and the Aichi Targets, which provide areference point for developing National Biodiversity

Part V

Scaling up collaborative action under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Table 8 Example of a results chain to minimize adverse impacts [Part V, Ch. 2]
Activities

Outputs›› Develop GHS awareness-raising ›› GHS standards and regulationand capacity-building material
developed›› Prepare an implementation›› Key stakeholders trained andstrategy for the GHS in key
have capacity to implement
sectors
the GHS

Outcomes

Impact›› GHS labels and safety data
sheets available at theworkplace›› Companies and workers takeprecautionary measures›› Reduced number of deaths
and illnesses among workers
and minimized impacts on theenvironment

Implementation of the GHS is a necessary but in many cases not sufficient measure for reducing the numberof deaths and illnesses among workers and minimizing impacts on the environment.

Action Plans. Consolidating reporting mechanisms anddata from various instruments, focusing on a limited
number of indicators and making data available at
the global level, as is done, for example, in the case of
the Global Health Observatory, would help to ensureaccountability, track progress, engage stakeholders
and identify good practices. [Part II, Ch. 2; Part V, Ch. 2]
A coherent framework would benefit from distinguishing
between outputs (e.g. adoption of legislation) and
impacts (e.g. reduction of adverse impacts fromhazardous chemicals), where possible using impact
indicators as the ultimate benchmark to determine
whether interventions are successful. Most indicators
currently used to monitor progress under international
chemicals and waste agreements are output-, activity- or
instrument-based, making it difficult to assess progressin protecting human health and the environment
from the adverse effects of chemicals and waste. In
developing the framework, consideration also needs tobe given to impact-focused targets in the 2030 Agenda.
Concerning activity and output indicators, work under
SAICM could serve as a starting point. Table 8 provides
an example of indicators distinguishing between
activities, outputs, outcomes and impacts to illustratesuch a results chain. Further thinking could explore acomprehensive framework at the national level, as wellas the interface of such a framework with tracking of
progress at the global level. [Part II, Ch. 2; Part V, Ch. 2]

Engaging key sectors and actors will be crucial
in chemicals and waste management beyond
2020
The 2030 Agenda is built on the premise that sustainable
development can only be achieved by bringing together
all countries and stakeholders. SDG 17, calling on the
global community to revitalize the global partnershipfor sustainable development, provides a framework forfacilitating the engagement and ownership of actors
77Part 1

Global Chemicals Outlook II

beyond the chemicals and waste community (including
actors in key economic and enabling sectors), some ofwhich have so far not been sufficiently engaged, bothnationally and at the international level. [Part V, Ch. 1-3]
To advance ambitious and concerted commitment, a
global framework to stimulate collaborative action forthe sound management of chemicals and waste would
need to create mechanisms and incentives to foster
commitment, engagement and collaborative action of
key actor groups, including: [Part V, Ch. 3]›› key economic and enabling sectors, for example
by developing national sectoral strategies in close
collaboration with relevant Ministries, embedded in a
global framework featuring overarching international
sectoral strategies, e.g. with a yearly focus;›› companies, industry groups, and tradeassociations, for example by creating a platform forfrontrunner retailers and downstream manufacturers
excelling through innovative action to showcase
achievements and stimulate a race to the top;›› workers’ organizations, for example by promoting
discussion and the exchange of good practices
related to training and hazard identification, as wellas on potential strategies towards the promotion ofgreen jobs and decent work in the sector;›› civil society groups, for example by reaching out toorganizations active at the local, national, regionaland global level that have not traditionally been
engaged on chemicals and waste but can offer
capacities and work on topics with strong linkages;
78›› the academic and research community, forexample by ensuring that concrete reward structures
are in place for scientists to provide targeted andtailor-made input for chemicals and waste policymaking or by inviting scientists to speak at relevant
fora more systematically;›› the donor, investor and financial community, forexample by exploring and communicating linkagesof chemicals and waste with other priority topics
of national and international donors (e.g. climatechange and biodiversity) and by mobilizing new
business angels and investors to consider green andsustainable chemistry in their investment criteria;and›› leaders in the media and the general public,
for example by providing journalists with key
messages in simple language and of interest to abroad audience, or by implementing social media
campaigns.

Results-based stakeholder action plans, roadmaps
and accountability beyond 2020
To facilitate commitment, ownership, mutual
accountability and collective tracking of progressto achieve the sound management of chemicals
and waste, countries and all relevant stakeholders
could develop, implement and share, internationally,
results-based action plans and roadmaps to accelerate
progress towards achieving the sound management ofchemicals and waste. Within the framework of a beyond
2020 mechanism, action plans and roadmaps could
be prepared in a collaborative manner by countries,

Part V

Scaling up collaborative action under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

industry sectors (e.g. the chemical industry, chemicalintensive downstream sectors, retailers, the recycling
industry), civil society organizations, the IOMC, academia
and others. They could also be prepared at the thematiclevel and involve several stakeholders (e.g. for an
initiative to fill data gaps to understand the hazard
potential of chemicals). [Part V, Ch. 3]
Stakeholders could pledge and showcase their actionplans and roadmaps within the beyond 2020 framework
and benefit from the input of other stakeholders(which might take different forms, such as peer
review). Pledges could be reviewed globally against
agreed goals and targets, with adjustments madeas appropriate. Collectively, these action plans androadmaps would provide an indication of commitments
and allow assessing the extent collaborative action

Box 14

succeeds in making the needed progress to achieve
the sound management of chemicals and waste.
There are examples of road maps already preparedaddressing the sound management of chemicals andwaste management, or certain aspects of it, which could
serve as a source of inspiration. Examples include theWorld Business Council for Sustainable Development
Chemical Sector SDG Roadmap or the WHO Chemicals
Road Map. This proposed “roadmap” approach
would be compatible with, and also take into accountexperience gained in other international fora, such as
climate change. Those have evolved to include a more
flexible, yet results-oriented and mutually accountableapproach to compile commitments and action taken,
with international tracking of progress and adjustingof ambition, as appropriate. [Part V, Ch. 3]

Strengthening engagement of scientists and the science-policy interface

Opportunities exist to provide better and more coherent scientific information for policy-making. Thiscan be achieved, for example, by taking steps towards cost-effective harmonization of data generationand collection, and respective research protocols (e.g. on releases and biomonitoring), strengthening
monitoring and surveillance capacities (including those of medical professionals), and sharing data
more systematically at all levels. Industry has a critical role and responsibility in regard to generating
and disseminating relevant data. Further approaches and mechanisms could be developed to strengthen
two-way communication, support collaboration between the scientific community and policy-makers, anddevelop a problem-solving oriented research agenda and protocols on priority topics.
Stakeholders could find value in further exploring methodologies that facilitate more systematic andscience-based identification of future priorities at the international level, for example by using information
on health and environmental impacts and harm caused, and by drawing on information from risk
assessments. Improved science-policy interaction can also help identify issues early on; set priorities; anddetermine the corresponding specific and measurable targets that guide their implementation. [Part I, Ch.
1, 5-9; Part II, Ch. 1, 3-4; Part III, Ch. 2-3; Part V, Ch. 3]

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Annex:actions up to and beyond 2020
identified through the GCO-IIA

s a contribution to strengthening the implementation of the sound management of chemicals andwaste and minimizing their adverse impacts, the GCO-II identified the following actions, grouped under
ten topics. They were derived based on a review of the implementation of the 2020 goal to date, andresponding to the UNEA mandate to provide options for implementation of actions to reach relevant SDGs andtargets up to and beyond 2020.

1. Develop effective management systems
Address prevailing capacity gaps across countries, strengthen national and regional
legislation using a life cycle approach, and further strengthen institutions and programmesby:›› promulgating, aligning and enforcing legislation and policies, including full implementationof the GHS, promulgating legislation for industrial and consumer products, and taking
measure to address illegal international traffic; and›› integrating chemicals and waste considerations into national and sectoral policies (e.g.
agriculture, housing, transport and energy) to implement specific SDG targets.
Main actors: Governments, IOMC, international and regional economic integration organizations
Relevant chapters include: Part II, Ch. 3, 6; Part III, Ch. 1; Part V, Ch. 280

2. Mobilize resources
Scale up adequate resources and innovative financing for effective legislation, implementationand enforcement, particularly in developing countries and economies in transition, by:›› scaling up efforts to integrate chemicals and waste management into national andsectoral budgets;›› facilitating adequate external technical assistance, financial support and technology
transfer to address issues causing greatest harm, including through new and innovative
financing (e.g. fiscal incentives, cost recovery instruments, green bonds, venture capital);and›› strengthening the integrated approach to financing through assessing its effectivenessand renewed commitment across all three components (mainstreaming, industry
involvement, and dedicated external financing).
Main actors: Governments, the private sector, civil society, the financial sector and investors
Relevant chapters include: Part II, Ch. 3, 6; Part IV, Ch. 3, 5; Part V, Ch. 2

3. Assess and communicate hazards
Fill global data and knowledge gaps, and enhance international collaboration to advancechemical hazard assessments, classifications and communication by:›› sharing existing hazard data and assessments globally, and increasing the mutual
acceptance of testing data and hazard assessments across countries based on accepted
methods and scientific criteria;›› developing a global database of assessed and classified chemicals for informationsharing and promoting harmonization of classifications; and›› setting targets to fill data gaps to fully understand globally the hazards of substancesin commerce, and assessing progress.
Main actors: Governments, the private sector, IOMC, international and regional organizations,academia
Relevant chapters include: Part II, Ch. 3, 6 Part III, Ch. 2

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4. Assess and manage risks
Refine and share chemical risk assessment and risk management approaches globally topromote safe and sustainable use of chemicals and address emerging issues throughout
the life cycle by:›› sharing knowledge on existing risk assessment and management approaches and tools(e.g. exposure scenarios) more widely;›› further developing and refining exposure, risk assessment and LCA methods; and›› taking into account and benefiting from opportunities for accelerated and effective risk
management, such as placing the burden of proof on producers, advancing informed
and non-regrettable substitution of chemicals of high concern, and using generic riskbased approaches, when possible.
Main actors: National and regional agencies, IOMC, academia, the private sector
Relevant chapters include: Part II, Ch. 3-6; Part III, Ch. 1-7

5. Use life cycle approaches
Advance widespread implementation of sustainable supply chain management, full material
disclosure, transparency and sustainable product design by:›› promoting wide implementation of corporate sustainability and sustainable procurement
policies;›› developing harmonized approaches across sectors to share chemical information andto advance full material disclosure across supply chains, including chemical-intensive
industry sectors and the recycling/waste sector;›› strengthening collaboration by all actors in the supply chain in designing and using
safer chemicals and sustainable products; and›› promoting the integration of chemicals and waste considerations into corporate
sustainability metrics and reporting.
Main actors: The private sector, Governments, IOMC, international organizations
Relevant chapters include: Part I, Ch. 4; Part II, Ch. 4; Part IV, Ch. 6-7

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6. Strengthen corporate governance
Enable and strengthen chemicals and waste management aspects of corporate sustainability
policies, sustainable business models, and reporting by:›› encouraging private sector frontrunner action to further develop voluntary standards
that exceed basic compliance, and reviewing their effectiveness through interested
stakeholders;›› promoting sustainable business models, such as chemical leasing and eco-industrial
parks; and›› enhancing systematic use by investors of corporate sustainability and chemical footprint
reporting, covering chemicals and waste management performance.
Main actors: The private sector, Governments, international organizations, the financial sector
and investors
Relevant chapters include: Part II, Ch. 3-4, 6; Part III, Ch. 4; Part IV, Ch. 4, 7

7. Educate and innovate
Integrate green and sustainable chemistry in education, research, and innovation policies
and programs by:›› reforming chemistry curricula in tertiary, secondary, primary and professional education;›› scaling up research initiatives, and technology innovation policies and programmes,that advance green and sustainable chemistry, particularly for start-up companies; and›› facilitating a better global understanding of green and sustainable chemistry concepts.
Main actors: Governments, academia, international organizations, green and sustainable chemistry
networks, the financial sector and investors, civil society, the private sector
Relevant chapters include: Part IV, Ch. 1-3

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8. Foster transparency
Empower workers, consumers and citizens to protect themselves and the environment by:›› disclosing robust and understandable information about hazardous chemicals in the
supply chain to workers, consumers, citizens and communities;›› scaling up innovative programmes and technology applications to facilitate a better
understanding by individuals of chemical and waste risks, and engaging citizens in datacollection through citizen science;›› promoting and supporting meaningful and active participation by all actors of civilsociety, particularly women, workers and indigenous communities, in regulatory andother decision-making processes that relate to chemical safety; and›› taking action so that citizens have ready access to justice.
Main actors: Governments, the private sector, civil society, citizens, workers, consumers
Relevant chapters include: Part I, Ch. 4; Part II, Ch. 4; Part III, Ch. 1, 6; Part IV, Ch. 8

9. Bring knowledge to decision-makers
Strengthen the science-policy interface and use of science in monitoring progress, priority
setting (e.g. for emerging issues), and policy making throughout the life cycle of chemicals
and waste by:›› taking steps to harmonize scientific research protocols (e.g. for biomonitoring);›› developing science-based criteria to identify emerging issues at the international level,taking into account harm (e.g. using health impact information) and monitoring theirimplementation;›› providing research funding to fill identified gaps and priorities;›› developing a study on the global costs of inaction, and benefits of action, on chemicals
and waste management, comparable to the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate
Change; and›› developing and improving institutional mechanisms to improve knowledge generationand management.
Main actors: Governments, academia, IOMC, international organizations
Relevant chapters include: Part I, Ch. 1-8; Part II, Ch. 3, 684

10. Enhance global commitment
Establish an ambitious and comprehensive global framework for chemicals and waste
beyond 2020, scale up collaborative action, and track progress by:›› developing an aspirational, overarching and widely owned global framework thatencourages engagement by all relevant stakeholders; developing global targets,
milestones and indicators that distinguish between outputs and impacts;›› providing opportunities for sharing internationally, and for input or peer reviews, actionplans and roadmaps by stakeholders under a beyond 2020 framework;›› considering how corporate sustainability metrics and reporting can play a stronger rolein measuring progress in a beyond 2020 framework; and›› monitoring, tracking and reviewing collective action and progress and making adjustments
in regard to ambition, as needed.
Main actors: All stakeholders participating in the intersessional process on beyond 2020
Relevant chapters include: Part II, Ch. 2; Part IV, Ch. 7; Part V, Ch. 1-3

85

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