What is substitution?
Substitution of hazardous substances means replacing substances and products with safer alternatives or finding other solutions altogether. These alternatives may involve using new materials, techniques, or methods that do not rely on chemistry. The goal is to minimize or eliminate risks to both human health and the environment. A well-executed substitution process creates a safer work environment, strengthens consumer protection, and reduces negative environmental impact. In addition, substitution can contribute to better regulatory compliance, stronger sustainability efforts, and increased competitiveness through innovation and risk reduction.
What is the substitution obligation?
The substitution obligation is a legal requirement which states that businesses must assess the chemical substances they use and, whenever possible, replace them with alternatives that are less harmful to people and the environment. This obligation applies to everyone who produces, imports, or uses chemical products, and its purpose is to prevent risks. It means that companies have an ongoing responsibility to evaluate and improve their choice of substances — even beyond what is explicitly regulated through bans or restrictions.
To make the substitution process more effective, it’s not only about replacing hazardous chemicals with less harmful ones — it’s also about identifying the best possible solutions based on the substance’s function in products and processes.
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